Equol manufacturing method

Abstract

To manufacture equol simply and reliably. [Solution] The method comprises at least the steps of: dissolving soy germ isoflavones containing daidzin or daidzein, β-glucosidase, and calcined coral calcium hydrogen powder that generates negative hydrogen ions in water to create an aqueous solution of hydrogen-dissolved soy germ isoflavones; mixing the aqueous solution of hydrogen-dissolved soy germ isoflavones for a predetermined time under predetermined temperature and pressure conditions and allowing it to stand; and concentrating equol using an activated carbon filter made of Ina Akamatsu Myotan with a specific surface area of ​​400 m² / g, wherein the temperature conditions are 30°C to 60°C, the pressure conditions are 1 atmosphere to 5 atmospheres, the predetermined time is 9 hours to 15 hours, and the aqueous solution concentrated using the activated carbon filter contains 0.26 g of equol per 100 g.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing equol. [Background technology]

[0002] Equol is a metabolite of soy isoflavones and is said to be one of the substances involved in the effects of soy isoflavones on humans. Daidzein, one of the soy isoflavones, is metabolized by intestinal bacteria, and equol is produced via the intermediate dihydrodaidzein. Equol is known to have anti-estrogen, anti-androgenic, and antioxidant effects. However, only about 50% of Japanese people and about 30% of Westerners can produce equol in their intestines. Thus, even if soy isoflavones are ingested, differences in intestinal bacteria mean that some people cannot produce equol, which is thought to be one of the reasons for the variability in the effects of soy isoflavones. Furthermore, even among those who can produce equol, there are large individual differences and daily fluctuations, making it difficult to maintain a constant level of equol in daily life. Therefore, taking equol as a supplement is attracting attention.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for providing a fermented product containing live equol-producing microorganisms whose equol-producing ability has been maintained. In this technology, when producing a fermented product using equol-producing microorganisms and soybean powder or soy milk as raw materials, a mother starter is prepared by fermenting with the equol-producing microorganisms in the presence of daidzeins at a pH of 5.0 or higher under anaerobic conditions. A bulk starter is then prepared by fermenting with this mother starter in the presence of daidzeins at a pH of 5.0 or higher. Finally, a fermented product is produced by fermenting with this bulk starter in a culture medium containing soybean powder or soy milk, thereby producing a fermented product containing live microorganisms whose equol-producing ability has been maintained.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a method for investigating suitable culture conditions for equol production using microorganisms classified as belonging to the families Coriobacteriaceae and Streptococcaceae as examples of microorganisms. Patent Document 2 discloses that it has become clear that the efficiency of equol production increases dramatically when the mass percentage concentration of hydrogen gas in the gas phase during fermentation is 40-100% (especially when it is 100%), and that they have succeeded in establishing suitable culture conditions for equol production using anaerobic microorganisms. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. WO2010 / 032838 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. WO2012 / 033150 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, conventional technologies involve complex procedures for producing equol, making it difficult to miniaturize the equipment or reduce costs. Furthermore, while methods for handling hydrogen in a gaseous state, such as using a "hydrogen atmosphere" or "hydrogen gas," have been proposed for the equol production process, no consideration has been given to dissolving hydrogen powder in water.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide a method for producing equol that is simple and reliable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) In order to achieve the above objective, the present invention employs the following means. Specifically, the method for producing equol according to the present invention comprises at least the steps of: dissolving soybean germ isoflavones containing daidzin or daidzein, β-glucosidase, and calcined coral calcium hydrogen powder that generates negative hydrogen ions in water to create an aqueous solution of hydrogen-dissolved soybean germ isoflavones; mixing the aqueous solution of hydrogen-dissolved soybean germ isoflavones for a predetermined time under predetermined temperature and pressure conditions and allowing it to stand; and concentrating equol using an activated carbon filter made of Ina Akamatsu Myotan with a specific surface area of ​​400 m² / g, wherein the temperature conditions are 30°C to 60°C, the pressure conditions are 1 atmosphere to 5 atmospheres, the predetermined time is 9 hours to 15 hours, and the aqueous solution concentrated using the activated carbon filter contains 0.26 g of equol per 100 g.

[0009] (2) The present invention also provides a method for producing equol, comprising at least the steps of: dissolving soybean germ isoflavones containing daidzin or daidzein, β-glucosidase, and calcined coral calcium hydrogen powder that generates negative hydrogen ions in water to prepare an aqueous solution of hydrogen-dissolved soybean germ isoflavones; mixing the aqueous solution of hydrogen-dissolved soybean germ isoflavones for a predetermined time under predetermined temperature and pressure conditions and allowing it to stand; and concentrating equol using an activated carbon filter made of hemp charcoal activated carbon with a specific surface area of ​​1500 square meters / g, wherein the temperature conditions are 50°C to 60°C, the pressure conditions are 4 to 5 atmospheres, the predetermined time is 9 to 15 hours, and the aqueous solution concentrated using the activated carbon filter contains 0.45 g of equol per 100 g. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to produce equol simply and reliably. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1]This is a flowchart of the equol production method according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows how equol is produced when negative hydrogen ions are added to daidzein. [Figure 3] This figure shows the proportion of equol producers. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the reaction process from soy isoflavones to equol. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the characteristics of whole soybeans and soybean germ. [Figure 6] This figure shows the dose-dependent change in blood equol levels due to daidzein intake. [Figure 7] This chart shows the proportion of equol producers among Japanese people who eat soybeans and those who do not. [Figure 8] This figure shows the proportion of equol production among people of European descent. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows the manufacturing process of calcined coral calcium hydrogen powder according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Soy isoflavones possess estrogen-like and antioxidant properties, and their consumption is known to have preventative effects against various cancers, osteoporosis, and menopausal symptoms. In recent years, equol, which is produced by the enzymatic conversion of daidzein, the main component of soy isoflavones, through the action of intestinal bacteria, has attracted attention, and many researchers are studying it.

[0013] In a certain study, the active form of soy isoflavones is equol, and it has been found that among Westerners, 25% - 30% of them, and among Japanese, Koreans, Chinese who often consume soy, and Western vegetarians, about 50% - 60% can actually produce equol in the intestine as shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, it has also been found that whether one is an equol producer is important for enjoying the efficacy of soy isoflavones. However, even among Japanese, especially young women, the proportion of equol producers has been found to be as low as that of Westerners. There is also a theory that it is due to changes in the intestinal flora caused by changes in diet, but the cause has not been clarified. Although many useful properties of equol have been recognized, as mentioned above, since the number of people who can produce equol is limited, it is thought that people who cannot produce equol can enjoy the efficacy of equol by directly ingesting equol.

[0014] As shown in Figure 4, when ingesting soy isoflavone glycosides, that is, "glycoside-type isoflavones" consisting of genistin, daidzin, and glycitin, in the large intestine, the sugar part of the soy isoflavone glycosides is separated by the action of the enzyme (β-glucosidase) of intestinal bacteria, and substances without the sugar bound, that is, three substances called genistein, daidzein, and glycitein, are produced. These are collectively called soy isoflavone aglycones (sometimes also called "aglycone-type isoflavones"). Among these, as shown in Figure 4, daidzein is changed into equol by the influence of intestinal bacteria. Here, as shown in Figure 5, even for "soybeans", "soybean germ" contains more daidzein than "whole soybeans" and also has more metabolism into equol.

[0015] When women reach menopause, the secretion of female hormones decreases, increasing the risk of menopausal disorders and osteoporosis. However, equol has been shown to act similarly to estrogen, a female hormone directly related to female beauty, and is known to be effective against osteoporosis and menopausal disorders. Figure 6 is a graph showing the dose-dependent change in blood equol due to daidzein intake. Here, 190 menopausal women aged 38 to 60 years who experienced 4 to 14 hot flashes (a typical symptom of menopausal disorders such as a flushed upper body, sweating, etc.) per day were divided into three groups: placebo, daidzein-rich isoflavone (40 mg), and daidzein-rich isoflavone (60 mg), and administered for 12 weeks. As a result, as shown in Figure 6, it was confirmed that the intake of daidzein increased the blood equol concentration in a dose-dependent manner.

[0016] Also, equol has been found to be effective in treating prostate hypertrophy and AGA (male pattern baldness) in men. Additionally, research results showing that equol reduces skin wrinkles and suppresses cancer development have been reported. Such equol is produced by intestinal bacteria, but not everyone has these bacteria in their intestines. It is said that 20 - 30% of Westerners and about 40 - 50% of Japanese people have them. However, the intestinal environment is not uniformly and genetically determined; it can change depending on eating habits and other factors. Even those who cannot produce equol up to a certain point may become able to produce it later. Figure 7 is a graph comparing the frequency of eating soy foods and the ability to produce equol between people who eat a lot of soy and those who don't eat much soy. Among those who don't eat much soy, the proportion of equol producers was 26%, while among those who eat soy almost every day, the proportion of equol producers was 49%. From these results, it is inferred that eating soy increases the ability to produce equol.

[0017] As one example, there is a report that when Westerners were given aglycone-type isoflavones containing daidzein (soy isoflavone aglycone), the rate of equol producers increased to approximately 70%, as shown in Figure 8. In addition, there is a report that consuming aglycone-type isoflavones rich in daidzein for three weeks increased equol production more than consuming glycoside isoflavones.

[0018] Many methods for producing equol have been proposed that utilize microorganisms. Specifically, it is known that certain types of intestinal bacteria have the ability to produce equol, and that equol can be produced by utilizing this ability. However, generally speaking, the production volume is extremely low, and it has not been easy to produce equol in large quantities.

[0019] The inventors focused on the fact that equol is produced when hydrogen is bonded to daidzein, and discovered that equol can be produced simply and reliably without the need for large-scale equipment by appropriately mixing soybean germ isoflavones containing daidzin or daidzein, β-glucosidase, and negative hydrogen ions, leading to the present invention.

[0020] In other words, the present invention provides a method for producing equol, comprising at least the steps of: dissolving soybean germ isoflavones containing daidzin or daidzein, β-glucosidase, and calcined coral calcium hydrogen powder that generates negative hydrogen ions in water to create a hydrogen-dissolved soybean germ isoflavone aqueous solution; mixing the hydrogen-dissolved soybean germ isoflavone aqueous solution for a predetermined time under predetermined temperature and pressure conditions and allowing it to stand; and concentrating equol using an activated carbon filter made of Ina Akamatsu Myotan with a specific surface area of ​​400 m² / g, wherein the temperature conditions are 30°C to 60°C, the pressure conditions are 1 atmosphere to 5 atmospheres, the predetermined time is 9 hours to 15 hours, and the aqueous solution concentrated using the activated carbon filter contains 0.26 g of equol per 100 g.

[0021] This has enabled the inventors to produce equol simply and reliably. The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail.

[0022] [Manufacturing method 1] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating the equol production method according to this embodiment. First, a hydrogen-dissolved soybean germ isoflavone aqueous solution is prepared by dissolving soybean germ isoflavones containing daidzin or daidzein, β-glucosidase, and calcined coral calcium hydrogen powder that generates negative hydrogen ions in water (Step S1). The "water" used here can be "deep-sea water that has undergone reduction processing with hydrogen or deep-sea water from which minerals have been concentrated by ion exchange using an activated carbon filter (hereinafter also referred to as "concentrated ionized deep-sea water")." Furthermore, the "concentrated ionized deep-sea water" may or may not be desalted. In addition, commercially available powdered daidzein can be used, but for example, if the powder contains 20.4% daidzein, the daidzein concentration in the solution when 30g of this powder is dissolved in 100mL of water will be "30g × 20.4% = 6.12g." On the other hand, calcined coral calcium hydrogen powder generates "more than 3.0 quintillion negative hydrogen ions per gram." The amount of calcined coral calcium hydrogen powder mixed into the aqueous solution is preferably 0.5% to 10%. By using calcined coral calcium hydrogen powder, electron-charged hydrogen ions can be efficiently generated and dissolved in water for a long period of time. Regarding these "electron-charged hydrogen ions," while general hydrogen ions are "H+" which lack one electron, there are also "negative hydrogen ions H-" which are charged with two electrons, and there are reports that research toward practical application is underway at Kyoto University and Tokyo Institute of Technology.

[0023] When the calcined coral calcium hydrogen powder according to this embodiment is dissolved in water, "electronically charged hydrogen ions" are generated. Positively charged hydrogen ions do not have the ability to release electrons and therefore do not possess reducing power, but negatively charged hydrogen ions have the ability to release electrons and therefore possess reducing power. These negatively charged hydrogen ions reduce reactive oxygen species, producing harmless water. On the other hand, "antioxidants" such as vitamin C and polyphenols have the ability to reduce reactive oxygen species, but after reducing reactive oxygen species, they remain as "oxides" due to their pro-oxidant action (antioxidants become radicals and have oxidizing effects), which may oxidize the human body. In contrast, negatively charged hydrogen ions exert their reducing action and, after combining with reactive oxygen species, only safe and harmless water is produced. They do not remain as oxides and have no pro-oxidant action whatsoever, making them the safest and most effective antioxidant. In other words, hydrogen, as the smallest atom in the universe, is the smallest antioxidant that can reach every corner of the human body, and it is also expected to have the ability to recombine with antioxidants that have been oxidized, returning them to their pre-oxidation state (reducing action). Research on such "electronically charged hydrogen ions, also called negative hydrogen ions," is progressing at Tokyo Institute of Technology and Kyoto University. It is expected that electron-charged hydrogen ions will exert antioxidant functions through their action.

[0024] Furthermore, the calcined coral calcium hydrogen powder according to this embodiment has been demonstrated to generate "more than 3.0 quintillion negative hydrogen ions per gram" through the following experiment (conducted by a third-party research institution). First, the principle of measuring negative hydrogen ions will be explained, but NAD + By utilizing the chemical reaction in which nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is converted to NADH (reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) by accepting electrons, H is indirectly obtained. + The amount of ions generated can be measured. In chemical equation form, it is NAD. + +H + +2e - →It is NADH. Note that H + +2e - = H -It is as follows. The specific test method is as follows. First, 10 ml of distilled water is added to 1 g of the calcined coral calcium hydrogen powder according to this embodiment and stirred. Next, after standing for 1 hour, the supernatant is analyzed. A buffer solution is added to 100 μl of the supernatant, and the absorbance A1 is measured. Next, an NAD solution and a buffer solution are added to 100 μl of the supernatant, and the absorbance A2 is measured. The absorbance was measured using an ultraviolet-visible near-infrared spectrophotometer (UV-2600 manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation). The change in absorbance, which is the difference between absorbance A2 and absorbance A1, corresponds to the amount of NADH generated during the reaction, that is, the amount of generated negative hydrogen ions. Based on the change in absorbance, by applying Lambert-Beer's law and calculating the amount of NADH generated, the amount of negative hydrogen ions generated during the reaction can be quantitatively determined. By this experiment, it was confirmed that the calcined coral calcium hydrogen powder according to this embodiment generates 3.55×10 20 ions (3.55 trillion ions) per gram.

[0025] Next, the manufacturing method of the calcined coral calcium hydrogen powder according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the manufacturing process of the calcined coral calcium hydrogen powder according to this embodiment. As described above, this calcined coral calcium hydrogen powder can generate negative hydrogen ions at a high concentration for a long time. First, coral powder is supplied into the furnace (step T1), and the coral powder is heat-treated in a kiln (step T2). These are the firing processes of coral, and the processing conditions are that the atmospheric pressure in the furnace is 1 atm to 6 atm and the temperature is 50°C to 200°C. Next, hydrogen loading is caused using "deep ocean water or water-soluble silicon-containing water" that has been reduced by hydrogen (step T3). Thus, when the fired coral powder and the mineral-containing water ("deep ocean water or water-soluble silicon-containing water" that has been reduced by hydrogen) are reacted at a temperature of 1 atm to 6 atm and 50°C to 200°C, fine pores (diameter 10 to 200 Å) are generated by the partial reaction between the coral powder and the mineral. As a result, a large amount of hydrogen can be carried (adsorbed) by the minerals in the fine pores.

[0026] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to calcined coral calcium hydrogen powder, but may also be used with other negative hydrogen ion generating powders that generate negative hydrogen ions (electronically charged hydrogen ions), such as hydrogen-absorbing silica powder or the powder described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-158414.

[0027] Next, the temperature and pressure are set (step S2). Here, the temperature is preferably 30°C to 60°C and the pressure is preferably 1 atmosphere to 5 atmospheres. Next, under these temperature and pressure conditions, the aqueous solution of hydrogen-dissolved soybean germ isoflavones is mixed and allowed to stand for a predetermined time (steps S3, S4). In this process, as shown in Figure 2, negative hydrogen ions act on daidzein to produce equol. This predetermined time is preferably 9 to 15 hours. Next, the equol is concentrated using an activated carbon filter made of Ina Akamatsu Myotan with a specific surface area of ​​400 m² / g (step S5). Through these steps, an aqueous solution containing 0.26 g of equol per 100 g is produced.

[0028] Furthermore, the specific surface area of ​​the activated carbon filter made from Ina Akamatsu Myotan was measured using the BET method (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method), the Langmuir method, and the t-Plot method, and the results were 475.1669 m2 / g, 577.6958 m2 / g, and 410.0948 m2 / g, respectively.

[0029] [Manufacturing method 2] Furthermore, for step S2, the temperature conditions may be set to 50°C to 60°C and the pressure conditions to 4 to 5 atmospheres. Additionally, for step S5, instead of using an activated carbon filter made of Ina Akamatsu Myotan with a specific surface area of ​​400 m² / g, an activated carbon filter made of hemp charcoal activated carbon with a specific surface area of ​​1500 m² / g may be used to concentrate the equol. This will produce an aqueous solution containing 0.45 g of equol per 100 g. Other conditions and manufacturing processes are the same as in manufacturing method 1.

[0030] Furthermore, activated carbon filters made from hemp charcoal are known for their high adsorption capacity. Hemp has also been known in Japan since ancient times and has been particularly utilized as a fiber. With its high thermal conductivity and excellent moisture absorption and release properties, it has been an integral part of daily life as a material for clothing. It also has deep ties to Shinto rituals and has been highly valued since ancient times as something that "purifies impurities." It is widely known that it is used in the gohei (paper streamers) used in purification rituals at shrines and in the ropes worn by sumo grand champions.

[0031] Furthermore, equol could not be produced under temperature, pressure, and time conditions other than those specified in Manufacturing Method 1 and Manufacturing Method 2. For example, when the temperature was below 30°C or the pressure was greater than 5 atmospheres, or when the conditions deviated from those of Manufacturing Method 1 and Manufacturing Method 2, the equol content was below the limit of quantification. The "limit of quantification" is defined as "2.8 (mg / 100g)". In addition, although the specific surface area of ​​commercially available charcoal is known to be "approximately 50 to 200 m2 / g", equol production could not be confirmed when filters using such commercially available charcoal were applied.

[0032] The inventors verified that equol was actually produced by the equol production method according to this embodiment.

[0033] [First Verification] In the first verification, we confirmed that commercially available daidzein (hereinafter referred to as "daidzein X"), which is a raw material for equol, does not contain equol. Daidzein X is a raw material whose main component is daidzein, which is obtained by removing the glycoside from daidzin, which is abundant in soybean germ isoflavones. The test method was as follows: Commercially available "daidzein X" was dissolved in methanol, adjusted to 1 mg / mL, and filtered through a 0.22 μm filter to be used as the measurement sample. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was performed on this measurement sample. An "ACQUITY UPLC HSS T-3 (2.1 mm × 100 mm)" column was used, the column temperature was 40°C, and the mobile phase was 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution and acetonitrile with a flow rate of 0.6 mL / min. The mass spectrometry conditions were "ESI Positive mode", "MRM (precursor ion) m / z 243.10", and "product ion m / z 123.16". As a standard sample, equol dissolved in ethanol was used, and a calibration curve was created by appropriately diluting it, and the equol content of the measured sample was calculated. The test results for equol content are shown in the following table. [Table 1]

[0034] However, the equol content is shown per 100g by weight. Furthermore, the "limit of quantification" is 2.8 (mg / 100g). Thus, it was confirmed that commercially available daidzein X, which is the raw material for equol, does not contain equol.

[0035] [Second Verification] Next, the equol content was measured in a sample obtained by reacting the commercially available "Daizein X" mentioned above with negative hydrogen ions using manufacturing method 1 according to this embodiment. The test method was as follows: The sample obtained by reacting "Daizein X with negative hydrogen ions using manufacturing method 1 according to this embodiment" was dissolved in methanol, adjusted to 1 mg / mL, and filtered through a 0.22 μm filter to be used as the measurement sample. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was performed on this measurement sample. An "ACQUITY UPLC HSS T-3 (2.1 mm × 100 mm)" column was used, the column temperature was 40°C, and the mobile phase was 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution and acetonitrile with a flow rate of 0.6 mL / min. The mass spectrometry conditions were "ESI Positive mode", "MRM (precursor ion) m / z 243.10", and "product ion m / z 123.16". As a standard sample, equol dissolved in ethanol was used, and a calibration curve was created by appropriately diluting it, and the equol content of the measured sample was calculated. The test results for equol content are shown in the following table. [Table 2]

[0036] However, the equol content is shown per 100g by weight. Thus, when the equol production method 1 according to this embodiment was carried out using commercially available daidzein X, which was confirmed to be free of equol, it was confirmed that equol was produced.

[0037] [Third Verification] Next, the equol content was measured in a sample obtained by reacting the commercially available "Daizein X" mentioned above with negative hydrogen ions using manufacturing method 2 according to this embodiment. The test method was as follows: The sample obtained by reacting "Daizein X with negative hydrogen ions using manufacturing method 2 according to this embodiment" was dissolved in methanol, adjusted to 1 mg / mL, and filtered through a 0.22 μm filter to be used as the measurement sample. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was performed on this measurement sample. An "ACQUITY UPLC HSS T-3 (2.1 mm × 100 mm)" column was used, the column temperature was 40°C, and the mobile phase was 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution and acetonitrile with a flow rate of 0.6 mL / min. The mass spectrometry conditions were "ESI Positive mode", "MRM (precursor ion) m / z 243.10", and "product ion m / z 123.16". As a standard sample, equol dissolved in ethanol was used, and a calibration curve was created by appropriately diluting it, and the equol content of the measured sample was calculated. The test results for equol content are shown in the following table. [Table 3]

[0038] However, the equol content is shown per 100g by weight. Thus, when the equol production method 2 according to this embodiment was carried out using commercially available daidzein X, which was confirmed to be free of equol, it was confirmed that equol was produced.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the aqueous solution containing equol concentrated using an activated carbon filter can be used as is in liquid form, or it can be powdered using freeze-drying or spray-drying technology and then used.

[0040] Furthermore, by combining equol with lactobionic acid, it can be used, for example, as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms, and it has been shown to be useful in reducing the risk of various lifestyle-related diseases (arteriosclerosis, osteoporosis). For this reason, a supplement containing lactobionic acid in equol produced by the equol production method according to this embodiment is expected to be useful. Incidentally, while lactobionic acid is an oligosaccharide acid synthesized from lactose, maltobionic acid is an oligosaccharide acid synthesized from maltose, which is derived from corn starch, and the characteristics of the two raw materials are surprisingly similar (they promote the absorption of minerals such as calcium and magnesium to strengthen bones, and they also have an intestinal regulating effect). For this reason, maltobionic acid is expected to have a similar effect on equol.

Claims

1. A process to prepare an aqueous solution of hydrogen-dissolved soybean germ isoflavones by dissolving soybean germ isoflavones containing daidzin or daidzein, β-glucosidase, and calcined coral calcium hydrogen powder that generates negative hydrogen ions in water, The process involves mixing the hydrogen-dissolved soybean germ isoflavone aqueous solution for a predetermined time under predetermined temperature and pressure conditions and allowing it to stand, The process includes at least the step of concentrating equol using an activated carbon filter made from Ina Akamatsu Myotan with a specific surface area of ​​400 square meters / g, The temperature conditions are 30°C to 60°C, the pressure conditions are 1 atmosphere to 5 atmospheres, and the predetermined time is 9 hours to 15 hours. A method for producing equol, characterized in that the aqueous solution concentrated using the activated carbon filter contains 0.26 g of equol per 100 g.

2. A process to prepare an aqueous solution of hydrogen-dissolved soybean germ isoflavones by dissolving soybean germ isoflavones containing daidzin or daidzein, β-glucosidase, and calcined coral calcium hydrogen powder that generates negative hydrogen ions in water, The process involves mixing the hydrogen-dissolved soybean germ isoflavone aqueous solution for a predetermined time under predetermined temperature and pressure conditions and allowing it to stand, The process includes at least the step of concentrating equol using an activated carbon filter made of hemp charcoal activated carbon with a specific surface area of ​​1500 square meters / g, The temperature conditions are 50°C to 60°C, the pressure conditions are 4 to 5 atmospheres, and the predetermined time is 9 to 15 hours. A method for producing equol, characterized in that the aqueous solution concentrated using the activated carbon filter contains 0.45 g of equol per 100 g.

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