Daidzein (DD)

Daidzein structurally belongs to the group of isoflavones. Daidzein can be converted to its end metabolite S-equol in some humans based on the presence of certain intestinal bacteria. Based on several decades of research, S-equol has potential for significant health benefits. Scientists have studied some of the activities of daidzein in their laboratories, working with cells or with animals such as mice. Studies in cells and in animals sometimes give hints as to what a chemical might do when given to humans, but no one can know what a chemical does in humans until the chemical is tested in a clinical trial. Daidzein, when consumed from soy, is transformed in some, but not all, humans to produce S-Equol [7-hydroxy-3-(49-hydroxyphenyl)-chroman], Because it is a metabolite of daidzein, S-equol is not of plant origin. The molecular and physical structure of S-equol is similar to that of estradiol, the main sex hormone found in women.