Evaluation of Isoflavones from the Leaves of Soybean (Glydne max L.) Cultivars

摘要

Recently, soybean Glycine max (L.) Mem and soy foods have been receiving a great deal of attention due to their potential health benefits. Among various phytochemicals of soybean, it is well established that isoflavones are responsible for preventing cardiovascular diseases Anthony et al, 1996; Anthony et al., 1998 and cancers Wu et al, 1998; Lamartiniere, 2000, as well as lowering of blood pressure Jenkins et al., 2002. In numerous studies on isoflavone contents and compositions of soybean,focus have been placed on the seeds of the soybean cultivars Wu et al, 2004; Kim et al, 2007. Among the different parts of soybean, leaves have been used in Korean folk medicine as a detoxifying agent for snake poisoning and as food and dietary supplement sources in the southern province of Korea. However, the evaluation of the isoflavone contents in the leaves has not yet been attempted. Thus, characterization of the isoflavones in soybean leaves is of great importance to enhance the values of leaves as functional materials and soybean as pharmaceutical.