The seeds were not processed by the Commission E as a drug, nevertheless, they play an important role in folk medicine. Soy lecithin is used to treat mild dyslipidemia when dietary measures are unsuccessful. It is treated with soy lecithin mainly hypercholesterolemia (too high cholesterol levels in the blood).
Fields of application of soy
Furthermore, it has been observed that there is a subjective improvement in loss of appetite and the symptoms of chronic liver inflammation (hepatitis) due to the intake of soy lecithin. Soy lecithin has a generally protective effect on the liver.
Clinical studies have also shown that the drug can be used for prophylaxis of gallstones and acute and chronic liver diseases (hepatopathies).
Folk medicinal use of soy
Folk medicine uses extracts of soybeans due to the content of isoflavonoids and lignans, among other things, for the treatment of complaints related to menopause. In addition, they are said to improve liver metabolism and lower blood lipid levels. However, the true health benefits of beans are controversial.
Soy in homeopathy
In homeopathy, soy products were also used to treat menopausal symptoms.
Ingredients of soy
Soybeans, especially the yellow varieties, consist of a large proportion (12-25%) of fatty oil, the main components being linoleic acid, oleic acid and palmitic acid.
Furthermore, various phospholipids, such as soy lecithin, sterols and glucosterols, globulins, isoflavonoids and lignans are contained in the beans. Soy lecithin comprises a phospholipid mixture whose main component is phosphatidylcholine.
Soy: indication
Indications for the medicinal use of soy are:
- Lipid metabolism disorders
- Blood lipid lowering
- Hypercholesterolemia
