This invention relates to a novel soy isoflavone product with high
purities and strong biological activities and the method of producing the
same from natural soybeans, soybean materials (i.e. tofu dregs, soy
molasses) and other plant sources. The method includes three steps
consisting of extraction with an organic solvent, hydrolysis using an
acid and crystallization using an antisolvent. The procedure is very
simple and thus can be easily adapted for large-scale manufacturing.
Moreover, the procedure is able to produce a high yield of total
isoflavones at a lower cost. HPLC analysis and E-Screen bioassay reveal
that the obtained product not only contains a high content of isoflavone
aglycones by weight of dry matter but also exhibits strong estrogenic
activity toward human cells. Therefore, the product should be efficacious
for relieving menopausal symptoms and other estrogen-deficient diseases
and can be used in health care supplements or as additives for foods,
beverages or cosmetics.