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The medicinal benefits of soybeans may finally be
explained in on ongoing CNRC study.
Funded by the National Institutes of Health, the
study is investigating the effect of chemicals in the
soy plant, isoflavones, in reducing hypertension in
menopausal women.
Another two-year study is examining the effect of
these same soy isoflavones on osteoporosis in menopausal
women.
"There doesn't appear to be any downside to
soy," said Dr. William Wong, CNRC scientist and
professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. "We
should have some idea at the end of the study on how
much soy isoflavones lower blood pressure and also
on the ways in which this effect occurs."
Wong and his colleagues are particularly interested
in isoflavones that are part of a group of chemicals
called phytoestrogens, which are abundant in soy plants,
because they may lower blood pressure. They are also
examining the effect of isoflavones on the production
of nitric oxide, a substance made by blood vessels
that reduces the tendency of blood to clot.
The six-week trial will administer enriched isoflavones
to patients, who will undergo monitoring of blood pressure
for an entire 24-hour period. Patients will be equipped
with an automatic device that will measure blood flow
using an elastic armband filled with mercury.
"It will give us a better idea as to whether
this beneficial effect persists through the whole 24
hours or is confined to just certain parts of the day
or night," said Wong. "It will also allow
us to determine what role nitric oxide production is
playing."
Isoflavone has long been believed by some members
of the scientific community to ward off health problems
associated with aging, such as hot flashes in menopausal
women; but limited empirical data have prevented physicians
from recommending its use. However, concerns about
conventional estrogen replacement therapy, based on
its connection to an increased risk of breast cancer,
have compelled many women to consider "natural" alternatives
such as soy.
Wong is still actively recruiting study participants.
Healthy menopausal women with blood pressures between
130/80 and 160/100 who are not taking hypertensive
medication may call 713-798-6783 for enrollment information. |
