Avocado–Soybean Unsaponifiables: A Panoply of Potentialities to Be Exploited

Salehi B, Rescigno A, Dettori T, Calina D, Docea AO, Singh L, Cebeci F, Özçelik B, Bhia M, Dowlati Beirami A, Sharifi-Rad J, Sharopov F, C. Cho W, Martins N · Biomolecules · 2020 January 13

DOI 10.3390/biom10010130

Objective

To investigate the biological effects, chemical composition, pharmacotherapy, and applications of avocado-soybean unsaponifiable (ASU) in autoimmune, osteoarticular, and menopausal disorders, as well as its safety, toxicological, and regulatory practices.

Conclusions

The study concludes that ASU, characterized by its potent anti-inflammatory effects, can be used as an adjuvant treatment for osteoarthritic pain, slow-acting symptomatic treatment for hip and knee osteoarthritis, autoimmune diseases, and menopausal symptoms, while also improving mood and quality of life in postmenopausal women.

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Insights

Avocado and soybean unsaponifiables may effectively reduce inflammation and symptoms related to osteoarthritis, autoimmune diseases, and menopause.

The research involves summarizing various studies on the biological effects of the avocado-soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), highlighting its potent anti-inflammatory properties. The extracted ASU are a combination of elements derived from the fruits and seeds of avocados and soybeans. To understand its impact, the researchers categorized the applications of ASU in treating different conditions such as osteoarthritic pain, hip and knee osteoarthritis, autoimmune diseases, and menopause-related symptoms amongst postmenopausal women. The discussion revealed significant links between avocado and soybean unsaponifiables and symptom improvement in areas of osteoarthritic pain, autoimmune conditions, and postmenopause. Particularly notable is the ASU mixture's potential role as an adjunct treatment, meaning it’s meant to supplement primary treatments for such conditions. Its benefits were not only limited to physical reduction of inflammation and associated pain, but also improved mood and quality of life for postmenopausal women by significantly reducing menopause-related symptoms. The study also delves into the safety, toxicological considerations, and regulatory practices related to the use of ASU.