Soybean Isoflavones
One unit of:25kg/barrel
Product Info
What is Soybean Isoflavones?
Soybean Isoflavones are natural phytoestrogen compounds extracted from soybeans, commonly utilized as functional ingredients in dietary supplements and fortified foods for their purported benefits in hormonal and cardiovascular health.
How is Soybean Isoflavones made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw Material Preparation | Select and clean high-quality soybeans (or defatted soybean flakes). Crush the material to increase surface area. | Source non-GMO, high-isoflavone content soybeans. Control point is moisture content (<13%) and absence of foreign materials or mold. |
| 2 | Solvent Extraction | Extract the crushed soybean material with an aqueous ethanol solution in large extraction tanks with agitation. | Critically monitor solvent concentration (60-80% ethanol), extraction temperature (50-70°C), and extraction time to maximize isoflavone yield. |
| 3 | Filtration & Clarification | Separate the solid soybean residue from the liquid extract (miscella) using centrifuges or filter presses. | Ensure efficient separation to obtain a clear, particle-free extract. Incomplete separation can clog downstream purification equipment. |
| 4 | Initial Concentration | Remove the majority of the ethanol solvent from the liquid extract under reduced pressure. | Use vacuum evaporation at a low temperature to prevent thermal degradation of the active isoflavones. The recovered ethanol is often recycled. |
| 5 | Chromatographic Purification | Pass the concentrated extract through a column filled with macroporous adsorbent resin to capture the isoflavones. | The flow rate and loading volume are key control points. The resin selectively adsorbs isoflavones while allowing sugars and other impurities to pass through. |
| 6 | Washing & Elution | First, wash the resin with deionized water to remove remaining impurities. Then, elute (release) the bound isoflavones using a different concentration of ethanol. | Collect the eluate in fractions. The concentration of the eluting solvent is crucial for selectively releasing the isoflavones. Fractions are tested for purity. |
| 7 | Decolorization & Final Concentration | Treat the purified isoflavone solution with activated carbon to remove color pigments, then concentrate it again under vacuum. | Control the amount of activated carbon and contact time to avoid adsorbing the product itself. Concentrate to a specific solids content before drying. |
| 8 | Drying | Convert the final concentrated liquid into a stable powder using spray drying or vacuum drying. | Drying temperature and pressure must be strictly controlled to achieve the target moisture content (<5%) without damaging the isoflavones. |
| 9 | Milling & Sieving | Grind the dried powder to ensure a uniform, fine particle size, then pass it through a sieve. | Control point is the final particle size distribution, which impacts solubility and handling. Use appropriate mesh screens. |
| 10 | Quality Control & Packaging | Test the final powder for isoflavone content, purity, heavy metals, and microbial contamination. Package in sealed, airtight containers. | Final product must meet all specifications, confirmed by HPLC analysis for isoflavone profile (e.g., Daidzein, Genistein). Proper packaging prevents moisture and light degradation. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 574-12-9 |
| Chemical Formula | C₁₅H₁₀O₂ |
| Solubility | slightly soluble in chloroform/methanol; dispersible in water formulations |
| Storage Conditions | store in cool (<25 °C), dry, airtight, away from light |
| Shelf Life | 24 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | Soybean Isoflavones |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Antioxidant; Phytoestrogen; Color Stabilizer |
| Key Ingredients | Genistein; Daidzein; Glycitein (and their respective glycoside forms: Genistin, Daidzin, Glycitin) |
| Mechanism of Action | Acts as a primary antioxidant by donating hydrogen atoms from phenolic hydroxyl groups to scavenge free radicals and terminate lipid oxidation chain reactions. Chelates pro-oxidant metal ions (Fe2+, Cu2+). Structurally mimics endogenous estrogens, allowing for competitive binding to estrogen receptors. May inhibit enzymes like tyrosinase, reducing enzymatic browning. |
| Application Effect in Product | Extends shelf life by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and delaying rancidity development in matrices like oils, dressings, and processed meats. Preserves natural color by preventing oxidative or enzymatic browning. Enhances the nutritional profile of functional foods, beverages, and dietary supplements. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soybean Isoflavones | Phytoestrogen Supplement | Contains genistein and daidzein, which are structurally similar to estrogen. | Most extensively researched phytoestrogen; data supports benefits for bone density and cardiovascular health in addition to menopause symptoms. | Efficacy can depend on an individual's gut bacteria (to produce equol); concerns over high doses for hormone-sensitive conditions. | Managing menopausal hot flashes and supporting postmenopausal bone health. | For a well-studied phytoestrogen with established benefits beyond just vasomotor symptoms. |
| Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) | Phytoestrogen Supplement | Contains a different profile of isoflavones, including biochanin A and formononetin. | Often considered a more 'natural' or gentler non-soy source of isoflavones; some evidence for improving cholesterol profiles. | Research on efficacy for hot flashes is less consistent than for soy; overall less studied. | Mild menopausal symptoms for individuals who prefer or need to avoid soy products. | When seeking a non-soy isoflavone source with potential cardiovascular co-benefits. |
| Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) | Herbal Supplement | Mechanism is not estrogenic; thought to act on serotonin pathways in the brain. | Strong evidence specifically for reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes; good choice for those avoiding estrogen-like compounds. | Primarily targets vasomotor symptoms; less evidence for benefits on bone density or mood. Rare reports of liver issues. | Targeted relief from moderate to severe hot flashes and night sweats without hormonal action. | If the primary goal is to manage hot flashes and an estrogenic effect is undesirable. |
| Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii) | Adaptogen / Food Supplement | Does not contain hormones or phytoestrogens; acts as an adaptogen to support the endocrine system. | Supports energy levels, mood, and libido, offering a more holistic benefit profile beyond just hot flashes. | Less direct or strong evidence for reducing hot flashes compared to phytoestrogens or Black Cohosh. | Managing menopause-related fatigue, mood swings, and decreased libido alongside mild symptoms. | For a non-hormonal, nutritional approach focused on improving energy and overall well-being during menopause. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
Certificate of Analysis, Technical Data Sheet available
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
SDS available upon request
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications