Environmental influences on isoflavones and saponins in soybeans and their role in colon cancer.
Journal of Nutrition. 2005 May;135(5):1239-42
Soybeans are not only an important source of high quality proteins but contain also health promoting phytochemicals such as isoflavones and saponins. The aim of this study was to quantify isoflavone and saponin levels in soybean cultivars grown under different conditions and to determine the influence of isoflavones and saponins on carcinogenic process of cultured human colon cancer cells. The researchers found an inhibitive effect of soy isoflavones and saponins on the colon cancer cells. There were no adverse effects of the intake of pure saponins on growth, organ weight or intestinal morphology, even when the diet contained 3% saponins. The study concluded that soy isoflavones and saponins may protect against colon cancer and are well tolerated.
Soy saponins and the anticancer effects of soybeans and soy-based foods.
Current Medicinal Chemistry - Anti-Cancer Agents. 2004 May;4(3):263-72
There are indications that the consumption of soy products help to protect against cancer but the exact constituents, which are responsible for this action, remain elusive. The aim of this review was to summarize epidemiological studies linking saponins to cancer risk. Recents studies have shown that soy saponins have a direct effect on cancer cells but may also influence carcinogenesis in alternative mechanisms. The anti-cancer action of saponins may result in the discovery of new anticancer agents.
Soybean saponins suppress the release of proinflammatory mediators by LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages.
Cancer Letters. 2005 December 18;230(2):219-27
Pro-inflammatory mediators play also a role in cancer development. Phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce the risk of cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of soybean saponins on the production of proinflammatory mediators peritoneal macrophages stimulated with liposaccharides. The researchers found that soybean saponins reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory indicators such as cyclooxygenase-2, nitric oxide synthases and Nuclear Factor kappa B. The study concluded that soybean saponins may be useful for ameliorating inflammatory diseases and suppressing tumor progression.
|
