daidzin

Daidzin is a naturally occurring isoflavone glycoside, specifically the 7-O-beta-D-glucoside of daidzein, found in plants such as kudzu (Pueraria lobata). It has been studied primarily for its potential role in the treatment of alcohol dependency due to its antidipsotropic effects. Daidzin acts as a strong, selective, and reversible inhibitor of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH-2), an enzyme involved in ethanol metabolism. By inhibiting ALDH-2, daidzin may suppress ethanol intake by mimicking the effects seen in individuals with inactive ALDH-2 variants who are less prone to alcohol abuse. While it does not inhibit human class I, II, or III alcohol dehydrogenases and does not act as an ethanol-sensitizing agent, further development for alcohol addiction was discontinued. Daidzin is considered experimental and has also been investigated for other pharmacological properties but is mainly recognized for its role in plant metabolism and research on alcohol dependence[1][4][5][8].

Other names

daidzin