Glossary of Terms

Absorption- The processes by which products of digestion pass into the blood or lymph system, making them usable by the body.

AglyMax- The primary ingredient in Effisoy. AglyMax is a unique soy germ extract with standardized levels of isoflavones in their most usable form (see isoflavone aglycone below). While the process to produce AglyMax is quite involved and protected by patents in both Japan and the United States, the fundamental technique has existed for thousands of years. One capsule of Effisoy with AglyMax is equivalent to 16 bowls of traditional, fermented, Miso soup.

Anti-Estrogenic- Process that does not have an action similar to that of an estrogen.

Antioxidant- A substance, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, or beta carotene, thought to protect body cells from the damaging effects of oxidation.

Bioactivity- Relating to a substance that has an effect on or interaction with a living tissue.

Bioavailability- The extent to which a nutrient or medication can be used by the body.

Black Cohosh- Black cohosh has been included in herbal compounds or dietary supplement marketed to women as remedies for the symptoms of premenstrual tension, menopause and other gynecological problems. However, a recent study published in Annals of Medicine (December 19, 2006) casts serious doubt on its efficacy. The researchers actually found black cohosh slightly less effective than a placebo and concluded that the herb "shows little potential as an important therapy for relief of vasomotor symptoms.” It was thought that black cohosh contained estrogen-like chemicals, but recent research suggests that it works by binding to serotonin receptors. Native Americansused black cohosh to treat gynecological disorders and other disorders as well, including sore throats, kidney problems, and even depression.

Daidzin- One of several known isoflavones in the soy plant. Daidzin, with an in ending is a scientific nomenclature suffix, describing it is a glycoside molecule, or “has a sugar molecule attached” (see isoflavone glycoside below). There is a lot of inconsistency as well as misunderstanding in scientific community and therefore also in the public about whether an isoflavone is daidzin or daidzein and likewise genistin or genistein. Daidzin, “has a sugar molecule attached”, is found in the non-fermented forms of soy, like tofu, soy milk, and textured vegetable protein (TVP). Daidzin is not as well absorbed by body, and there are some people (especially in the West) who can not absorb daidzin at all because they do not posses the enzyme to break the sugar molecule off of the isoflavone.

Daidzein- One of several known isoflavones in the soy plant. Daidzein, with an ein ending is a scientific nomenclature suffix, describing it is an aglycone molecule, or “without a sugar molecule attached”. Aglycones are thought to be the most usable form of isoflavone by the body. This is because the sugar molecule is not attached anymore, and thus less digestion is required by the body and easier absorbtion can occur because it requires no enzymatic breakdown to occur prior to absorption (see isoflavone aglycone below). There is a lot of inconsistency as well as misunderstanding in scientific community and therefore also in the public about whether an isoflavone is daidzin or daidzein and likewise genistin or genistein. For example, many products will claim to contain daidzein when in actuality they contain daidzin. This is most likely done out of misunderstanding versus trying to trick the public or consumer. Daidzein, “without a sugar molecule attached” is found in fermented forms soy, like tempeh, miso, and Effisoy.

Daidzein/Daidzin is the highest percentage isoflavone found in the germ of the soy bean.

There is mounting scientific evidence that isoflavone aglycone daidzein-rich soy supplements have stronger results for menopausal symptoms, antioxidant effects, bone health and hormone dependent cancers than any other isoflavone.   

Digestion- A chemical or mechanical process of breaking down food-stuffs into substances that can be absorbed.

 Effisoy- The natural solution to managing menopause. Effisoy is the only soy supplement on the market that uses the traditional Japanese Koji fermentation process to produce its main ingredient, AglyMax.

Enzyme- Any of numerous proteins produced in living cells that accelerate or catalyze the metabolic processes of an organism. Enzymes are usually very selective in the molecules that they act upon, often reacting with only a single molecule type.

Beta-glucosidase - The name of the enzyme that is used in to break the sugar molecule off of a soy isoflavone. (see isoflavone aglycone below)

Estrogen(s) - A group of hormones functioning as the primary female sex hormone. They promote the development of female secondary sex characteristics, such asbreasts, and are also involved in the thickening of the endometrium and other aspects of regulating themenstral cycle. Estrogen levels decrease at menopause, but never fully stop producing. It is this decrease of estrogen levels that signifies the end of the menstruation and fertility.

Estrogenic- Process that does have an action similar to estrogen.

Fermentation- A chemical reaction in which sugars are broken down into smaller molecules that can be used in living systems. Alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, and whiskey, are made from the controlled use of fermentation, as well as with Effisoy.

First Pass Effect- (or first-pass metabolism) is a phenomenon of drug metabolism. After a drug is swallowed, it is absorbed by thedigestive system and enters portal circulation. This is where the absorbed drug is carried through the portal vein into the liver. The liver is responsible for metabolizing many drugs. Some drugs are so extensively metabolized by the liver that only a small amount of unchanged drug may enter the systemic circulation, so the bioavailability of the drug is reduced.

Flavonoids- Any of a large group of water-soluble plant pigments that are beneficial to health. Flavonoids are plant chemicals and have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. They also help to maintain the health of small blood vessels and connective tissue, and some are under study as possible treatments of cancer. Flavonoids are also called bioflavonoids in the media.

Genistin- One of the three major isoflavones found in the soy plant. Genistin, with an in ending is a scientific nomenclature suffix, describing that it is a glycoside molecule, or “with sugar molecule attached” (see isoflavone glycoside below). There is a lot of inconsistency as well as misunderstanding in the scientific community and therefore also in the public about whether an isoflavones is genistein or genistein and likewise daidzin and daidzein. Genistin is mostly found the bean (vs. the germ) of the soy plant.

Genistein- - One of the three major isoflavones found in the soy plant. Genistein, with an ein ending is a scientific nomenclature suffix, describing it is an aglycone molecule, or “without a sugar molecule attached”. Aglycones are thought to be the most usable form of isoflavone by the body. This is because the sugar molecule is not attached anymore, and thus less digestion is required by the body and easier absorbtion can occur because it requires no enzymatic breakdown to occur prior to absorption (see isoflavone aglycone below). There is a lot of inconsistency as well as misunderstanding in scientific community and therefore also in the public about whether an isoflavone is daidzin or daidzein and likewise genistin or genistein. For example, many products will claim to contain daidzein when in actuality they contain daidzin. This is most likely done out of misunderstanding versus trying to trick the public or consumer. Genistein, “without a sugar molecule attached” is found in fermented forms soy, like tempeh, miso, and Effisoy. Genistein is the highest percentage isoflavone in the bean (vs. the germ) of the soy plant.

Glucuronic Acid-In the body, glucuronic acid is often connected to hormones (estrogen) to allow for easier transport and excretion. Glucuronic acid is often attached to a substance during the first pass of absorption, and then removed again by the body during second pass of absorption. This allows the hormone a second chance to get absorbed into the body. Pharmacists also commonly link drugs to glucuronic acid to allow for easier delivery.

Glycitin- One of the three major isoflavones found in the soy plant. Glycitin, with an in ending is a scientific nomenclature suffix, describing that it is a glycoside molecule, or “with sugar molecule attached” (see isoflavone glycoside below). Glycitin is found in the smallest percentage of both the soy bean and the soy germ, at about 10% of each.  

Glycitein- One of several known isoflavones in the soy plant. Glycitein, with an ein ending is a scientific nomenclature suffix, describing it is an aglycone molecule, or “without a sugar molecule attached”. Aglycones are thought to be the most usable form of isoflavone by the body. This is because the sugar molecule is not attached anymore, and thus less digestion is required by the body and easier absorbtion can occur because it requires no enzymatic breakdown to occur prior to absorption (see isoflavone aglycone below). Glycitein is the smallest percentage of isoflavones, at about 10% found in both the germ and the bean of the soy plant. Glycitein, “without a sugar molecule attached” is found in fermented forms soy, like tempeh, miso, and Effisoy.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)- A system of medical treatment for surgical menopausal, perimenopausal and ostmenopausal women, based on the assumption that it may prevent discomfort and health problems caused by diminished circulating estrogen  andprogesterone hormones. The treatment involves a series of drugs designed to artificially boost hormone levels. The main types of hormones involved are estrogens, progesterone or progestins, and sometimes testosterone. Recent studies have indicated that HRT may be more harmful to one’s health than helpful. And, there are some women who shouldn’t take HRT at all. It is important to discuss all options with your primary care provider.

Hormone(s) - A chemical messenger from one cell (or group of cells) to another. These chemical messengers are produced in the body by endocrine glands, and are then transported by the blood to other organs to stimulate their function.

Hot Flash- A sudden, temporary sensation of heat experienced by some women during perimenopause and menopause. Also called a hot flush.

Hysterectomy- Surgical removal of part or the entire uterus.

Intestinal Bacteria/Micro Flora/Gut Flora- The gut flora are microorganisms (organisms that are too small to be visible to the human eye) under normal conditions they live in the digestive tract and perform a number of necessary functions involving digestion for their hosts (you!). Though people can survive even without any gut flora, the microorganisms perform a host of useful functions, such as fermenting unused material to provide energy, training the immune system, preventing growth of harmful species of micro flora, regulating the development of the gut and even producing hormones to direct the host to store fats. Of course, gut flora are not always purely helpful; some microorganisms are thought to be capable of causing disease, for example causing infection or cancer in the host's tissues.

Isoflavone Aglycone/Aglycones- The non-sugar component of an isoflavone glycoside molecule that results from the sugar component being broken off the molecule through hydrolysis and enzymatic action. An isoflavone aglycone is an isoflavone molecule that has had the sugar component of the molecule removed. In the body, this process requires the enzyme beta-glycoside in the gut. Or, the isoflavone can undergo fermentation prior to consumption, also resulting in an isoflavone aglycone.

Isoflavone Glycoside/Glycosides- Certain molecules in which a sugar part is bound to some other part of the molecule. Glycosides play numerous important roles in living organisms. Many plants store important chemicals in the form of inactive glycosides; if these chemicals are needed, the glycosides are brought in contact with water and an enzyme, and the sugar part is broken off, making the chemical available for use. This is exactly the case with isoflavone glycosides. Many such plant glycosides are used as medications.

Isoflavone/Soy Isoflavone- Soy isoflavones are plant-derived compounds often referred to as phytoestrogens or “plant estrogens”. It is important to note that isoflavones are not hormones even though they are called plant-estrogens. They are, however, similar in shape to the estrogen produced within our bodies, and have the ability to bind to the same estrogen receptors as estrogen.

Koji- Aspergliius, or 'Koji-kin' in Japanese, is one of the filamentous fungi most widely used in fermentation industries in Japan. It is exploited in the production of sake, 'miso' (soybean paste), 'shoyu' (soy sauce) etc. and has been safely used for than 1,000 years. Hence, it is often called 'fungus of the country'. It can be used for large-scale production of enzymes and other proteins. Koji is what is used to ferment the soy germ for the production of AglyMax in Effisoy.

Lipophilic (fat-loving) - Having an affinity for, tending to combine with, or capable of dissolving in lipids (fats).

Menopause- The period of a woman’s life that is marked by the permanent cessation of menstruation usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. Menopause is arbitrarily as a cessation of menstruation for 12 consecutive months.

Metabolic Processes- Referring to any number of the total of all chemical reactions in the body.

Microbes/Fungus- An organism that is microscopic (too small to be visible to the human eye). The study of microorganisms is called microbiology. Microorganisms can be bacteria, fungi, archaea or protists, but not viruses and prions because they are generally classified as non-living.

Perimenopause- Refers to the time preceding menopause, during which the production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone diminishes and becomes more irregular. During this period fertility diminishes, menopause is arbitrarily defined as a minimum of twelve months without menstruation. Symptoms of perimenopause can begin as early as age 35, although most women become aware of them much later. It can last for a few months or for several years. The duration of perimenopause cannot be predicted in advance.

Phytoestrogen- Chemicals produced by plants that act like estrogens in animal cells and human bodies.

Post-menopause- Refers to the time after menopause, or the time after menstruation has ceased for 12 consecutive months. Women are estimated to spend 1/3 of their lifetime in post-menopause.

Progesterone- Progesterone means pro (supporting) gesterone (gestation or pregnancy). Progesterone is the other hormone your ovaries make, other than estrogen, and its main function is to support pregnancy. There is some evidence suggesting that progesterone can be helpful during menopause. Progesterone is usually included in HRT, unless your ovaries have been removed. There is the treatment option to take natural progesterone, or synthetic progesterone.

Oxidation- Describes the loss of electrons by a molecule, atom or ion. Oxidative reactions are thought to play a major role in aging, and age-related diseases in the body.

Receptor Site/Binding- A molecule (protein) on the cell surface or in the cell interior that has an affinity for a specific chemical group (hormone). The binding that occurs from this affinity facilitates entry into the cell, when they bind they will facilitate chemical signals that direct the cell to work in a certain appropriate way. This is a “lock and key” model, where the receptor site is the lock and the receptor binding component (or hormone) is the key.   

Red Clover- (Trifolium pratense) is a species of clover, native to Europe, western Asia and northwest Africa. Red Clover also contains isoflavones and phytoestrogens and has been used to treat the symptoms of menopause.

Second Pass/ Enterohepatic Circulation- This is your body’s second chance at absorbing nutrients. The second pass effect works differently depending on the nutrient involved. For soy isoflavones, the process works by the first pass effect isoflavones being excreted by the kidney through bile (instead of urine). At this time, your body made has the isoflavone back into its inactive form, glycoside, by attaching a glucoronic acid molecule or a sulfate molecule. The isoflavone has a second chance to be reabsorbed by your body because the bile is sent to intestinal tract where micro flora live that can break the glucuronic or sulfate bond. This frees the isoflavone, and allows it a second chance to be absorbed. However, if you haven’t ingested the free isoflavone (aglycones to begin with, it is highly unlikely that the isoflavones will undergo second pass.

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) - Any of a class of drugs (as raloxifene or tamoxifen) that bind with estrogen receptors and act estrogenic in some tissues and anti-estrogen in other tissues.

Soy- The soybean (U.S) or soya bean (UK) (Aglycone max) is a species of legume native to Eastern Asia. It is an annual plant that may vary in growth, habit, and height.

Soy Foods- Many foods are made from soy beans today. Traditionally, soy was mainly eaten in the fermented form. Fermented foods include miso, tempeh, and natto. Today, especially in western cultures common soy foods include non-fermented varieties such as soy milk, and tofu.

Soy Germ- The most nutrient dense portion of the seed, if not used, this is the part of the soy bean that would eventually become the new plant.

Standardized- As in “Standardized Fermented Soy Germ Extract”, Standardized means you can depend on a given amount of substance to be within the product. In the case of Effisoy, we have the standardized amount of fermented soy germ extract of 68 mg. And, Effisoy has a lower amount of standardized soy because it is fermented, and therefore contains active amounts of isoflavones. The milligram equivalency to other similar products is: our 40mg is equivalent to 60mg in other non-fermented isoflavone products. Each capsule of Effisoy contains 68 mg of AglyMax (standardized fermented soy germ extract), which contains 40 mg of the isoflavone aglycones daidzein, glycitein, and genistein. 

Stomach Acid/Gastric Acid- It works together with several enzymes and instrinsic factor to digest (breakdown) food stuffs. Chemically it is an acid solution consisting mainly of hydrochloric acid, but also containing small quantities of potassium chloride (KCl) and sodium chloride (NaCl).

Surgical Menopause- The cessation of the menses from surgical removal of the ovaries. The surgery is called a hysterectomy.