The most important attribute of soybean is their health benefits due to protein and isoflavones that prevent and treat many chronic diseases(Reference Jooyandeh1). Isoflavones found in soybean have anti-carcinogenetic activities, prevent cardio-vascular diseases, prevent osteoporosis, have antioxidant activities and alleviate menopausal symptoms(Reference Alekel, St Germain and Peterson2). The countries with highest consumption of phyto-oestrogen (isoflavone and lignan) have low rate of breast cancer(Reference Anderson and Michelle Cotterchio3). However there is limited information on isoflavones content in soybean produced in Rwanda. The study aimed to determine isoflavones content in soybean varieties grown in Rwanda and soybean milk processed using water extraction method(Reference Hosken4).
Isoflavones were determined in five varieties grown in South and Eastern zones using AOAC Official Method 2008·03(5). Triplicates samples of soybean flour (N = 10) and soybean milk (N = 10) were used for study. The extracts analysed on a reverse-phase (C-18) UPLC with UV detection (λnm = 260). The target analytes were aglycon isoflavones: Genistein and Daidzein, and their glucoside forms: Daidzin and Genistin.
The total isoflavones varied between 1866·2 and 4627·0μg/g in soybean flour and between 140·1 and 277·5μg/g for soybean milk. Squire variety had the highest isoflavone content with twice more than the other test varieties in both flour and milk. These findings will inform Rwandese breeders on how best to adjust their programs in order to improve the nutritional content of cultivated soybean and the Rwandan wellbeing.
This project was supported by the BecA-ILRI Hub through the Africa Biosciences Challenge Fund (ABCF) program.