Formation of Succinyl Genistin and Succinyl Daidzin by Bacillus Species

ABSTRACT:  6"- O -Succinyl-4'-hydroxyisoflavone-7- O -β-D-glucopyranoside (succinyl-β-daidzin) and 6"- O -succinyl-6,4'-dihydroxyisoflavone-7- O -β-D-glucopyranoside (succinyl-β-genistin), 2 new isoflavone metabolites, are found in  cheonggukjang  or  natto , traditional soy-based foods fermented with  Bacillus  species. Standard isoflavones including daidzin, genistin, daidzein, and genistein, and mixtures of isoflavones extracted from roasted soybeans were added to the medium growing  Bacillus subtilis  or  B. subtilis  natto and formation of succinyl-β-daidzin and succinyl-β-genistin were monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Samples containing  Bacillus  with daidzin and genistin produced succinyl-β-daidzin and succinyl-β-genistin, respectively, while those with daidzein and genistein did not produce succinyl derivatives. Daidzin in samples with  B. subtilis  and  B. subtilis  natto decreased by 39.7% and 10.7%, respectively, for 4 h incubation while genistin decreased by 66.8% and 17.6%, respectively. Genistein decreased faster than daidzein during incubation with  B. subtilis  or  B. subtilis  natto without formation of succinyl derivatives. In the case of mixture of isoflavones, succinyl derivatives increased and β-glucosides and aglycones of isoflavones decreased significantly for 8 h incubation ( P  < 0.05).     

Phenolic Antioxidants of Soy Protein Hydrolyzates

Soy protein hydrolyzate (SPH) was investigated to identify the phenolic compounds responsible for antioxidant activity. Three isoflavones–genistein, daidzein, and glycitein–were found in SPH. These are the same isoflavones that have been identified in raw soybeans. No isoflavone glycosides were found in SPH. The phenolic acids found in SPH were caffeic, ferulic, p-coumaric, syringic, vanillic, gentisic, and p-hydroxybenzoic acids. The compounds were identified by TLC, GLC and UV spectra. The isoflavones were confirmed by their mass spectra.     

Higher bioavailability of isoflavones after a single ingestion of aglycone-rich fermented soybeans compared with glucoside-rich non-fermented soybeans in Japanese postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND: There have been conflicting study results concerning how the food matrix affects the bioavailability of isoflavone aglycone and glucoside. In this study the bioavailability of isoflavones after a single ingestion of aglycone‐rich fermented soybeans (Fsoy) and glucoside‐rich non‐fermented soybeans (Soy) was compared. Eleven healthy postmenopausal Japanese women were recruited for a randomised, double‐blind, crossover trial and consumed Fsoy or Soy powder dissolved in hot water. Blood samples were collected 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h and urine samples from 0 to 48 h after ingestion of the powders. The Fsoy and Soy powders ingested had the same total isoflavone content (95 µmol), but the former was rich in aglycone (90.6 µmol) while the latter was rich in glucoside (81.9 µmol). RESULTS: Serum concentrations of total isoflavones after 1–4 h were significantly higher in the Fsoy group than in the Soy group. The Fsoy group showed significantly higher maximum concentration (Cmax: 2.79 ± 0.13 vs 1.74 ± 0.13 µmol L^?1) and area under the curve (AUC_{0–24 h}: 23.78 ± 2.41 vs 19.95 ± 2.03 µmol day L^?1) and lower maximum concentration time (Tmax: 1.00 ± 0.00 vs 5.00 ± 0.67 h) compared with the Soy group. The cumulative urinary excretion of total isoflavones after 2 h was significantly higher in the Fsoy group than in the Soy group. Individual isoflavones (daidzein, genistein and glycitein) showed similar trends to total isoflavones. Equol (a metabolite from daidzein) did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrated that the isoflavones of aglycone‐rich Fsoy were absorbed faster and in greater amounts than those of glucoside‐rich Soy in postmenopausal Japanese women. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

丹贝异黄酮的提取分离与结构鉴定

从丹贝中分离纯化了 3种异黄酮 ,它们分别是染料木素、大豆黄素、黄豆黄素 ,而未分离到 6 ,7,4’ -三羟基异黄酮。丹贝中异黄酮的组成主要是各种苷元 ,证明丹贝生物活性的提高是由于异黄酮由糖苷水解成苷元所致。同时还发现 ,使用甲醇作溶剂在分离纯化过程中可能使染料木素转变成黄豆黄素     

青方腐乳发酵过程中大豆异黄酮的转化研究

本文比较了青方、红方、白方和低盐红腐乳中大豆异黄酮组成和含量差异,并对青方腐乳发酵过程中大豆异黄酮含量和构型变化规律进行研究。结果表明,四种类型腐乳中大豆异黄酮基本以苷元形式存在,青方腐乳大豆异黄酮含量明显低于其他类型腐乳,仅为红方腐乳的33.01%,从单一异黄酮来看,大豆苷元和染料木素在四种类型腐乳中的含量明显高于黄豆黄素;青方腐乳发酵过程中大豆异黄酮转化研究发现,白坯中大豆异黄酮以糖苷型为主,染料木苷含量高于大豆苷和黄豆黄苷,前酵过程中糖苷型大豆异黄酮转化为苷元型大豆异黄酮,盐腌过程中糖苷型大豆异黄酮含量有轻微降低,发酵过程中苷元型大豆异黄酮总量在后酵前30 d显著下降,其中大豆苷元可能部分转化为雌马酚,导致青方腐乳大豆异黄酮含量明显低于其他类型腐乳,对其转化物质需进一步鉴定。     

Lesser in vitro anaerobic cecal isoflavone disappearance was associated with greater apparent absorption of daidzein and genistein in Golden Syrian hamsters

Our hypothesis in this study was that in vitro disappearance of isoflavones from fecal or cecal contents of Golden Syrian hamsters paralleled the apparent absorption of these compounds, comparable with previous findings from in vitro human fecal incubations. Two studies were conducted to test this idea: one on in vitro fecal (study 1, n = 20/sex) and the other on in vitro cecal contents (study 2, n = 10/sex) ability to degrade isoflavones. According to HPLC analysis, urinary isoflavone excretion was significantly less by 2-4 fold in males compared with females in both studies. Fecal isoflavone excretion was not significantly different between sexes or isoflavones (study 1) and was <0.5% of ingested dose. In vitro anaerobic fecal isoflavone degradation rate constants from study 1 were minimal with no significant correlation between urinary and fecal isoflavone excretion. However, in vitro anaerobic cecal isoflavone degradation rate constants (study 2) were greater and significantly correlated with urinary excretion of daidzein (R = 0.90; p = 0.01) and genistein (R = 0.93; p = 0.004), but not glycitein (R = 0.50; p = 0.3). Both male and female hamsters showed a pattern of urinary isoflavone excretion similar to that found in humans (daidzein > genistein). Hamster in vitro cecal isoflavone degradation rate constants seemed to be analogous to human in vitro fecal isoflavone degradation rate constants for genistein and daidzein. The sex difference in isoflavone excretion in hamsters and the instability in glycitein excretion across studies coupled with the paucity of human data on this isoflavone deserve further investigation.     

Conversion of Isoflavone Glycosides to Aglycones in SoyLife and Soymeal Using β-glycosidase

ABSTRACT: Conversion of isoflavones from glycosides to aglycones in SoyLife and soymeal using varying concentrations of β-glycosidase, and different pH conditions and temperatures was investigated. The best conditions for the conversion of glycosides to aglycones were pH 5.0, 50 °C, and 5 h incubation with 5 units β-glycosidase/g Soy Life and 1.5 units/g soymeal. Under these conditions, the amount of genistein, daidzein, and glycitein in Soy Life treated with β-glycosidase were 4.22, 11.52, and 11.85 μmol/g compared to untreated controls of 0.26, 0.97, and 4.43 μmol/g, respectively. In soymeal, the amounts were 3.21, 2.02, and 2.12 μmol/g compared to untreated controls of 1.23, 1.25, and 1.51 μmol/g, respectively. Mole percent recovery of genistein was 87% in Soy Life and 80% in soymeal, respectively.     

Bioavailability of soy isoflavones in rats Part I: application of accurate methodology for studying the effects of gender and source of isoflavones

There are limited and controversial reports about the effects of gender and source of isoflavones on their bioavailability. Moreover, several previous studies have not used appropriate methodology to determine the bioavailability of soy isoflavones, which requires comparing the area under the plasma concentration-time curve after both oral and intravenous injection (IV) administration. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the bioavailability of isoflavones from different sources following both oral and IV administration in male and female rats. Three sources of isoflavones; Novasoy (a commercial supplement), a mixture of synthetic aglycones (daidzein, genistein and glycitein) and a mixture of synthetic glucosides (daidzin, genistin and glycitin) were tested. Following administration, blood samples were collected at several time points (0, 10, 30 min and 1, 2, 8, 24, 48 h post oral gavage and 0, 10, 30, 45 min and 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 h post-IV dosing) and plasma isoflavones were measured by LC/MS. Bioavailability values for daidzein, genistein and glycitein were significantly (p <0.05) higher (up to sevenfold) in Novasoy and the glucoside forms of isoflavones compared with those of the aglycone forms. Moreover, significant (p <0.05) gender differences in the bioavailability of 7-hydroxyl-3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-chroman (a metabolite of daidzein), glycitein and daidzein were observed for Novasoy, with higher values in male rats. In summary, the source of isoflavones and the sex of rats had significant effects on isoflavone bioavailability.     

A new ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography method for the determination of total isoflavone aglycones after enzymatic hydrolysis: Application to analyze isoflavone levels in soybean cultivars

Since only isoflavone aglycones are considered to be bioactive, the determination of total aglycones that are released from conjugated isoflavones after hydrolytic treatment may facilitate an objective alternative for quantifying isoflavone contents in soy products. Given this major benefit, a new ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography (UV-UPLC?) method was developed for the fast and reliable determination of total aglycones in soybeans (daidzein, glycitein, and genistein) after enzymatic hydrolysis applying helix pomatia digestive juice. Capitalizing on the enhanced performance of UPLC?, aglycones were separated within 3 min only, with a total runtime of 8 min till the next injection. Thus, especially compared to HPLC protocols, UPLC? proved to be superior due to significantly shorter runtimes and accordingly increasing sample throughput. Additionally, regarding the performed validation (linearity, precision, recovery, selectivity, and robustness), the established method proved to be suitable for quantifying total aglycones in soybeans. Moreover, method applicability was demonstrated by analyzing 23 commercial soybean cultivars for their isoflavone contents. Cumulative aglycone levels ranged from 100 to 255 mg per 100 g, hence implying an average ratio of 52%, 41%, and 7% of total isoflavones for genistein, daidzein and glycitein, respectively. However, for some soybeans, other distinct aglycone distributions were observed as well.     

Stability of isoflavone phytoestrogens in fermented soymilk with Bifidobacterium animalis Bb12 during storage at different temperatures

Soy isoflavones in fermented soymilk with Bifidobacterium animalis Bb12 were stored at various temperatures (?80, 4, 24.8 and 37 °C) for 8 weeks and the concentration of isoflavones determined weekly using reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC). The first‐order kinetic model was used to assess the degradation of each isomer at each storage temperature. Soymilk predominantly possesses high concentrations of isoflavone glucosides and very low concentration of bioactive aglycone component. During storage at various temperatures, concentrations of individual isoflavone isomers appeared to be significantly stable (P < 0.01). Interestingly, aglycones showed much smaller degradation constants compared with glucosides at all the storage temperatures studied. Genistein and daidzein were much more stable than glycitein and had almost similar degradation patterns, despite differences in their concentrations in the fermented soymilk. It was, however, observed that 4 °C was the most suitable storage temperature for the product in order to guarantee minimal degradation of bioactive isoflavone aglycones.     

Determination of isoflavones in commercial soy products by HPLC and coulometric electrode array detection

The concentrations of the isoflavones daidzein, genistein and glycitein were determined in a large number of commercially-available soy products by high-performance liquid chromatography with coulometric electrode array detection using estriol as internal standard.During extraction, the naturally occurring glycosides were converted into their respective aglycones by acid hydrolysis. The analytes were separated on a C-18 reversed phase column, eluted with methanol/acetonitrile/50 mM sodium acetate pH 4.8 (40/5/55, v/v/v), and detected by a coulometric electrode array detector using twelve electrodes set to potentials between +250 and +800 mV (in increments of 50 mV) against palladium reference electrodes.The isoflavones could be determined over a wide concentration range (0.8–1135.0 mg/kg for daidzein, 1.9–1442.5 mg/kg for genistein and 0.5–154.6 mg/kg for glycitein). The recovery of the isoflavones in the different matrices was determined by the standard addition method and varied between 40.9–94.4%. The detection limits (S/N=3) depend on the matrix of the soy product and were found for daidzein between 0.3–1.6 mg/kg, for genistein between 0.3–1.7 mg/kg and for glycitein between 0.5–2.3 mg/kg.     

Bioavailability of Isoflavone Metabolites After Korean Fermented Soybean Paste (Doenjang) Ingestion in Estrogen‐Deficient Rats

Doenjang (DJ), a fermented soybean product used in soups, stews, and sauces, contains high quality proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and other functional ingredients, including isoflavones and saponins. This study investigated whether DJ improves the bioavailability of isoflavones compared to boiled soybean (BS) in sham‐operated or ovariectomized (OVX) rats. We also examined the effects of ovariectomy on the differences in bioavailability of isoflavones. BS and DJ were administered in sham‐operated and OVX rats, and blood samples were collected. Twenty‐six isoflavone‐derived metabolites were identified. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that T_1/2 values of the individual isoflavone metabolites were most different in sham and OVX rats, even after the same sample treatment; however, T_max values were significant different in a few metabolites such as daidzein 4′‐glucuronide, daidzein 4′‐sulfate, 2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, and benzoic acid. For most of the individual metabolites, C_max was higher in both sham and OVX rats administered BS than those administered DJ. The AUC was generally lower in OVX rats than in sham rats. The AUC of daidzein and genistein in BS‐fed sham rats was approximately 1.7‐fold higher than those administered DJ, whereas glycitein was detected only in the DJ group. No significant differences in AUC of daidzein and genistein were observed between BS and DJ administration in OVX rats, although the total isoflavone content of DJ was lower; thus, DJ‐mediated isoflavone bioavailability was more effective in OVX rats. Similar tendencies were observed for phase II and gut‐mediated metabolites. These results suggested that DJ enhanced isoflavone bioavailability under estrogen deficiency, even when the total isoflavone content was decreased by fermentation.     

Isoflavone phytoestrogen degradation in fermented soymilk with selected beta-glucosidase producing L. acidophilus strains during storage at different temperatures

Soymilk fermented with 3 selected Lactobacillus acidophilus strains were stored at various temperatures (-80 degrees C, 4 degrees C, 25 degrees C and 37 degrees C) for 8 weeks and the concentration of isoflavones determined weekly using RP-HPLC. The decreasing concentration of isoflavones in soymilk during storage due to degradation was found to fit the first order kinetics model. Isoflavone aglycones as well as isoflavone glucosides largely appeared to be stable during storage (P<0.01). Interestingly, the aglycone forms showed much smaller degradation as compared to glucoside forms at all the storage temperatures studied. Of the isoflavone aglycones, daidzein was found to be the most stable followed by genistein, while glycitein was least stable. Isoflavone aglycones such as glycitein, daidzein and genistein showed smaller degradation constants in fermented soymilk at lower storage temperatures (-80 degrees C and 4 degrees C) and higher degradation constants at higher storage temperatures (25 degrees C and 37 degrees C) with each strain. In contrast, glucosides glycitin and daidzin showed higher degradation at lower storage temperatures (-80 degrees C and 4 degrees C) and lower degradation at higher storage temperatures (25 degrees C and 37 degrees C). Storage temperature was therefore found to be very important in regulating the rate of degradation soy isoflavones in fermented soymilk.     

Comparison of nutritional components (isoflavone,protein, oil,and fatty acid) and antioxidant properties at the growth stage of different parts of soybean [<Emphasis Type="Italic">Glycine max</Emphasis> (L.) Merrill]

This is the first study to investigate antioxidant capacities of isoflavones prepared using microwave-assisted hydrolysis method from different parts (seeds, leaves, leafstalks, pods, stems and roots) of soybean at growth stages. In addition, the fluctuations in the isoflavone, protein, fatty acid, and oil contents in R6-R8 (R6: beginning; R7: beginning maturity; R8: full maturity) seeds were confirmed. The R7 seeds exhibited the most predominant contents of isoflavones (1218.1±7.3 μg/g) in the following order: daidzein (48%)>genistein (35%)>glycitein (17%). The second highest isoflavone content was found in the leaves (1052.1±10.4 μg/g), followed by R8 seeds>roots>R6 seeds>leafstalks> pods; the stems exhibited the lowest isoflavone content (57.2±1.7 μg/g). Interestingly, daidzein showed the highest individual isoflavone content with remarkable variations (57.2-766.8 μg/g), representing 46-100% of the total isoflavone content. R8 exhibited higher protein, fatty acid, and oil contents than R6 or R7. Moreover, the antioxidant capacities against two radicals in different parts of soybean plant showed considerable differences depending upon the isoflavone content. Our results suggested that soybean leaves and seeds might be useful materials for functional foods.     

Purification and characterization of a β-glucosidase capable of hydrolyzing soybean isoflavone glycosides from Pichia guilliermondii K123-1

A β-glucosidase, efficiently hydrolyzing isoflavone glycoside to isoflavone aglycone, was purified from Pichia guilliermondii K123-1, isolated from Korean soybean paste by ammonium sulfate precipitation, ion exchange column chromatography, gel filtration, and fast protein liquid chromatogram (FPLC). The molecular mass of purified enzyme was estimated to be 45 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDSPAGE). The optimum temperature for enzyme activity was 45°c and it decreased dramatically above 50°c. The maximal activity was at pH 4.5 and more than 80% of the activity was retained for 24 hr in the pH range from 4.0 to 8.0 at 4°C. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the enzyme was determined to be GLNWDYDNDK. Based on its substrate specificity and catalytic properties, the activity of the purified β-glucosidase was more effective when the sugar moiety of the glycoside was glucose and the size of the aglycone similar to that of the isoflavones. The purified β-glucosidase efficiently converts genistin and daidzin to genistein and daidzein 1.96 and 1.75 times more than almond meal β-glucosidase.     

Determination of Major Isoflavones in Soy Drinks by Solid-Phase Micro Extraction Coupled to Liquid Chromatography

A simple method for determination of major isoflavones (daidzein, genestein, genistin) and equol, a daidzein metabolite, has been developed using solid-phase micro extraction coupled to liquid chromatography with diode array UV detection. All the aspects influencing adsorption (fibre coating, extraction time, temperature, pH and salt addition) and desorption of the analytes (desorption and injection time and minimize carryover) were carefully investigated. The limits of detection obtained using a polydimethylsiloxane /divinylbenzene fiber coating were in the range 4 (genistein) to 38 (genistin) nM. The method proved to be useful for determination of analytes in soy-based products. Daidzein, genistein, and genistin were found in all samples (three soy milks and two blended rice/soy beverages) at concentrations ranging from 0.8?±?0.2 (daidzein) to 180.4?±?12.1 (genistin) μM, while glycitein and equol were found in three and in one of the drinks at levels between 1.7?±?0.1 and 5.0?±?0.2 μM and at 2.7?±?0.2 μM, respectively. The procedure was used to define the binding constants of isoflavones with serum albumin bovine that were found from 2.5?×?10⁴ (daidzein) to 2.9?×?10⁵ (genistein) L mol^?1. The method proposed restricts the use of organic solvents and can be used widely in most laboratories with standard equipment. In addition, it is suitable for easily studying the isoflavone interaction with the main constituents in plants, e.g., proteins and lipids, to evaluate their bioavailability and to clarify the controversial question on benefits for or damage to human health resulting from soy intake.     

Original article: Thermal dynamic properties of isoflavones during dry heating

Thermal stabilities of major soya isoflavones at different dry‐heating temperatures were determined in this study. The conversion of glucoside isoflavones to aglycone isoflavones was monitored as well. The thermal degradation of the isoflavones: glucoside form daidzin, glycitin, and genistin and aglycone form daidzein, glycitein, and genistein followed first‐order reaction kinetics at heating temperatures 100, 150, and 200 °C. The degradation rate constants of the six isoflavones were not significantly different at 100 °C. However, the constants increased with increasing heating temperature. The half‐life for the glucoside and aglycone isoflavones was from 144 to 169 min and 139 to 176 min at 100 °C, respectively. They decreased rapidly to 15.7–54.7 and 36.0–90.7 min when temperature increased to 150 °C. When heated at 200 °C, they further decreased to 5.8–6.0 and 15.7–21.2 min, respectively. The order of thermal stability from lowest to highest was glycitin < genistin < daidzin < glycitein < genistein < daidzein at temperature below 150 °C. However, their thermal stabilities were not different at 200 °C. The conjugated glucosides were cleaved from the isoflavones to produce their corresponding aglycones when heated at 150 °C or higher. The production of glycitein increased constantly and was the highest among the three aglycone isoflavones.     

Combination of low dose of genistein and daidzein has synergistic preventive effects on isogenic human prostate cancer cells when compared with individual soy isoflavone

The reduced incidence of prostate cancer (PCa) in Asia countries has been attributed to high soy diets, and major soy isoflavones, in particular daidzein and genistein, are thought to be the source of the beneficial and anti-cancer effects of soy foods. However, attention has been drawn to the safety of using high levels of soy isoflavones in humans, which is especially the concern for consumers taking regular soy isoflavone dietary supplements. The main objective of this study is thus to identify a soy isoflavone combination with lower levels of daidzein and genistein to be a more efficacious and safer chemo-preventive agent for PCa. The anticancer effects of daidzein and genistein, and their combinations on early-stage androgen-dependent PCa cells (LNCaP) and bone metastatic LNCaP-derivative PCa cells (C4-2B) were compared. Cells were treated with varying concentrations of daidzein, genistein (25–200 μM) or their combinations (25 or 50 μM) and cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycles and cellular uptakes of the isoflavones were measured after 48 h. Daidzein and genistein showed a synergistic effect on inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis of both PCa cells. Twenty-five μM daidzein/50 μM genistein and 50 μM daidzein/50 μM genistein significantly increased the apoptotic effects on C4-2B cells although they did not show any effect when used individually. Except 50 μM daidzein/50 μM genistein, all other combinations had no impacts on cell cycles. For treatment with soy isoflavone combination, genistein was always better taken up than daidzein by both LNCaP and C4-2B cells.     

超高效液相色谱-串联质谱法快速测定保健食品中大豆异黄酮含量

建立保健食品中6种大豆异黄酮的超高效液相色谱串联质谱(UPLC-MS/MS)同时检测方法。样品中大豆异黄酮采用80%甲醇超声提取、Florisil固相萃取柱净化,C₁₈色谱柱分离,以0.1%甲酸水溶液和乙腈为流动相,流速0.3 mL/min,柱温30 ℃,质谱正离子多反应监测(MRM)模式进行检测。结果表明,大豆苷、大豆黄苷、染料木苷、大豆素、大豆黄素以及染料木素在各自浓度范围内线性关系良好;大豆黄苷、大豆黄素检出限均为10 μg/kg;大豆苷、染料木苷检出限均为20 μg/kg;大豆素、染料木素检出限均为30 μg/kg,加标回收率为81.8%~98.4%,相对标准偏差为1.8%~6.7%。所建立的超高效液相色谱串联质谱是一种高灵敏度、高准确度的测定方法,对保健食品中大豆异黄酮的质量控制提供了参考依据,具有一定的理论意义和应用价值。     

Use of Bacillus subtilis to enrich isoflavone aglycones in fermented natto

BACKGROUND: Natto is a food made by fermenting cooked soybeans with Bacillus subtilis. Soybean isoflavones are reported to provide many health benefits, including oestrogenic effects. However, isoflavone aglycones may be absorbed faster and in higher amounts in the human intestine than their glucosides. This study aimed to investigate the content of isoflavone components in commercial natto products as well as the use of B. subtilis strains to ferment cooked soybeans to produce a high level of isoflavone aglycones in natto. RESULTS: The content and composition of isoflavones in commercial natto products were predominantly (>76%) isoflavone glucosides. Fermentation of cooked soybeans with B. subtilis BCRC 14718 at 37 °C for 48 h was more effective in converting glucosides to aglycones than with other strains of B. subtilis, increasing the proportion of isoflavone aglycones from 12 to 68% of the total isoflavones in the fermented natto. The proportions of the isoflavone aglycones daidzein and genistein in cooked soybeans fermented with B. subtilis BCRC 14718 for 48 h increased from 6 to 54% and from 5 to 13% respectively. CONCLUSION: Bacillus subtilis BCRC 14718 incubated with cooked soybeans produces higher levels of isoflavone aglycones, which may enhance health benefits over traditional fermented natto. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry