Estrogenic activity of fermented soymilk extracts and soy compounds
Nishi K, Imamura I, Takemoto T, Iga K, Kiyama R · Applied Food Research · 2023 December
DOI 10.1016/j.afres.2023.100341
Objective
To investigate the estrogenic activity of soymilk extracts before and after fermentation using Lactobacillus delbrueckii, comparing the data with major isoflavone constituents through multiple assays, and to explore the associated cell functions, biological processes, and metabolic pathways.
Conclusions
The study demonstrates the estrogenic activity of soymilk extracts and soy compounds, with greater activity observed after fermentation, highlighting complex mechanisms at the transcription level. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed up-regulation of genes related to cell division/cell cycle and DNA replication/DNA repair and down-regulation of genes associated with autophagy, suggesting enhanced cell proliferation. The estrogenic activity of soymilk extracts and soy flavonoids, especially after fermentation, offers potential pharmacological benefits, including bone protection, cancer chemoprevention, neuroprotection, and the treatment of menopausal syndromes.
Critical Appraisal
Published research can offer valuable insights, but a paper’s conclusions may go beyond what its results support. Critical appraisal examines the methods, findings and limitations to clarify what can reasonably be concluded—and what remains uncertain.
This article has not yet been critically appraised by the Research Hub.
Learn more about Critical Appraisal
Related insights
- A combination of soybean germ extract and a probiotic significantly improved menopause-related conditions and mood in an ovariectomized rat model.
- Isoflavone supplementation noticeably impacts menopausal symptoms and hormonal changes in postmenopausal women.
- Isoflavones found in soybeans can reduce risks of certain cancers and alleviate menopause-related symptoms among women, such as vasomotor syndromes, spinal bone loss, and hypertension.
- Consuming soymilk-honey fermented with a specific type of probiotic significantly reduces osteocalcin levels, which may impact bone health in postmenopausal women.
- Isoflavones, mainly found in soy-derived products, show beneficial effects on bone health, potential cancer risk reduction, and alleviation of menopausal symptoms, but not on cardiovascular risk.
- Soybean isoflavones, whether extracted or synthesized, prove significantly effective in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
- Saffron shows promising improvements in dealing with women's health issues related to labor, childbirth, premenstrual syndrome and menopause.
- Long-term intake of traditionally made Doenjang, particularly high in certain species, may improve symptoms of estrogen deficiency more effectively than unfermented soybeans.