Potential Therapeutic Targets of Formononetin, a Type of Methoxylated Isoflavone, and Its Role in Cancer Therapy through the Modulation of Signal Transduction Pathways

Cancer is one of the main causes of death in all developed and developing countries. Various factors are involved in cancer development and progression, including inflammation and alterations in cellular processes and signaling transduction pathways. Natural compounds have shown health-promoting effects through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, having an important role in the inhibition of cancer growth. In this regard, formononetin, a type of isoflavone, plays a significant role in disease management through the modulation of inflammation, angiogenesis, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Furthermore, its role in cancer management has been proven through the regulation of different signal transduction pathways, such as the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT 3), Phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), and mitogen activating protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. The anticancer potential of formononetin has been reported against various cancer types, such as breast, cervical, head and neck, colon, and ovarian cancers. This review focuses on the role of formononetin in different cancer types through the modulation of various cell signaling pathways. Moreover, synergistic effect with anticancer drugs and methods to improve bioavailability are explained. Thus, detailed studies based on clinical trials are required to explore the potential role of formononetin in cancer prevention and treatment.