The degradation of formononetin and daidzein in Cicer arietinum and Phaseolus aureus

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To investigate the fate of isoflavones in Cicer arietinum L. and Phaseolus aureus Roxb., experiments with formononetin-(methyl- 14C) and daidzein-(4- 14C) have been carried out. Using intact plants and separated or sliced plant parts extensive degradation of the substrates in both plants was observed showing catabolic reactions to be involved. The degree of assimilation observed is discussed in relation to the theoretically expected turnover. Data are presented that rhizosphere microorganisms contributed to the observed degradation. Experiments with sterile Phaseolus aureus plants revealed significant differences in the metabolism of daidzein and formononetin.