Latin Name: Glycine max (L.) Merrill [Fam. Fabaceae]
Part Used: Bean
Extracted Ratio: 120:1
Soy isoflavones are phytochemical constituents of soybeans, a legume that has served as the basis for various foods in many Southeast Asian countries for thousands of years. The major isoflavones in soy are genistein and daidzein
Benefits and uses:
Genistein and daidzein have been well researched by scientists for their antioxidant and estrogenic properties.
Isoflavones may reduce the risk of hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer, as well as other cancers. A review study of soy research found that 65 percent of 26 animal-based cancer studies showed a protective effect of soy or soy isoflavones. Human research and population studies also suggest that soy can protect against cancer as well as heart disease. The mild estrogen activity of soy isoflavones may ease menopause symptoms for some women, without creating estrogen-related problems, and may help regulate hormone levels in premenopausal women. Soy isoflavones may also play a beneficial role in preventing osteoporosis and autoimmune conditions.
A number of new studies have confirmed anti-cancer effects, more so for genistein than daidzein. Studies have also determined that soy isoflavones can help prevent bone-loss when calcium is deficient, and they can improve blood fat and cholesterol profiles and thus reduce the risk of heart disease.
Two particularly important isoflavones in soy--genistein and daidzein--appear to protect against hormone-related disorders such as breast cancer and endometriosis. They do this by competing for the same place on cells (receptor sites) that the body's own estrogen does. Some of the risks of excess estrogen, including breast and uterine cancer, can apparently be lowered in this way.
GenisteinSynonyms: 4',5,7-Trihydroxyisoflavone
Molecular Formula C15H10O5Â
Molecular Weight 270.24Â
CAS Registry Number 446-72-0Â
Melting point 297-298°CÂ
Water solubility : insoluble
CAS NO: 486-66-8
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE: pale yellow solid (mp = 315-323°C decomp.)
MOLECULAR FORMULA: C15H10O4Â
MOLECULAR WEIGHT: 254.2
SOLUBILITY: Soluble in DMSO (25mg/ml) and ethanol (2mg/ml)
Synonyms: 4',7-Dihydroxy-6-methoxyisoflavonesÂ
Molecular Formula C16H12O5Â
Molecular Weight 284.26Â
CAS Registry Number 40957-83-3
Name: Genistin
Synonyms: 4',5,7-Trihydroxyisoflavone 7-Glucoside
Molecular Formula C21H20O10Â
Molecular Weight 432.38Â
CAS Registry Number 529-59-9
Synonym: Daidzein-7-O-β-D-glucopyranosideÂ
Molecular Formula: C21H20O9Â
Molecular Weight: 416.38Â
CAS Number: 552-66-9
CAS Registry Number: 40246-10-4
Molecular Weight: 446.41Â
Molecular Formula: C22H22O10