Soya in Herbal Medicine: Properties of Soy

Scientific name

Glycine max, left Soy hispida

Family

Leguminosae

Origin

East Asia

Used Parts

Drug given by the seeds

Chemical constituents

Proteins (essential amino acids: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, cysteine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine);
Phospholipids;
carbohydrates;
saponins;
Isoflavones (genistein, daidzein, glycitein, biocanin and formononetin);
Minerals;
saponins;
Vitamins.

Soya in Herbal Medicine: Properties of Soy

Thanks to the multiple chemical constituents it contains, soy has different properties. This plant, in fact, is able to improve the symptoms related to menopause, exert a protective effect on the cardiovascular system through the reduction of cholesterol levels and even seems to possess interesting anticancer properties.

Biological activity

As mentioned, soy has various properties that are conferred to it by the various active ingredients it contains, especially by isoflavones (phytosterols) and phospholipids.

The use of soy has been officially approved to counter hypercholesterolemia. This ability, most likely, can be attributed to the plant's phytosterols and lecithin.

Lecithin is a phospholipid that is part of the composition of cell membranes and plays a sort of emulsifying action against cholesterol. More in detail, lecithin performs its cholesterol-lowering action by binding cholesterol that comes from nutrition and bile cholesterol in the intestine, thus preventing it from being absorbed.

The ability to reduce the symptoms associated with menopause, on the other hand, can be attributed to isoflavones and, in particular, to genistein. This phytoestrogen, in fact, has a chemical structure related to that of estradiol; therefore, thanks to this characteristic, it is able to interact with the receptors for estrogens present in the body.

Several studies have shown that soy intake is able to reduce the risk of bone fractures due to the imbalance in calcium metabolism that occurs in the menopausal state and to reduce hot flashes and vaginal dryness typical of menopause.

However, despite this, this therapeutic application of soy and its extracts has not yet been officially approved, since not all the studies carried out have shown a real efficacy in giving relief from the aforementioned menopausal symptoms.

Furthermore, the potential anti-tumor properties have been and are still being investigated. In fact, it seems that the intake of soy can in some way exercise a preventive effect in the onset of breast cancer.

Soy against high cholesterol

As mentioned, soy can be effectively used to reduce levels of cholesterol too high, thanks to isoflavones and phospholipids (lecithin) present in it that are able to prevent absorption.

As an indication, to reduce excessively high cholesterol levels, it is recommended to take 3-3.5 grams of soy lecithin per day.

Soy in folk medicine and homeopathy

Soy is used in folk medicine to treat liver disorders, gall bladder disorders, anemia, decreased concentration and as a remedy to combat weakness.

In Chinese medicine, on the other hand, soy is used to combat joint pain, hyperhidrosis, night sweats and as a remedy for confusion.

Soy is also available in various homeopathic preparations in the form of oral solutions or globules and is available in different homeopathic concentrations. Generally, homeopathic soy is used against hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular disorders, as well as a remedy to combat anxiety, memory disorders and stress.

The dosage of homeopathic product to be taken can vary depending on the homeopathic dilution used and according to the type of disorder that is intended to be treated.

Side effects

In some cases, following soy intake, gastrointestinal side effects may occur, such as stomach pain, loose stools or diarrhea.

Contraindications

Avoid use in case of hypersensitivity to one or more components.

Warnings

Due to the presence of phytoestrogens, following the use of soy it is possible to interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary axis that regulates the menstrual cycle.

Attention in pregnancy: the phytoestrogens are able to go beyond the placental barrier altering the developmental function of the endocrine glands of the fetus, while the young males can suffer side effects from phytoestrogens. The intake of phytoestrogens is contraindicated in women with previous or recent estrogen-dependent breast cancer.