Soy Isoflavones Research
42 peer-reviewed studies · Evidence score: 9/10
Efficacy and potential pharmacological mechanism of Astragalus-Salvia miltiorrhiza combination in diabetic nephropathy: integrating meta-analysis, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation
Liang H et al. • Renal failure (2025)
Through rigorous experimental validation, our study demonstrates AS's significant clinical efficacy in managing DN.
- Meanwhile, when the treatment duration exceeds 12 weeks, AS demonstrated a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels, indicating a time-dependent effect.
- Through rigorous experimental validation, our study demonstrates AS's significant clinical efficacy in managing DN.
- Specifically, AS has been shown to enhance renal function, ameliorate renal fibrosis, and positively influence iron metabolism.
The effectiveness of nutritional supplements in improving polycystic ovary syndrome in women: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Zhao G et al. • Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E (2025)
Chromium, inositol, and Omega-3 were found to be beneficial for improving lipid profile.
- Inositol significantly decreased total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while curcumin was most effective in improving low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
- Chromium, inositol, and Omega-3 were found to be beneficial for improving lipid profile.
- For improving obesity, sex hormone levels, inflammatory factors and oxidative stress indicators of PCOS patients, carnitine, chromium, and soy isoflavones are effective options, respectively.
Effect of Soy Isoflavones on Measures of Estrogenicity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Viscardi G et al. • Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) (2025)
All rights reserved.
- Addressing public health concerns may promote soy foods as high-quality plant protein sources with low environmental impact and cost, particularly benefiting postmenopausal women and aligning with sustainable dietary patterns and guidelines.
- This study was registered in PROSPERO as CRD42023439239.Copyright © 2024 The Author(s).
- Published by Elsevier Inc.
Effect of nutritional interventions on the psychological symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in women of reproductive age: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Robinson J et al. • Nutrition reviews (2025)
There is some evidence to support the use of nutritional interventions for improving psychological symptoms of PMS.
- There is some evidence to support the use of nutritional interventions for improving psychological symptoms of PMS.
- However, more research using consistent protocols, procedures to minimize risk of bias, intention-to-treat analysis, and clearer reporting is required to provide conclusive nutritional recommendations for improving PMS-related psychological outcomes.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Effects of soy isoflavones on menopausal symptoms in perimenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Luan H et al. • PeerJ (2025)
More trials should be conducted in the future to validate our findings.©2025 Luan et al.
- In October 2024, we screened 2,099 articles, of which 12 were eligible for meta-analysis, and found that soy isoflavones were effective for treating menopausal symptoms (seven studies, 533 participants, Hedges' g = -0.25, 95% CI [-0.42 to -0.08], p = 0.00).
- However, our results should be interpreted with caution owing to the small sample size.
- More trials should be conducted in the future to validate our findings.©2025 Luan et al.
Micronutrient Supplementation to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk
An P et al. • Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2022)
Supplementation of some but not all micronutrients may benefit cardiometabolic health.
- Specifically, n-3 fatty acid supplementation decreased CVD mortality (relative risk [RR]: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.88-0.97), myocardial infarction (RR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.78-0.92), and coronary heart disease events (RR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.80-0.93).
- Folic acid supplementation decreased stroke risk (RR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.72-0.97), and coenzyme Q10 supplementation decreased all-cause mortality events (RR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.49-0.94).
- Supplementation of some but not all micronutrients may benefit cardiometabolic health.
Efficacy and safety of dietary polyphenol supplementation in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Yang K et al. • Frontiers in immunology (2022)
Based on current evidence, curcumin can reduce BMI, TG, TC, liver enzymes, and insulin resistance; catechin can reduce BMI, insulin resistance, and TG effectively; silymarin can reduce liver enzymes.
- Based on current evidence, curcumin can reduce BMI, TG, TC, liver enzymes, and insulin resistance; catechin can reduce BMI, insulin resistance, and TG effectively; silymarin can reduce liver enzymes.
- For resveratrol, naringenin, anthocyanin, hesperidin, and catechin, more RCTs are needed to further evaluate their efficacy and safety.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Soy isoflavones prevent bone resorption and loss, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Akhlaghi M et al. • Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (2020)
Soy isoflavones prevent osteoporosis-related bone loss in any weight status or treatment duration.
- Soy isoflavones prevent osteoporosis-related bone loss in any weight status or treatment duration.
- They increase BMD in normal weight subjects and diminish bone resorption in overweight/obese individuals.
- Although bone resorption may be decelerated over short-term isoflavone consumption, periods longer than a year are probably needed to affect BMD.
Soy isoflavones and glucose metabolism in menopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Fang K et al. • Molecular nutrition & food research (2016)
Although the results displayed a significant tendency in favor of soy isoflavones, it appears that genistein alone played an important role in improving glucose metabolism due to its low heterogeneity.
- The overall results showed that the average difference in fasting blood glucose values between women assigned to soy isoflavones and women in placebo groups was -0.22 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.38 to -0.07 mmol/L) under a random-effects model.
- In addition, the effect of soy isoflavones on insulin was also significant: -0.43 μIU/mL (95% CI: -0.71 to -0.14 μIU/mL), as was the effect on homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR): -0.52 (95% CI: -0.76 to -0.28).
- Although the results displayed a significant tendency in favor of soy isoflavones, it appears that genistein alone played an important role in improving glucose metabolism due to its low heterogeneity.
Soy isoflavones for menopausal hot flashes: a meta-analysis
Taku K et al. • Menopause (2012)
Soy isoflavones significantly reduced hot flash frequency and severity.
- Significant reduction in hot flashes
- Greater effects with higher doses and longer use
- Genistein-rich extracts most effective
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Dietary Isoflavones on Female Hormone-Dependent Cancers for Benefit-Risk Evaluation
Chakravarti B et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2024)
Therefore, caution should be exercised when considering the intake of dietary isoflavones in female hormone-dependent cancer patients, particularly in the form of supplements.© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
- On the other hand, dietary isoflavones increased tumor area (Hedge's g = 1.136, 95% CI = 0.752 to 1.520, p = 0.000).
- Dietary isoflavones have potential benefits and risks in female hormone-dependent cancers.
- Therefore, caution should be exercised when considering the intake of dietary isoflavones in female hormone-dependent cancer patients, particularly in the form of supplements.© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Isoflavone intervention and its impact on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Inpan R et al. • Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA (2024)
This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that isoflavone interventions, especially those containing genistein of at least 50 mg/day, can effectively enhance BMD in postmenopausal women.
- This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that isoflavone interventions, especially those containing genistein of at least 50 mg/day, can effectively enhance BMD in postmenopausal women.
- Published in Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA (2024)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Endocrine disrupting chemicals and breast cancer: a systematic review of epidemiological studies
Wan MLY et al. • Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (2022)
We identified certain EDC exposures could potentially elevate the risk of breast cancer.
- We identified certain EDC exposures could potentially elevate the risk of breast cancer.
- As majority of EDCs are highly persistent in the environment and bio-accumulative, it is essential to assess the long-term impacts of EDC exposures, especially multi-generational and transgenerational.
- Also, since food is often a major route of exposure to EDCs, well-designed exposure assessments of potential EDCs in food and food packing are necessary and their potential link to breast cancer development need to be carefully evaluated for subsequent EDC policy making and regulations.
Can soy isoflavones in combination with soy protein change serum levels of C-reactive protein among patients with chronic inflammatory diseases? A systematic review and meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials
Gholami A et al. • Journal of health, population, and nutrition (2025)
Although our results clearly showed soy isoflavones containing soy protein can have decreasing effect on inflammation in participants with chronic inflammatory disease, more large-scale and high quality interventional studies still need to be done to clarify our results.
- Twenty-seven articles were involved in the systematic review and twenty-two articles with thirty-four effect sizes were considered for meta-analysis.
- The overall estimates revealed that soy isoflavones containing soy protein significantly decreased serum levels of CRP in comparison with control group (weighted mean difference (WMD)= -0.49 mg/L; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.74, -0.25; P = 0 < 0.001).
- Although our results clearly showed soy isoflavones containing soy protein can have decreasing effect on inflammation in participants with chronic inflammatory disease, more large-scale and high quality interventional studies still need to be done to clarify our results.
Soy isoflavones plus soy protein effects on serum concentration of leptin in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Gholami A et al. • Clinical nutrition ESPEN (2022)
Soy isoflavones plus soy protein had a non-significant decreasing effect on the serum concentration of leptin.
- A pooled analysis revealed that the combination of soy isoflavones and soy protein had a borderline non-significant on serum concentration of leptin (weighted mean difference (WMD): -1.03 ng/ml, 95% confidence interval (CI): -2.11, 0.05 ng/ml).
- Soy isoflavones plus soy protein had a non-significant decreasing effect on the serum concentration of leptin.
- However, making firm conclusion needs more studies on participants with different health condition, and different soy isoflavones doses and intervention duration.
Therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of digestive inflammatory cancer transformation: Portulaca oleracea L. as a promising drug
Shao G et al. • Journal of ethnopharmacology (2024)
The discovery of the beneficial effects of these natural active compounds in POL supports the idea that POL could be a promising novel candidate for the treatment and prevention of inflammation-related cancers of the digestive system.
- The discovery of the beneficial effects of these natural active compounds in POL supports the idea that POL could be a promising novel candidate for the treatment and prevention of inflammation-related cancers of the digestive system.
- However, clinical data describing the mode of action of the naturally active compounds of POL are still lacking.
- In addition, pharmacokinetic data for POL compounds, such as changes in drug dose and absorption rates, cannot be extrapolated from animal models and need to be measured in patients in clinical trials.
Polyphenol Intervention Ameliorates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: An Updated Comprehensive Systematic Review
Ranneh Y et al. • Nutrients (2024)
Still, the inconsistent results across the included RCTs require further clinical research to establish optimal dosage and duration.
- Most studies on silymarin showed a reduction in liver enzymes and lipid profile; however, no changes were observed in inflammatory cytokine levels.
- The dietary supplementation of hesperidin and naringenin or green tea extract caused improvements in liver enzyme, lipid profile, and inflammatory cytokine, while genistein supplementation did not modulate blood lipid profile.
- In conclusion, dietary supplementation of polyphenols could potentially prevent and ameliorate NAFLD.
Phytonutrients and outcomes following breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
van Die MD et al. • JNCI cancer spectrum (2024)
Soy, enterolactone, and green tea demonstrated significant risk reductions in outcomes following breast cancer.
- Soy protein and products were inversely associated with cancer-specific mortality for estrogen receptor-positive disease (HR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.60 to 0.92).
- An inverse association was observed for serum or plasma enterolactone, measured prediagnosis and early postdiagnosis, with cancer-specific mortality (HR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.58 to 0.90) and all-cause mortality (HR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.57 to 0.83).
- There was a 44% reduced risk of recurrence with prediagnostic green tea for stage I and II breast cancer (HR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.38 to 0.83).
The effect of soy isoflavones given to women in the climacteric period on menopausal symptoms and quality of life: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Gençtürk N et al. • Explore (New York, N.Y.) (2024)
According to the results of the analysis, soy isoflavones had no effect on menopausal symptoms (vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, sexual, and urogenital complaints) and quality of life in climacteric women but did reduce the level of depression.
- According to the results of the analysis, soy isoflavones had no effect on menopausal symptoms (vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, sexual, and urogenital complaints) and quality of life in climacteric women but did reduce the level of depression.
- There was a high risk of conflict of interest in the included studies.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Effects of whey and soy protein supplementation on inflammatory cytokines in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Prokopidis K et al. • The British journal of nutrition (2023)
These data support that whey and soy protein supplementation elicit anti-inflammatory effects by reducing circulating IL-6 and TNF-α levels, respectively.
- A significant reduction of circulating IL-6 levels following whey protein [Mean Difference (MD): -0·79, 95 % CI: -1·15, -0·42, I2 = 96 %] and TNF-α levels following soy protein supplementation (MD: -0·16, 95 % CI: -0·26, -0·05, I2 = 68 %) was observed.
- The addition of soy isoflavones exerted a further decline in circulating TNF-α levels (MD: -0·20, 95 % CI: -0·31, -0·08, I2 = 34 %).
- According to subgroup analysis, whey protein led to a statistically significant decrease in circulating IL-6 levels in individuals with sarcopenia and pre-frailty (MD: -0·98, 95 % CI: -1·56, -0·39, I2 = 0 %).