Genistein, found in soy, was found to work as an anti-oxidant, and by inhibiting NF-kB

Genistein was not found to reduce cholesterol or alter the lipid profile in any meaningful way.

The publication:

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Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2008 Nov;86(11):777-84.

Genistein inhibits the development of atherosclerosis via inhibiting NF-kappaB and VCAM-1 expression in LDLR knockout mice.

Wang J, Zhang R, Xu Y, Zhou H, Wang B, Li S.

Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Hanzhong Road 140, Nanjing 210029, China.

Summary of the abstract

Diet can be an important factor that influences risks for cardiovascular disease.

Genistein, found in abundance in soy, is one candidate that may benefit the cardiovascular system.

The effect of genistein in atherosclerosis (AS) development was explored using a mouse model.

Genistein was able to enhance serum antioxidative ability in the mouse model. Genistein had no influence, however, on serum cholesterol and lipid profiles. Genistein substantially reduced the expression of NF-kB. These observations suggest that genistein may exert its beneficial effects by increasing serum antioxidants and by decreasing NF-kB activity.

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