Compound Monograph
Daidzein
Daidzein is a soy isoflavone that acts as a phytoestrogen, found in soybeans and red clover.
Classification
Daidzein is a flavonoid (isoflavone), part of the phenolics class. Antioxidant compounds built around one or more phenol rings — the flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, coumarins, and pigments behind much of a plant's protective chemistry.
Where Does It Come From? (5)
Daidzein is a naturally occurring flavonoid (isoflavone), found in Soybean, Red clover, Kudzu and 2 other sources. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Daidzein is one of the principal soy isoflavones, occurring alongside genistein in soybeans and also in red clover and kudzu. As a phytoestrogen it can bind weakly to estrogen receptors and partly mimic the body’s estrogen, which underlies much of the research interest in soy isoflavones for menopausal symptoms and bone and cardiovascular health. In the gut, daidzein can be converted by some people’s bacteria into equol, a metabolite thought to be more active. Human evidence on isoflavones is mixed.
Toxicity & Safety
Daidzein is a normal constituent of soy foods that have been eaten safely for a long time and is regarded as well tolerated at dietary levels. Because it is estrogen-mimicking, concentrated isoflavone supplements may warrant caution in hormone-sensitive situations, a consideration discussed for soy isoflavones generally rather than for daidzein alone.