Genistein is an isoflavone extracted from soybeans. Its
structural resemblance to sex hormones such as estradiol enables it to
alter the body’s reponse to these hormones. Genistein’s broad range of
medical applications probably stem from its ability to inhibit various
enzymes that have wide-ranging actions in many tissues. The half-life of
genistein supplements in the body is about 8 hours.