Distribution of isoflavones and coumestrol in neglected tropical and subtropical legumes

Leuner, O., Havlik, J. , Hummelova, J., Prokudina, E., Novy, P. and Kokoska, L. (2013) Distribution of isoflavones and coumestrol in neglected tropical and subtropical legumes. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 93(3), pp. 575-579. (doi: 10.1002/jsfa.5835) (PMID:22926873)

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Isoflavones and coumestrol from dietary legumes are plant constituents showing multiple beneficial effects on humans. Owing to their ability to bind with mammalian estrogenic receptors and thereby intervention in several kinds of hormone-related cancers, they have received much attention. Soybean (Glycine max) is currently the major source of isoflavonoids in human diet. However, dozens of tropical and subtropical leguminous species remain unexplored for their isoflavonoids content. RESULTS: We have analyzed 55 extracts from 41 tropical and subtropical legume species used either in human or animal diet by high-performance liquid chromatography for the content of soy isoflavones, biochanin A, daidzein, daidzin, formononetin, genistein, genistin, sissotrin, ononin and the coumestan coumestrol. Genistein and biochanin A were the most abundant compounds. The highest content of genistein was found in aerial parts of Andira macrothyrsa, seeds of Pachyrhizus tuberosus and aerial parts of Calopogonium mucunoides (598, 250 and 184 µg g−1, respectively) and biochanin A in aerial parts of Cratylia argentea, C. mucunoides and flowers of A. macrothyrsa (76, 53 and 40 µg g−1, respectively). CONCLUSION: None of the samples tested was richer overall source of soy isoflavones and coumestrol than soybean; nevertheless several species (C. mucunoides or A. macrothyrsa) may serve as a promising source of individual compounds.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Havlik, Dr Jaroslav
Authors: Leuner, O., Havlik, J., Hummelova, J., Prokudina, E., Novy, P., and Kokoska, L.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:00225142
ISSN (Online):1097-0010
Published Online:28 August 2012

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