Soyabean (Glycine max) is a leguminous plant native to East Asia, which is widely cultivated for the expensive edible oil extracted from it. After the extraction of oil, the defatted remnant is known as Soybean extract. This extract is a rich source of protein and is commonly used as animal feed. The soya bean seeds are rich in phytic acid, dietary minerals and B vitamin.

Cardiovascular diseases are increasing at an alarming rate across the world. The unbalanced lipid metabolism (dyslipidemia) is the primary risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Several drugs currently used for the management of dyslipidemia are associated with side effects. Current research is more focused towards the use of medicinal plants for the improvement of health. The extract of soya beans has been found to be effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

How does soya bean extract reduce the cholesterol levels?

Hyperlipidemia is a broad term used to denote raised serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC or bad cholesterol) and triglycerides (TG). Long term hyperlipidemia can cause atherosclerosis that might prove to be a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke. The methanolic extract of soya bean seeds has been found to be effective in preventing increase in serum lipid concentrations. Thus, it controls atherosclerosis and the occurrence of CAD consequently (Kingsley, et al).

In many women, the onset of menopause is marked by an increase in serum lipid profiles. This increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases. Animal studies suggest that soybean extract supplementation modulates the level of serum triacylglycerol in ovariectomized rats (rats in which ovary had been removed). Based on these results, one can understand that supplementation of soya extract in menopausal women might improve their lipid profiles and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (Lee et al).

The peptides present in soybean protein hydrolysate (SPH) are mainly responsible for the hypocholesterolemic effect. These peptides trigger the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) synthesis. When these receptors are synthesized in greater number, the binding between the low-density lipoproteins and the receptors is enhanced. This enhances the catabolism or breakdown of the intracellular cholesterol and reduces the cholesterol synthesis simultaneously. The net outcome of this mode of action is reduced cholesterol levels in blood (Cho, Juillerat et al).

In addition, the leaf extract of soy plant also shows cardio-protective effects. It triggers the dilation of the arteries, so, the serum lipid profile is modulated positively. It prevents the occurrence of atherosclerosis (Han, Li, et al).

Evidences That Suggest the Cholesterol Lowering Effect of Soya Bean Extract

A meta-analysis conducted on laboratory animals suggests that the consumption of soy protein reduces the concentration of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides without significantly affecting serum HDL cholesterol concentrations (Anderson, et al).

During a clinical trial, the animal protein in the diet of human beings was substituted with soy protein. This substitution resulted in the lowering of total cholesterol levels and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol levels in individuals with hypercholesterolemia. Triglycerides were also found to be reduced, particularly in subjects with hypertriglyceridemia (Carroll).

Improve Your Health with Soybean Extract