Abstract
Legumes are a source of health-promoting macro- and micronutrients, but also contain numerous phytochemicals with useful biological activities, an example of which are saponins. Epidemiological studies suggest that saponins may play a role in protection from cancer and benefit human health by lowering cholesterol. Therefore, they could represent good candidates for specialised functional foods. Following the consumption of a soya-rich high-protein weight-loss diet (SOYA HP WL), the concentrations of Soyasaponin I (SSI) and soyasapogenol B (SSB) were determined in faecal samples from human volunteers (n = 10) and found to be between 1.4 and 17.5 mg per 100 g fresh faecal sample. SSB was the major metabolite identified in volunteers’ plasma (n = 10) after consumption of the soya test meal (SOYA MEAL); the postprandial (3 h after meal) plasma concentration for SSB varied between 48.5 ng/mL to 103.2 ng/mL. The metabolism of SSI by the gut microbiota (in vitro) was also confirmed. This study shows that the main systemic metabolites of soyasaponin are absorbed from the gut and that they are bioavailable in plasma predominantly as conjugates of sapogenol. The metabolism and bioavailability of biologically active molecules represent key information necessary for the efficient development of functional foods.
Highlights
Diet plays an important role in disease prevention and in cases where disease is caused by insufficient, excessive or unbalanced nourishment [1,2]
Research suggests that soyasaponins are poorly absorbed early in the GI tract and are metabolised mainly in the colon
There is no evidence to demonstrate that soyasapogenols are systemically bioavailable in the conjugated form
Summary
Diet plays an important role in disease prevention and in cases where disease is caused by insufficient, excessive or unbalanced nourishment [1,2]. Epidemiological studies have shown that a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of many chronic diseases [1,3]. Plant foods often contain compounds, known as anti-nutrients, which can potentially interfere with the absorption and metabolism of some nutrients. Studies have demonstrated that saponins may have various biological and physiological effects when consumed on a regular basis and may be beneficial for the prevention of diseases, such as cancer and coronary diseases [4]. Legume seeds contain a diverse range of bioactive compounds that vary considerably in their biochemistry. These can include protease inhibitors, a-amylases, lectins, glycosides, tannins, saponins and alkaloids [6]
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