Therapeutic methods and compositions involving isoflavones

Abstract

Therapeutic methods of treatment, compositions and foodstuffs are described which contain isoflavone compounds described by general formula (I), in which Z is H, R is H, or R CO where R is C alkyl or an amino acid, R is H, OH, or OR where R is an amino acid, or COR where R is as previously defined, W is H, A is H or OH, and B is selected from (a), (b), (c), or W is H, and A and B taken together form a six-membered ring selected from (d), or W, A and B taken with the groups with which they are associated comprise (e), or W and A taken together with the groups with which they are associated comprise (f) and B is (g) wherein R is H, COR where R is as previously defined, CO R where R is C alkyl, or COR where R is as previously defined, R is H, COR where R is H, OH, C alkyl or an amino acid, CO R where R is as previously defined, COR where R is H, C alkyl or an amino acid, COOH, COR where R is as previously defined, or CONHR where R is as previously defined, R is H, CO R where R is as previously defined, or COR OR where R and R are as previously defined, and where the two R groups are attached to the same group they are the same or different, R is H or hydroxy C alkyl, X is preferably O, but may be N or S, and Y is (h) where R is H, or C alkyl.