Phytochemicals in Soybean: A Review Setyawan H S, Sukardi S, D P Utami
Department of Agroindustry, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
Abstract
Soybean is a legume species that is high in phytochemicals mainly isoflavones such as glycitein, genistein and daidzein. Soybean is thus categorized as functional food or a nutraceutical which promotes various health benefits such as reducing the risk of cancer and heart diseases. Soybean is also widely involved in cosmeceutical use as it is significant in preventing aging and hyperpigmentation. Cosmeceuticals are products that are claimed to have medicinal benefits especially related to anti-aging. Several factors such as processing, storing and cultivation play a huge role in determining the stability and composition of isoflavones. The extraction and isolation of isoflavones from soybean can be done using conventional and modern techniques. Several techniques include Soxhlet and Soxtec extractions, as well as microwave and ultrasonic-assisted extractions. The aim of this paper is to review the phytochemicals content, antioxidant activity, the broad use of soybean in various field and its extraction techniques. This paper provides a review on different types on soybean with deeper focus on black soybean cultivar.
