Researchers discovered that two natural compounds found in soybeans—daidzein and genistein—may help slow down how quickly your body breaks down carbohydrates and sugars. Using lab tests and mouse studies, scientists found that these compounds can attach to and change how two important digestive enzymes work, potentially reducing blood sugar spikes after meals. This research suggests these plant-based compounds could become a natural supplement option for people managing diabetes, though more human studies are needed to confirm the benefits.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How two natural plant compounds (daidzein and genistein) affect the enzymes in your digestive system that break down carbohydrates and control blood sugar
  • Who participated: Laboratory experiments using isolated enzymes and mice; no human participants were involved in this study
  • Key finding: Both compounds successfully slowed down enzyme activity and reduced blood sugar spikes in mice after they consumed sugar, suggesting they work as natural enzyme blockers
  • What it means for you: These plant compounds may eventually help people manage blood sugar levels, but this is early-stage research. More testing in humans is needed before recommending them as a diabetes treatment. They might be worth discussing with your doctor if you’re interested in natural supplement options.

The Research Details

Scientists used multiple laboratory techniques to understand how daidzein and genistein work. First, they tested these compounds in test tubes with isolated enzymes to see if they could slow down enzyme activity. They used special light-based tests (spectroscopy) to watch how the compounds attached to and changed the shape of the enzymes. They also used computer modeling to predict exactly where and how these compounds bind to the enzymes. Finally, they gave mice sugar and then gave them genistein to see if it reduced their blood sugar spikes in real bodies.

This multi-layered approach allowed researchers to understand the mechanism at different levels—from molecular interactions to actual biological effects. The combination of lab tests and animal studies provides stronger evidence than any single test alone.

Understanding exactly how these compounds work helps scientists determine if they could be safe and effective for humans. By studying the mechanism, researchers can predict potential side effects and determine optimal doses. This foundational research is necessary before moving to human clinical trials.

This study used rigorous scientific methods including multiple complementary techniques and animal testing. However, the research has important limitations: it was conducted in laboratory settings and mice, not humans. The sample size for animal studies was not specified. No human trials were conducted, so we cannot yet confirm these compounds work the same way in people. The study was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which means other experts reviewed the work for quality.

What the Results Show

Both daidzein and genistein successfully inhibited the two key enzymes involved in breaking down carbohydrates and sugars. The compounds attached to these enzymes and changed their shape, reducing their ability to function. The inhibition was reversible, meaning the enzymes could potentially return to normal function when the compounds were no longer present.

The spectroscopic analyses showed that the compounds caused measurable changes in the enzyme structure and their surrounding environment. These physical changes directly correlated with reduced enzyme activity. The molecular docking studies confirmed that the compounds fit into specific binding sites on the enzymes, supporting the mechanism of action.

In the mouse study, when genistein was given to mice that consumed sugar, their blood sugar levels after the meal were significantly lower compared to mice that didn’t receive genistein. This in vivo (in living organism) result suggests the laboratory findings translate to real biological effects.

The research showed that daidzein and genistein worked through slightly different mechanisms—one as a mixed-type inhibitor and one as a non-competitive inhibitor. This distinction suggests they may have complementary effects. The compounds appeared to work by altering the three-dimensional shape of the enzymes rather than simply blocking their active sites, which is an important mechanistic finding.

This research builds on existing knowledge that plant compounds can affect blood sugar metabolism. Previous studies suggested soy-derived compounds had potential benefits, but this research provides detailed mechanistic explanations for how and why they work. The findings align with traditional use of soy products in Asian diets and support the scientific basis for these traditional practices.

The most significant limitation is that this research was conducted in laboratory settings and mice, not humans. Results in mice don’t always translate to humans due to differences in metabolism and physiology. The study did not specify sample sizes for the animal experiments. No information was provided about potential side effects or optimal dosing in humans. The research focused only on these two specific compounds and doesn’t address how they might interact with medications or other foods. Long-term effects were not studied. The study was published very recently (November 2025), so independent verification by other research groups is still pending.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research alone, we cannot recommend daidzein and genistein supplements for diabetes management. The evidence is promising but preliminary (confidence level: low to moderate). If you have diabetes or prediabetes, continue following your doctor’s treatment plan. You may discuss these findings with your healthcare provider, but human clinical trials are needed before these compounds can be recommended as a treatment. Eating whole soy products as part of a balanced diet is generally considered safe and may provide these compounds naturally.

People with diabetes or prediabetes interested in natural supplement options should be aware of this research, though it’s too early to act on it. Healthcare providers studying plant-based diabetes treatments should follow this research. People already consuming soy products are already getting these compounds naturally. People taking diabetes medications should not substitute supplements for prescribed treatments without medical guidance.

If these compounds eventually become available as supplements and are proven effective in humans, you would likely need to take them regularly to see benefits. Blood sugar improvements would probably be noticeable within a few weeks of consistent use, but this timeline is based on similar compounds and hasn’t been tested in humans yet.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily soy product consumption (servings of tofu, tempeh, soy milk, edamame) and correlate with blood sugar readings if you monitor glucose. Record the type and amount of soy products consumed to identify patterns.
  • If interested in exploring these compounds naturally, gradually increase soy product intake to 1-2 servings daily and monitor how you feel and any changes in energy levels or hunger patterns. Log this in your nutrition tracking app alongside meal timing and blood sugar readings if applicable.
  • Create a 12-week tracking plan that logs soy consumption, blood sugar readings (if you monitor), energy levels, and hunger patterns. Use the app’s trending features to identify correlations between soy intake and metabolic markers. Share results with your healthcare provider to inform future dietary decisions.

This research is preliminary and has not been tested in humans. These findings should not be used to replace prescribed diabetes medications or medical treatment. Anyone with diabetes, prediabetes, or taking blood sugar medications should consult their healthcare provider before making dietary changes or considering supplements based on this research. Soy products may interact with certain medications, including hormone therapies and blood thinners. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.