Analysis of isoflavones in foods and dietary supplements

Isoflavones are phytochemicals found in many plants. Because of their structural similarity to beta-estradiol, health benefits of isoflavones have been evaluated in age-related and hormone-dependent diseases. Daidzein, genistein, and glycitein are present as free forms or derivatives in foods containing soy or soy protein extracts. The analysis of isoflavones has become more complex, because preparations contain isoflavones from multiple sources (e.g., red clover, kudzu). Red clover contains primarily formononetin and biochanin A, while kudzu extracts, which are becoming increasingly common in dietary supplements, contain puerarin and daidzein, among other components. Isoflavones are present in foods and dietary supplements as free compounds, glucoside derivatives, 6"-O-malonyl-7-O-beta-D-glucoside derivatives, and 6"-O-acetyl-7-O-beta-D-glucoside derivatives. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)/tandem mass spectrometry has been applied to the identification of isoflavone derivatives based on the fragmentation pattern of the parent ion, providing high selectivity and sensitivity in the quantitation of isoflavones in complex mixtures. HPLC with ultraviolet detection is often chosen for routine analysis, but a preliminary acid or basic hydrolysis of isoflavone derivatives is often required for the investigation of samples containing extracts from multiple sources. Several internal standards have been used in the analysis of isoflavones from a single botanical source (e.g., soy, red clover), but the identification of a general internal standard remains a challenging process.     

HPLC/DAD/MS and antioxidant activity of isoflavone-based food supplements

Isoflavones are polyphenolic compounds found mainly in legumes the benefits of which have been widely studied and attributed in particular to their phytoestrogenic activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quali-quantitative composition of food supplements based on soy isoflavones (Glycine max L.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense). Six commercial food supplements (five soy-based and one red clover-based) were analyzed by HPLC/DAD/MS. Genistein, daidzein, glycitein, biochanin A and formononetin derivatives (glycosides and acylglycosides) were identified in the analyzed samples. Also the antiradical activities (towards the DPPH* radical) and Fe2+ chelating abilities were compared.     

Quantitative determination of isoflavones and coumestrol in soybean by column liquid chromatography

Four different stationary phases and a variety of solvents in varying proportions were examined in this study. Daidzein, genistein, formononetin, biochanin A and coumestrol were separated within 24 min on a phenyl column with acetonitrile-water (33:67, v/v) as eluent. The proposed method showed an acceptable repeatability with a RSD of quantitation <6%. The mean recoveries of daidzein, genistein, formononetin, biochanin A and coumestrol from soybean ranged from 89 to 104%. The identity of the individual analytes was confirmed by LC-MS-MS. The four isoflavones and coumestrol were isolated from soybean by hydrolysis with acid and heat. Neutralization of the soybean samples prior to identification did not alter the concentration of daidzein and genistein in soybean.     

Rapid-resolution HPLC with spectrometric detection for the determination and identification of isoflavones in soy preparations and plant extracts

A rapid-resolution HPLC/UV-VIS DAD separation method (which takes <1 min) for the determination and identification of genistin, genistein, daidzein, daidzin, glycitin, glycitein, ononin, formononetin, sissotrin and biochanin A in fmol quantities in submicroliter sample volumes was optimized. A linear gradient elution (0 min 22% B, 1.0 min 80% B, 1.4 min 100% B, 1.8 min 22% B) using a mobile phase containing 0.2 % (v/v) acetic acid (solvent A) and methanol (solvent B) was applied on a Zorbax SB C₁₈ column (1.8 μm particle size) at 80 °C. The method was verified using samples of bits of soy and methanolic extracts from Trifolium pratense, Iresine herbstii and Ononis spinosa plants. Pseudobaptigenin glucoside, irilone, prunetin, texasin, tlatlancuayin and other isoflavones, in addition to aglycones of isoflavones and their β-glucosides and malonyl and acetyl derivatives, were identified by UV-VIS DAD and electrospray mass spectrometric (ESI-MS) detection in the extracts. Figure Rapid resolution HPLC for determination and identification of isoflavones in soy preparations and plant extracts     

Analysis of isoflavones in soy drink by capillary zone electrophoresis coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Capillary zone electrophoresis coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (CZE–ESI-MS) has been applied for the first time for the separation and quantification of isoflavones in soy products. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of seven isoflavones, including aglycones and glucosides, in soy drink. The target compounds were the glucosides daidzin and genistin, and the aglycones daidzein, genistein, formononetin, biochanin A and glycitein. During CE separation in positive mode, the analytes were present as anions, and MS detection was carried out in ESI positive-ion mode. To prevent the frequent drops in current and to improve the resolution in the separation of analytes in anionic form, a programmed nebulizing gas pressure (PNP) was applied along the analysis.     

Development and validation of a high‐resolution LTQ Orbitrap MS method for the quantification of isoflavones in wastewater effluent

Isoflavones and coumestranes are the most important classes of compounds among phytoestrogens; by binding to estrogen receptors, they mimic or modulate the effect on the endogenous receptors. Little information can be found in literature about the presence of isoflavones and coumestrol in the environment, even if it is known that this may have significance, being these substances classified as endocrine disrupting compounds. In this research, we aim to explore the capabilities of the LTQ Orbitrap Discovery hybrid MS in full‐scan acquisition mode, with high resolution, to validate an analytical method for the quantification of nine isoflavones (genistein, genistin, glycitein, daidzein, daidzin, (R,S)‐equol, biochanin A, formononetin and coumestrol) in wastewater samples. The correlation coefficients of calibration curves of the nine analyzed compounds were in a range of 0.996–0.999; recoveries at two different levels of concentration (0.05 and 0.5 µg/l) were in the range 73–98%, and the limits of detection ranged between 0.0014 and 0.017 µg/l, proving that this method is sensitive enough in comparison with other methods available in literature. This method has been applied for the analysis of 20 wastewater treatment plants in County Cork, Ireland. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

LC Determination of Four Isoflavone Aglycones in Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.)

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is an important forage plant that contains the isoflavones daidzein, genistein, formononetin, and biochanin A. These compounds have been studied lately due to their human health benefits. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an HPLC method with simplified sample preparation to quantify daidzein, genistein, formononetin and biochanin A simultaneously in red clover leaves. The validation showed that the method is specific, accurate, precise and robust, not to mention that the sample preparation is easier and faster than those described earlier. The response was linear over a range of 0.01–0.2 μg mL⁻¹ for daidzein, 0.05–0.5 μg mL⁻¹ for genistein, 4–40 μg mL⁻¹ for formononetin and 2–20 μg mL⁻¹ for biochanin A. The range of recoveries was 85.6–101.0%. The RSD for intra- and inter-day precision were <2.54 and <7.22%, respectively. Five populations of red clover, from the National Plant Germplasm System-USDA were analyzed and the content of daidzein, genistein, formononetin and biochanin A ranged from 7.87–91.31, 51.60–131.30, 6568.33–23461.82, to 2499.55–10337.33 μg g⁻¹ of dried material, respectively.     

Supercritical fluid extraction of isoflavones from biological samples with ultra-fast high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry

An efficient method of modifier addition for supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of polar isoflavones was developed and yielded extraordinarily high recoveries. To find the optimal extraction conditions, a temperature and pressure optimization and modifier impact study was performed in naturally contaminated and spiked samples. Ultra-fast high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) was used for the determination of isoflavones on an Atlantis dC18 high-speed reversed phase chromatographic column (20 x 2.1 mm, 3 microm particle size). A newly elaborated supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) procedure allowed more accurate (< 5%) and precise (< 4-7%) determination of isoflavones in biological materials. The HPLC/MS method significantly reduced analysis time with simultaneous improvement of sensitivity and detection limits. The on-column limits of detection LOD (S/N = 3) for isoflavone glycosides (daidzin, genistin, glycitin, ononin, and sissotrin) were 1.3-3.6 fmol and 0.2-1.0 fmol for aglycones (daidzein, glycitein, genistein, formononetin, and biochanin A), respectively.     

Quantitative determination and structural characterization of isoflavones in nutrition supplements by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

In this paper, an accurate and route method was developed to quantitative determine daidzein, genistein, glycitein, daidzin, glycitin, 6"-O-acetyldaidzin, 6"-O-acetylglycitin and 6"-O-acetylgenistin contents in selected high and low isoflavones in nutrition supplements by on line liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry (LC-APCI-MS). Improved extraction and hydrolysis methods of the isoflavones from three nutrition supplements were also studied and a rapid extraction method was developed. Comparison of different MS2 and MS3 spectra of isoflavones and some unknown compounds were also explored and proposed pathway fragments of nine isoflavones were first systematically suggested.     

Isoflavonoid compounds from red clover (Trifolium pratense) protect from inflammation and immune suppression induced by UV radiation

Isoflavones derived from many edible plants have been reported to possess significant antioxidant, estrogenic and tyrosine kinase inhibitory activity. Genistein has been found previously to provide protection from oxidative damage induced by UV radiation both in vitro and following dietary administration. We have therefore examined the potential of a number of isoflavones from red clover (Trifolium pratense) and some metabolically related compounds to offer protection from UV irradiation in hairless mice by topical application after UV exposure. We show that whereas the primary isoflavones, daidzein, biochanin A and formononetin, were inactive, 20 microM lotions of genistein and the metabolites equol, isoequol and the related derivative dehydroequol had powerful potential to reduce the inflammatory edema reaction and the suppression of contact hypersensitivity induced by moderate doses of solar-simulated UV radiation. For equol the protection was concentration dependent and 5 microM equol markedly reduced the UV-induced inflammation but abrogated the UV-induced immunosuppression. Equol protected similarly from immunosuppression induced by the putative epidermal mediator, cis-urocanic acid (UCA), indicating a potential mechanism of action involving inactivation of this UV-photoproduct. Since immunosuppression induced by both UV radiation and by cis-UCA appears to be an oxidant-dependent response our observations support the actions of these topically applied isoflavones and their metabolites as antioxidants. They also indicate that lotions containing equol, unlike topical UV sunscreens, more readily protect the immune system from photosuppression than from the inflammation of the sunburn reaction, even when applied after exposure, and thus such compounds may have a future role as sun-protective cosmetic ingredients.     

Determination of isoflavones in red clover and related species by high-performance liquid chromatography combined with ultraviolet and mass spectrometric detection

High-performance liquid chromatography-UV-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometric detector (HPLC-UV-ESI-MSD) method for determination of isoflavones in red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and related species has been developed. The separated isoflavones including aglycones, glycosides and glycoside malonates, were individually analyzed and identified by their molecular ions and characteristic fragment ion peaks using LC-MSD under MS and MS-MS mode, and in comparison with the standard isoflavones. A total of 31 isoflavones were detected in red clover. Several isoflavones were also identified for the first time in related species, T. repense L. (white clover), T. hybridum L. (alsike clover) and T. campestre Schreber (hop trefoil). Based on reversed phase HPLC, all 10 isoflavone aglycones, daidzein, formononetin, genistein, pseudobaptigenin, glycitein, calycosin, prunetin, biochanin A, irilone and pratensein in acidic hydrolyzed extracts were successfully separated within 40 min and quantified individually by UV and MS detectors. For the 10 target compounds, the investigated concentrations ranged from approximately 24 to approximately 12500 ng/ml for UV detection and approximately 6 to approximately 3125 ng/ml for MS detection, and good linearities (r2 > 0.999 for UV and r2 > 0.99 for MS) for standard curves were achieved for each isoflavone. The accuracy and repeatability (n = 10) were within 15% for these 10 compounds. This is the first method reported that enables the simultaneous quantitation of all 10 isoflavone aglycones in red clover and related species.     

Electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometric and semi-empirical calculations study of five isoflavone aglycones

Five isoflavones, daidzein, genistein, formononetin, prunetin and biochanin A, known for their biological properties, are investigated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in the positive ion mode. The most probable protonation sites are determined taking into account semi-empirical calculations using the PM6 Hamiltonian. Fragmentation mechanisms are proposed based on accurate mass measurements, MS(3) experiments and supported by the semi-empirical calculations. Some of the fragmentation pathways were found to be dependent on the substitution pattern of the B-ring and the ions afforded by these fragmentations can be considered as diagnostic. It was possible to distinguish between prunetin and biochanin A, two isobaric isoflavone aglycones included in this study. Furthermore, a comparison of the fragmentation patterns of genistein and biochanin A, two isoflavones, with those of their flavone counterparts, apigenin and acacetin, enabled us to identify some key ions mainly due to structural features, allowing distinction to be made between these two classes of compounds.     

Analysis of isoflavones in soybeans employing direct analysis in real-time ionization-high-resolution mass spectrometry

A direct analysis in real‐time (DART) ion source coupled to a high‐resolution orbitrap mass spectrometer was used for the quantitative analysis of isoflavones isolated from soybeans. For the isolation of genistein, daidzein, glycitein, and their respective acetyl, malonyl, and glucoside forms, an extraction employing 80% aqueous MeOH enhanced by sonication was used. As far as the total isoflavones (expressed as aglycones) were to be determined, an acid hydrolysis with 80% aqueous EtOH and refluxing had to be employed, while in the latter case a good agreement of the results with the data generated by the UHPLC‐orbitrap MS method was achieved, in the case of the analysis of non‐hydrolyzed extracts, some overestimation of the results as compared with those generated by UHPLC‐orbitrap MS was observed. A careful investigation of this phenomenon showed that the free aglycones originated from the conjugated forms of isoflavones in the DART ion source, thus contributing significantly to the “free” genistein/daidzein/glycitein signals during the DART analysis. Good recoveries (95–102%) and repeatabilities (RSD: 7–15%) were obtained at the spiking levels of 0.5, 1, and 0.05 g/kg, for daidzein, genistein, and glycitein, respectively. The limits of detection estimated for the respective analytes were 5 mg/kg.     

Quantitative determination of acetyl glucoside isoflavones and their metabolites in human urine using combined liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

To investigate whether the bioavailability of isoflavones could be an alternative to fermented soy foods, the conjugated forms of soy nutritional supplement (containing 98% acetyl glucoside isoflavones) were consumed by eight human volunteers (three were Asian people and five were British). Their daily urine samples were collected before and after a 5-week consumption of supplementation period. Conjugated isoflavones of genistein, daidzein and glycitein were hydrolyzed by enzyme, extracted with methyl tert-butyl ether and analysed using liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. Daidzein, genistein, glycitein, dihydrogenistein, dihydrodaidzein and O-desmethylangolensin were identified and quantified simultaneously with high recoveries. The levels of free isoflavones and total isoflavones were compared, and isoflavone glucuronides were identified much higher than the corresponding sulfates or aglycone isoflavones. This method provided the measurement of isoflavones with high sensitivity and specificity and simplified the sample pre-treatment procedure. The limitation of detections of dihydrodaidzein, 3'-hydroxydaidzein, glycitein, daidzein, genistein, dihydrogenistein and O-desmethylangolensin were 37, 23.5, 12.2, 15.4, 14.8, 2.20 and 0.31 pmol, respectively. Only 0.5 ml of urine sample was needed.     

Pressurized liquid extraction versus other extraction techniques in micropreparative isolation of pharmacologically active isoflavones from Trifolium L. species

As a new sample preparation technique, pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), in combination with reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC) and photodiode-array (PDA) detection were used for the isolation and determination of phytoestrogenic isoflavones in hydrolyzed extracts obtained from aerial parts of five Trifolium L. (clover) species. To optimize the effectiveness of PLE procedure, variable extraction parameters: methanol and acetone (or their 75% aqueous solutions), as extraction solvents, temperatures (75, 100 and 125 °C) and the changeable number of static extraction cycles were tested. Additionally, two other micropreparative techniques: ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and conventional solvent extraction (CSE), under optimized conditions, were also used and compared. Optimum extraction efficiency, expressed in the highest yield of biochanin A, formononetin, daidzein and genistein from plant material, with PLE, using methanol-water (75:25, v/v) as an extraction solvent, an oven temperature of 125 °C and three 5-min static extraction cycles, was obtained.     

Ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography of isoflavones and phenolic acids on different stationary phases

Complete separation of aglycones and glucosides of selected isoflavones (genistin, genistein, daidzin, daidzein, glycitin, glycitein, ononin, sissotrin, formononetin, and biochanin A) was possible in 1.5 min using an ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography (U-HPLC) on a different particular chemically modified stationary phases with a particle size under 2 microm. In addition, selected separation conditions for simultaneous determination of isoflavones together with a group of phenolic acids (gallic, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, caffeic, syringic, p-coumaric, ferulic, and sinapic acid) allowed separation of all 19 compounds in 1.9 min. Separations were conducted on a non-polar reversed phase (C(18)) and also on more polar phases with cyanopropyl or phenyl groups using a gradient elution with a mobile phase consisting of 0.3% aqueous acetic acid and methanol. Chromatographic peaks were characterised using parameters such as resolution, symmetry, selectivity, etc. Individual substances were identified and quantified using UV-vis diode array detector at wavelength 270 nm. Limits of detection (3S/N) were in the range 200-400 pg ml(-1). Proposed U-HPLC technique was used for separation of isoflavones and phenolic acids in samples of plant materials (Trifolium pratense, Glycine max, Pisum sativum and Ononis spinosa) after acid hydrolysis of the samples and modified Soxhlet extraction.     

Potential Effects of Soy Isoflavones on the Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome

Isoflavones are polyphenols primarily contained in soybean. As phytoestrogens, isoflavones exert beneficial effects on various chronic diseases. Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of death due to arteriosclerosis in individuals with various pathological conditions, including obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. Although the health benefits of soybean-derived isoflavones are widely known, their beneficial effects on the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome are incompletely understood. This review aims to describe the association between soybean-derived isoflavone intake and the risk of metabolic syndrome development. We reviewed studies on soy isoflavones, particularly daidzein and genistein, and metabolic syndrome, using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. We describe the pathological characteristics of metabolic syndrome, including those contributing to multiple pathological conditions. Furthermore, we summarize the effects of soybean-derived daidzein and genistein on metabolic syndrome reported in human epidemiological studies and experiments using in vitro and in vivo models. In particular, we emphasize the role of soy isoflavones in metabolic syndrome-induced cardiovascular diseases. In conclusion, this review focuses on the potential of soy isoflavones to prevent metabolic syndrome by influencing the onset of hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and arteriosclerosis and discusses the anti-inflammatory effects of isoflavones.     

Quantification of Four Isoflavones in Forages with UPLC®-MS/MS,Using the Box–Behnken Experimental Design to Optimize Sample Preparation

A performant method for the simultaneous quantification of daidzein, genistein, formononetin, and biochanin A in forages using an UPLC^®-MS/MS was developed and fully validated. The ultrasound-assisted extraction and enzymatic hydrolysis used in the sample preparation step were optimized using the Box–Behnken experimental design. The optimal extraction conditions used for a representative mix of forage plants were 80 °C, 10 min, and 55 % methanol, and for hydrolysis, they were 20 °C, 18 h, and pH = 6. The chromatographic separation was achieved using an Acquity UPLC^® HSS T3 column, with a water/methanol linear gradient containing 0.01 % of formic acid at a 0.55 mL min⁻¹ flow rate. The four isoflavones were detected by ESI mass spectrometry in positive ion MRM mode. The method allows high throughput analyses of samples and showed an adequate linear regression model for all isoflavones over a range from 5 to 125 ng mL⁻¹. There were good intra- and inter-day precisions (≤8.2 and ≤7.6 %) and accuracy (≤11.4 and ≤7.1 %). The recovery rates were in an acceptable range of 70–120 %, except for biochanin A, where the rate was about 50 %. Good method repeatability was also observed, and there was no matrix effect or carryover problem. The sample extracts were stable for at least 6 days of storage at -21 and 6 °C. The method proved to be sensitive, precise, and accurate for discriminating a wide variety of forages likely to be grazed by ruminants according to their isoflavone contents and to observe the impact of storage process on isoflavone content in forages.

     

High-throughput quantification of isoflavones, biochanin A and genistein, and their conjugates in female rat plasma using LC-ESI-MS/MS: Application in pharmacokinetic study

Isoflavones containing foods and dietary supplements are widely consumed for putative health benefits (e.g. cancer chemoprevention, beneficial effects on serum lipids associated with cardiovascular health, reduction of osteoporosis, relief of menopausal symptoms). This paper describes the development and validation of a sensitive high throughput LC‐ESI‐MS/MS method for quantifying biochanin A (BCA) and genistein (GEN), and their conjugates in rat plasma. The analytes were separated on a Supelco Discovery C18 (4.6×50 mm, 5.0 μm) column under isocratic condition using acetonitrile/methanol (50:50, v/v) and 0.1% acetic acid in the ratio of 90:10 v/v as a mobile phase. The intra‐ and inter‐day assay precision ranged from 2.66 to 8.34% and 4.40 to 8.10% (RSD %), respectively, and intra‐ and inter‐day assay accuracy was between 90.67–109.25% and 95.86–106.32%, respectively, for both the analytes. The lowest quantitation limit for BCA and GEN was 0.5 ng/mL in 0.1 mL of rat plasma. The method was successfully applied to the estimation of BCA, GEN and their conjugates in rat plasma following oral administration of BCA. Circulating conjugates (glucuronides/sulfates) of BCA and GEN were quantified using enzymatic hydrolysis of plasma samples. The levels of isoflavones glucuronides/sulfates were found to be much greater than the corresponding aglycones.     

Determination of total soy isoflavones in dietary supplements, supplement ingredients, and soy foods by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection: collaborative study

An interlaboratory study was conducted to evaluate a method for determining total soy isoflavones in dietary supplements, dietary supplement ingredients, and soy foods. Isoflavones were extracted using aqueous acetonitrile containing a small amount of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and all 12 of the naturally occuring isoflavones in soy were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection using apigenin as an internal standard. Fifteen samples (6 pairs of blind duplicates plus 3 additional samples) of soy isoflavone ingredients, soy isoflavone dietary supplements, soy flour, and soy protein products were successfully analyzed by 13 collaborating laboratories in 6 countries. For repeatability, the relative standard deviations (RSDr) ranged from 1.07 for samples containing over 400 mglg total isoflavones to 3.31 for samples containing 0.87 mg/g total isoflavones, and for reproducibility the RSDR values ranged from 2.29 for samples containing over 400 mg/g total isoflavones to 9.36 for samples containing 0.87 mg/g total isoflavones. HorRat values ranged from 1.00 to 1.62 for all samples containing at least 0.8 mg/g total isoflavones. One sample, containing very low total isoflavones (< 0.05 mg/g), gave RSDR values of 175 and a HorRat value of 17.6. This sample was deemed to be below the usable range of the method. The method provides accurate and precise results for analysis of soy isoflavones in dietary supplements and soy foods.