Soy Germ Research Articles

Pelleting Diets Impairs TRAMP Prostate Carcinogenesis

Diets rich in soy products may reduce the risk of prostate cancer (PCa). Daidzein, the major isoflavone present in soy germ, can be metabolized by the gut microbiota into equol. The effects of daidzein and equol on PCa have not been well studied. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of feeding 2% soy germ, 92 ppm daidzein, or 88 ppm equol diets on the progression of PCa in the transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) model. 3-week old male C57BL/6 X FVB TRAMP mice were weaned from our breeding colony and immediately acclimated to an AIN-93G control diet for one week. At 4 weeks of age, mice (n = 30 per diet group) were randomized to one of four pelleted study diets until 18 weeks of age. Unexpectedly, we did not detect any statistical differences in cancer incidence between diets. We suggest that these results are due to the physical attributes of the pelleted diets in the current study. Mice fed pelleted diets had reduced food intake and significantly decreased body weights (p < 0.001) compared to previous studies. A reduction in food intake is known to reduce cancer incidence in a number of cancer models and is likely to have contributed to the decrease in expected cancer incidence in the current study. In conclusion, we suggest that the hardness of the diets pellets could result in a decreased cancer incidence in TRAMP mice.

Effects of Tomato and Soy Germ on Lipid Bioaccumulation and Atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- Mice.

Dietary patterns with cardiovascular benefits have been recommended, but the relative contributions of individual foods and food components, alone or in combination, remain undefined. Male ApoE(-/-) mice were fed either a purified AIN-93G control diet, a Western diet (WD), or a WD with 10% tomato powder (TP), 2% soy germ (SG), or the combination, for 4 wk (n = 10 per group). Plasma total cholesterol and triglycerides were measured with enzymatic colorimetric kits, and serum amyloid A (SAA) was measured by ELISA. Liver lipids were extracted with chloroform:methanol, and triglycerides, free and esterified cholesterol measured with enzymatic colorimetric kits. Expression of Cyp27a1, Cyp7a1, Abcg5, and Abcg8 in the liver was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Sections of the aortic root and aorta were cut and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) to assess extent of atherosclerotic lesions. WD-fed animals had greater liver and adipose weights, plasma cholesterol and SAA, hepatic lipids, and atherosclerosis than AIN-93G animals. TP and SG did not decrease atherosclerosis as measured by H&E-stained sections of the aortic root, aortic arch, and descending aorta. The TP diets further increased plasma cholesterol, but also led to increased expression of the Abcg5/8 transporters involved in cholesterol efflux. Addition of SG alone to the WD attenuated WD-induced increases in plasma cholesterol, liver lipids, and gonadal adipose weight. The results of this study do not support the use of either TP or SG for reduction of atherosclerosis, but suggest some beneficial effects of SG on lipid metabolism in this model of cardiovascular disease.

Effect of Monascus aged vinegar on isoflavone conversion in soy germ by soaking treatment

Soy germ rich in isoflavones has attracted much attention for health-promoting characteristics. An effective approach via Monascus aged vinegar soaking was adopted to enhance the aglycone amount. The profiles and interconversion of soy germ isoflavones via Monascus aged vinegar soaking were investigated, and the distribution in vinegars were also explored. The aglycones were dramatically increased by 40.76 times. Concomitantly, β-glycosides and malonylglycosides were significantly decreased. The proportion of aglycones presented a sharp increase with the endogenous β-glucosidase activity at the initial 4h incubation. There appeared to be correlations between β-glucosidase activity and the hydrolysis of conjugated isoflavones. The results demonstrated that the reactions of decarboxylation, de-esterification and de-glycosylation were involved in the Monascus aged vinegar soaking, supporting synergistic effects of enzymolysis by endogenous β-glucosidase from soy germ and acid hydrolysis of vinegars. Soaking by vinegar is a promising pathway for preparing aglycone-rich soy germ.

Hydrolysis Optimization of Isoflavone Conversion in Soy Germ (Chiang Mai 60) Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the hydrolysis conditions of isoflavone conversion in soy germ by using central composite design (CCD) of three factors. A five-level, three variables design was adopted. The three independent variables investigated in this experiment were pH (X 1 ) 3 – 8; reaction temperature (X 2 ) 25 – 75 ° C; and reaction time (X 3 ) 2 – 12 h. Dependent variables were highly fitted to the regression equation for the both of total amount of isoflavone glucosides (Y 1 ) and total amount of isoflavone aglycones (Y 2 ). The high regression coefficient values indicated that the variables were highly fitted to the regression equation for the both of total isoflavone glucosides (R 2 = 0.937) and total isoflavone aglycones (R 2 = 0.956) concentration. Optimum hydrolysis conditions for maximizing the determination of total isoflavone aglycones content were: pH = 5.3, reaction temperature = 51 ° C and reaction time = 7.5 h.

Effects of fermentation on antioxidant properties and phytochemical composition of soy germ

Traditional soy-fermented foods, such as miso, douche, natto, and tempeh have been widely used as a dietary supplement in Asian countries, and numerous reports on their phenolics and antioxidant activities have been published. Soy germ contains 10-fold higher phenolics than whole soybean, hence using soy germ as fermentation substrate will be more efficient than whole soybean. Soy germ fermented with Aspergillus niger M46 resulted in a high-efficiency bio-transformation of phenolics and flavonoids to their metabolites, and a diverse secondary metabolic product was also found to response oxidation stress of fungal colonisation. Its antioxidant activity against hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals (IC50 = 0.8 and 6.15 µg mL(-1) , respectively) was about 205-fold and 47-fold higher than those of unfermented soy germ (IC50 = 164.0 and 290.48 µg mL(-1) ), respectively. These results were similar to those observed for Trolox, and more active than those of BHT and hesperidin. The β-glucosidase and α-amylase produced during fermentation were mainly responsible for mobilisation of the phenolics. Our results demonstrate that fermented soy germ has the potential to be a good dietary supplement for prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases, and the solid-state bioprocessing strategy could be an innovative approach to enhance the antioxidant activity of soy germ.

Soy germ for the prevention of prostate carcinogenesis in TRAMP mice (824.9)

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of cancer deaths in United States men. Soy germ has higher levels of daidzein and glycitein, and lower amounts of genistein compared to typical soy products. Genistein has been well studied, but less is known about daidzein and its microbially‐produced metabolite, (‐) equol, in PCa development. The objective of this research is to investigate the effect of feeding 2% soy germ, daidzein, or (‐) equol on the progression of PCa in the transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) model. 3‐week old male C57BL/6 X FVB TRAMP mice were weaned from our breeding colony and immediately acclimated to a custom AIN‐93G control diet for one week. At 4 weeks of age, mice (n=30 per diet group) were randomized to one of four study diets, AIN‐93G control, AIN‐93G + 2% soy germ, AIN‐93G + 92 ppm daidzein, or AIN‐93G + 88 ppm (‐) equol until 18 weeks of age. Levels of daidzein and (‐) equol were matched to daidzein equivalents found in a 2% soy germ diet. Preliminary data shows no differences in food intake or body weight between the groups. Further analyses to be completed include prostate pathology scores, serum inflammatory markers, and epigenetic changes in prostate tissue. At the conclusion of this study, we will determine if a previously observed protective effect of soy germ is associated with the daidzein component or the daidzein metabolite, (‐) equol.Grant Funding Source: Supported by NIH P50 AT006268

A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of a product containing pumpkin seed extract and soy germ extract to improve overactive bladder-related voiding dysfunction and quality of life

Overactive bladder (OAB) has become an increasing field of interest. Traditional use indicates that pumpkin seed (Cucurbita pepo L.) may be helpful in combating its symptoms. Additionally, soy isoflavones (Glycine max) are well-documented for hormonal imbalance related indications. The present randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated efficacy and safety of Cucuflavone (containing extracts of pumpkin seed and soy germ) in 120 subjects suffering from OAB. After 12 weeks, subjects taking Cucuflavone experienced a significant reduction versus baseline, in (1) urination frequency, (2) urgency, (3) incontinence frequency, maximum urgency score, (5) nocturnal urination frequency and (6) OAB-symptom scale. The placebo group reached significant differences for (1), (3) and (6). No adverse events or abnormal changes in safety parameters occurred. Thus, the combination of pumpkin seed and soy germ extract can be used as natural alternative to relieve symptoms of OAB and to improve quality of life.

Therapeutic effects of isoflavones on impaired salivary secretion.

Dry mouth, which is characterized by decreased salivation, has a number of causes; the involvement of estrogen has been suggested as symptoms typically develop in middle-aged females. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding the treatment of this condition. Soy isoflavones, a subgroup of flavonoids, are abundantly found in the soy germ. They are thought to exert a number of effects by specifically binding to estrogen receptors due to their structural similarity to estrogen. Recently, soy isoflavones have been found to exert antioxidant effects, ameliorating disorders caused by reactive oxygen/free radicals. Based on these observations, the effects of soybean isoflavones on impaired salivary secretion were studied in patients with dry mouth. Soy isoflavone aglycones were administered at 25 mg per day to 15 subjects with an average age of 67.9 ± 8.0 years for 2 months, and salivary secretion was analyzed. The results showed a significant improvement based on the saliva flow rate and self-completed questionnaire, thus suggesting the usefulness of isoflavones in improving the symptoms of salivary gland hypofunction.

Deglycosylation of Isoflavones in Isoflavone-Rich Soy Germ Flour by Aspergillus oryzae KACC 40247

Aspergillus oryzae KACC 40247 was selected as an efficient daidzein-producing fungus from strains of the genus Aspergillus by using 5% (w/v) soy germ flour (SGF) as an isoflavone-glycoside-rich medium. The culture conditions, including SGF concentration, agitation speed, initial pH, temperature, and time, were optimized as follows: 7% (w/v) SGF, initial pH 6.0, 33 °C, 300 rpm, and 24 h in a 100 mL baffled flask. The determined amount of isoflavone aglycons in SGF using 50% ethyl acetate was the highest among the solvent systems tested and it was 3.7-fold higher than that using 70% methanol. Under the optimized conditions, the content and concentration of daidzein were 134 mg/g of SGF and 9.4 g/L, respectively, with a productivity of 391 ± 2.8 mg/L/h, and those of isoflavone aglycons were 165 mg/g of SGF and 11.5 g/L, respectively, with a productivity of 479 mg/L/h. Optimization of culture conditions increased the content, concentration, and productivity of isoflavone aglycons by 3.1-, 3.0-, and 3.7-fold, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the highest production of isoflavone aglycons reported to date.

Novel soy germ pasta enriched in isoflavones ameliorates gastroparesis in type 2 diabetes: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVETo determine the effect of soy germ pasta enriched in biologically active isoflavone aglycons on gastric emptying in type 2 diabetic patients with gastroparesis.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSThis randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared soy germ pasta with conventional pasta for effects on gastric emptying. Patients (n = 10) with delayed gastric emptying consumed one serving per day of each pasta for 8 weeks, with a 4-week washout. Gastric emptying time (t1/2) was measured using the [13C]octanoic acid breath test at baseline and after each period, and blood glucose and insulin concentrations were determined after oral glucose load.RESULTSSoy germ pasta significantly accelerated the t1/2 in these patients (161.2 ± 17.5 min at baseline vs. 112.6 ± 11.2 min after treatment, P = 0.009). Such change differed significantly (P = 0.009) from that for conventional pasta (153.6 ± 24.2 vs. 156.2 ± 27.4 min), without affecting glucose or insulin concentrations.CONCLUSIONSThese findings suggest that soy germ pasta may offer a simple dietary approach to managing diabetic gastropathy.

Physicochemical Properties and Minor Lipid Components of Soybean Germ

AbstractThis study aimed to determine and to compare the main phytochemicals from soybean and soybean germ of different Chinese varieties. The results indicate that the soybean germ contains low protein (38.19 %), lipids (10.98 %), and crude fiber (7.47 %) compared with soybean. Specific gravity, refractive index, and saponification values of soybean germ oil were comparable to those of soybean oil. However, unsaponifiable matter of the germ oil was significantly higher (6.982 %) than soybean oil (1.072 %). The tocopherol contents in soybean germ oil ranged as follows: γ‐tocopherol, 176.39 mg/100 g oil; δ‐tocopherol, 57.29 mg/100 g oil; α‐tocopherol, 50.67 mg/100 g oil; and β‐tocopherol, 8.15 mg/100 g oil. The main sterols in soy germ oil were β‐sitosterol (1,681.90 mg/100 g oil), crevesterol (358.02 mg/100 g oil), stigmasterol (189.62 mg/100 g oil), and brassicasterol (3.70 mg/100 g oil). Furthermore, soybean germ oil seemed to be an important source of triglyceride, fatty acids, and particularly the fatty acids in the sn‐2 position of triacylglycerol. The important nutritional value of all these phytochemicals makes soybean germ and particularly germ oil sources of functional molecules and additives for the food industry.

콩 배아로 부터 Isoflavone과 Soyasaponin의 동시 분리

콩 관련 제품을 생산하는 과정에서 발생되는 부산물은 가축의 사료 및 퇴비 등에 이용되고 있으나 일부는 폐기물로 처리되어 추가 비용 및 각종 환경오염을 유발하는 등 사회적인 문제점으로 지적되고 있다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 가공 부산물로 다량 발생되는 콩 배아를 활용하여 생리활성물질인 isoflavone과 soyasaponin을 동시에 분리하는 방법을 개발하고자 실시하였다. 1. 콩 배아 methanol 추출물을 preparative <TEX>$C_{18}$</TEX> column에 주입하고, 210 nm의 파장에서 0.5% 초산 용액 30%로부터 100% acetonitrile까지 분당 15mL의 유속으로 53분간 흘려주어 isoflavone과 soyasaponin 분획을 동시에 분리하였다. 2. Preparative <TEX>$C_{18}$</TEX> column으로 분리된 isoflavone 및 soyasaponin 분획은 동결건조시켜 isoflavone 분말 ISF-1과 soyasaponin SAP-1, SAP-2, SAP-3 및 SAP-4의 분말을 얻었다. 3. Isoflavone 분획 ISF-1의 재분리는 젤투과 컬럼에서 100% acetonitrile을 분당 5 mL가 되도록 흘려주면서 254nm 파장에서 관찰하여 2종의 분획 ISF-1-1 및 ISF-1-2을 분리하였다. 4. 분리된 2종의 isoflavone 중 ISF-1-1은 그 조성이 daidzin, glycitin 및 genistin 이고, ISF-1-2는 genistin 단일물질이 주성분인 것으로 나타났다. 5. 분리된 4종의 soyasaponin 중 SP-1은 soyasaponin A계열인 Aa(MW: 1364), Ab(MW: 1436), Ac(MW: 1420), Ae(MW: 1202), Af(MW: 1274), SAP-2는 B계열인 Ba(MW: 958), Bb(MW: 942), Bc(MW: 912)와 E계열인 Bd(MW: 956), Be(MW: 940), SAP-3는 B계열인 Ba, Bb, Bc, E계열인 Bd, Be와 DDMP계열인 <TEX>${\beta}g$</TEX>(MW: 1068), SAP-4는 B계열인 Ba, Bb, Bc, E계열인 Bd, Be와 DDMP계열인 <TEX>${\beta}g$</TEX>, <TEX>${\beta}a$</TEX>(MW: 1038)가 주성분임을 알 수 있었다. The objective of present study was to simultaneously isolate of isoflavone and soyasaponin compounds from the germ of soybean seeds. Soy germ flours were defatted with hexane for 48h at room temperature, and methanolic extracts were prepared using reflux apparatus at <TEX>$90^{\circ}C$</TEX> for 6h, two times. After extraction, extracts were separated with preparative RP-<TEX>$C_{18}$</TEX> packing column (<TEX>$125{\AA}$</TEX>, <TEX>$55-105{\mu}m$</TEX>, <TEX>$40{\times}150mm$</TEX>), and collected 52 fractions were identified with TLC plate (Kieselgel 60 F-254) and HPLC, respectively. Among the identified isoflavone and soyasaponin fractions, isoflavone fractions were re-separated using a recycling HPLC with gel permeation column (Jaigel-W252, <TEX>$20{\times}500mm$</TEX>). Final fractions were air-dried, and the purified compounds of two isoflavones (ISF-1-1, ISF-1-2) and four soyasaponins (SAP-1, SAP-2, SAP-3, SAP-4) were obtained. Two isoflavone compounds (ISF-1-1, ISF-1-2) were acid-hydrolyzed for the identification of their aglycones, and confirmed by comparing with 12 types of isoflavone isomers. While the four kinds of soyasaponins were identified by using a micro Q-TOF mass spectrometer in the ESI positive mode with capillary voltage of 4.5kV, and dry temperature of <TEX>$200^{\circ}C$</TEX>. Base on the obtained results, it was conclude that ISF-1-1 is the mixture isomers of daidzin (43.4%), glycitin (47.0%), and genistin (9.6%), but ISF-1-2 is the single compound of genistin (99.8% <). On the other hand, soyasaponin SAP-1 is the mixture compounds of soyasaponin A-group (Aa, Ab, Ac, Ae, Af); SAP-2 is soyasaponin B-group (Ba, Bb, Bc) and E-group (Bd, Be); SAP-3 is soyasaponin B-group (Ba, Bb, Bc), E-group (Bd, Be), and DDMP-group (<TEX>${\beta}g$</TEX>); SAP-4 is soyasaponin B-group (Ba, Bb, Bc), E-group (Bd, Be), and DDMP-group (<TEX>${\beta}g$</TEX>, <TEX>${\beta}a$</TEX>), respectively.

The Interactions of Dietary Tomato Powder and Soy Germ on Prostate Carcinogenesis in the TRAMP Model

The interactions between bioactive-rich food components within a complex human diet for the inhibition of prostate carcinogenesis are largely unknown and difficult to quantify in humans. Tomato and soy products have each shown anti-prostate cancer (PCa) activity in laboratory studies. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of dietary tomato and soy germ, alone and in combination, for the inhibition of PCa in the transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) model. At 4 weeks of age, male C57BL/6 × FVB TRAMP mice (n = 119) were randomized to consume: AIN-93G control, 10% whole tomato powder (TP), 2% soy germ powder (SG), or 10% tomato powder with 2% soy germ powder (TP+SG) for 14 weeks. One hundred percent of mice fed the control diet had PCa, whereas PCa incidence was significantly lower in mice consuming TP (61%, P < 0.001), SG (66%, P < 0.001), and TP+SG (45%, P < 0.001). Although the protection offered by the combination of TP and SG was not synergistic, it was the most effective intervention. TP, SG, and TP+SG increased apoptotic index (AI) and modestly reduced the proliferative index (PI) in the prostate epithelium of TRAMP mice exhibiting primarily prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. The dramatic reduction in the PI/AI ratio by the dietary interventions suggests that the control mice experience a stronger stimulus for malignant progression in the prostate microenvironment. Maximally effective and safe strategies for PCa prevention may result from optimizing combinations of nutrients and bioactives through an orchestration of dietary patterns.

The interaction of tomato powder and soy germ on prostate carcinogenesis in the TRAMP model

Epidemiological and laboratory studies support the hypotheses that diets rich in soy or tomato products may reduce the risk of prostate cancer (PCa). The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of dietary tomato and soy germ, alone and in combination, for prevention of PCa in the transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) model. Four week old, male C57BL/6 × FVB TRAMP mice (n=119) were randomized to consume: AIN‐93G control, 10% tomato powder (TP), 2% soy germ (SG) or 10% tomato powder with 2% soy germ (TP+SG) for 14 weeks. Tomato lycopene and soy germ isoflavones were bioavailable and accumulated in the serum and prostate. 100% of mice fed the control diet had PCa, while incidence was significantly lower in mice consuming TP (61%, p&lt;0.001), SG (66%, p&lt;0.001) and TP+SG (45%, p&lt;0.001). The protection offered by TP+SG was not synergistic, but it was quantitatively the most effective intervention. The ratio of proliferative index to apoptotic index in the prostate was over two times higher in the controls (161 ± 19) than mice consuming TP (75 ± 20, p=0.009), SG (62 ± 19, p=0.001) and TP+SG (70 ± 19, p =0.002), suggesting a greater stimulus for malignant progression in the control group. Maximally effective strategies for PCa prevention may result from optimizing combinations of nutrients and bioactives provided in scientifically designed novel food products targeting high risk populations.Grant Funding Source: NIH (1 F31 CA153804‐01A1 and PHS‐1‐R01 CA125384)

A Potential Daidzein Derivative Enhances Cytotoxicity of Epirubicin on Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Caco-2 Cells

In this study, we evaluated the effects of 8-hydroxydaidzein (8HD), an isoflavone isolated from fermented soy germ koji, and epirubicin (Epi), an antineoplastic agent, on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We subsequently correlated the ROS levels to the anticancer mechanisms of Epi and 8HD in human colon adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cells. 8HD enhanced cytotoxicity of Epi and generated a synergistic effect. Epi and/or 8HD treatments increased the hydrogen peroxide and superoxide levels. Combined treatment markedly decreased mRNA expression levels of multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1), MDR-associated protein (MRP) 1, and MRP2. 8HD significantly intensified Epi intracellular accumulation in Caco-2 cells. 8HD and/or Epi-induced apoptosis, as indicated by the reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and increased sub-G1 phase in cell cycle. Moreover, 8HD and Epi significantly enhanced the mRNA expressions of Bax, p53, caspases-3, -8, and -9. To our best knowledge, this study verifies for the first time that 8HD effectively circumvents MDR in Caco-2 cells through the ROS-dependent inhibition of efflux transporters and p53-mediated activation of both death receptor and mitochondrial pathways of apoptosis. Our findings of 8HD shed light on the future search for potential biotransformed isoflavones to intensify the cytotoxicity of anticancer drugs through simultaneous reversal of pump and nonpump resistance.

A Low Dose of Fermented Soy Germ Alleviates Gut Barrier Injury, Hyperalgesia and Faecal Protease Activity in a Rat Model of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Pro-inflammatory cytokines like macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), IL-1β and TNF-α predominate in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and TNBS colitis. Increased levels of serine proteases activating protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) are found in the lumen and colonic tissue of IBD patients. PAR-2 activity and pro-inflammatory cytokines impair epithelial barrier, facilitating the uptake of luminal aggressors that perpetuate inflammation and visceral pain. Soy extracts contain phytoestrogens (isoflavones) and serine protease inhibitors namely Bowman-Birk Inhibitors (BBI). Since estrogens exhibit anti-inflammatory and epithelial barrier enhancing properties, and that a BBI concentrate improves ulcerative colitis, we aimed to evaluate if a fermented soy germ extract (FSG) with standardized isoflavone profile and stable BBI content exert cumulative or synergistic protection based on protease inhibition and estrogen receptor (ER)-ligand activity in colitic rats. Female rats received orally for 15 d either vehicle or FSG with or without an ER antagonist ICI 182.780 before TNBS intracolonic instillation. Macroscopic and microscopic damages, myeloperoxidase activity, cytokine levels, intestinal paracellular permeability, visceral sensitivity, faecal proteolytic activity and PAR-2 expression were assessed 24 h, 3 d and 5 d post-TNBS. FSG treatment improved the severity of colitis, by decreasing the TNBS-induced rise in gut permeability, visceral sensitivity, faecal proteolytic activity and PAR-2 expression at all post-TNBS points. All FSG effects were reversed by the ICI 182.780 except the decrease in faecal proteolytic activity and PAR-2 expression. In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory properties of FSG treatment result from two distinct but synergic pathways i.e an ER-ligand and a PAR-2 mediated pathway, providing rationale for potential use as adjuvant therapy in IBD.

Introduction and nutritional evaluation of germinated soy germ

Germinated soy germ (GSG) were developed and evaluated for their nutritional value. Separated soy germ was germinated at room temperature for 24h under running water. As germination progressed, the protein and fibre content of GSG increased slightly, while the lipid and carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio decreased; free amino acids including GABA increased considerably while free sugars decreased. Linoleic and linolenic acid were the most abundant unsaturated fatty acids in soy germ, and slight changes were observed in GSG. The tocopherol and isoflavone contents showed a rapid increase of 32.4% and 27.9%, respectively, during germination. The abundance of GABA, isoflavones and tocopherols demonstrates the high nutritional value of GSG and suggests that GSG can be utilised as a reasonable and effective source of healthy foods.

Soy Germ Protein Concentrate Diet Decreased Body Fat Weight and Increased Hindlimb Muscle Weight in Rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of soy germ protein intake on body composition. Wistar rats were fed experimental diets for 16 weeks. These consisted of soy germ protein, soy protein, or casein. Abdominal adipose tissue weights significantly lower and hindlimb muscle weights were significantly higher in the soy germ protein group than in the casein group.

Soy germ isoflavones improve menopausal symptoms but have no effect on blood lipids in early postmenopausal Chinese women

Estrogen therapy is, to date, the most effective treatment of menopausal syndrome and also has a favorable effect on lipid profiles. Because of its potential adverse effects, however, a more acceptable alternative therapy needs to be identified. This study examines the effect of soy germ isoflavones on menopausal symptoms and serum lipids. Ninety early postmenopausal Chinese women, aged 45 to 60 years, were randomly assigned to three treatment groups (30 each) receiving daily doses of 0 (placebo), 84, and 126 mg of soy germ isoflavones. Hot flush frequency, Kupperman scores, serum 17β-estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and serum lipids, including triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-I, and apolipoprotein B100, were assessed at baseline and at 12 and 24 weeks after treatment. Both the frequency of hot flushes and the Kupperman index score decreased in all three treatment groups during the intervention period, but the percentage decreases in both were significantly greater in the two isoflavone groups (44.3 ± 19.1 and 57.8 ± 37.4 [84 mg isoflavones]; 48.5 ± 27.2 and 56.7 ± 26.7 [126 mg isoflavones]) than in the placebo group (27.8 ± 15.5 and 34.6 ± 46.2; p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the changes in estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone among the three treatment groups during the study, and no significant differences were observed in the lipid components. A daily supplement of 84 or 126 mg soy germ isoflavones may improve menopausal symptoms, although neither dose was found to affect lipid profiles in early postmenopausal Chinese women after 24 weeks of treatment. The favorable effects are unlikely to be associated with female hormones.

A new soy germ fermented ingredient displays estrogenic and protease inhibitor activities able to prevent irritable bowel syndrome-like symptoms in stressed female rats

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often associated with psychological distress, is characterized by increased gut permeability and visceral sensitivity. In animals, stress increases intestinal paracellular permeability (IPP), visceral sensitivity and colonic proteolytic activity. Estradiol reduces IPP and affects visceral sensitivity in non-stressed ovariectomized rats, but whether estrogens affect stress-induced hyperpermeability and hypersensitivity in cyclic females remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate (i) the effects of a phytoestrogen-rich soy germ fermented ingredient (SG) on visceral hypersensitivity, hyperpermeability and other symptoms in stressed intact female rats, (ii) the mechanisms of action involved on the basis of both estrogenic and protease inhibitor activities of SG. Female rats received orally for 15-d either SG, 17β-estradiol benzoate (EB), or vehicles, with or without the estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist ICI182.780 before stress. Visceral sensitivity, IPP, faecal proteolytic activity, plasma corticosterone, rat mast cell protease II immunostaining, and occludin expression were assessed. Stress increased IPP (concomitantly to a drop in occludin expression), visceral sensitivity, faecal proteolytic activity and plasma corticosterone. Similarly to EB, SG prevented the stress-induced hyperpermeability, and hypersensitivity, without changes in plasma corticosterone. SG inhibited the increase in faecal proteolytic activity, enhanced occludin expression, and reduced the colonic mast cell density. All SG effects, except decrease on faecal proteolytic activity, were blocked by ICI182.780. A 2-wk oral treatment with SG prevented the stress-induced hyperpermeability and visceral hypersensitivity in cyclic rats through ER activation, and blocked the increase in colonic proteolytic activity, suggesting that SG can be promising in IBS management.