The workshop teaches leadership skills to women scientists from around the world. A simple way of making glycitein could be a boon for research into isoflavones, Murphy explained. Isoflavones are found naturally in some plants, most notably soy. Nutritionists believe these compounds reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and age-related cancers of the breast, prostate and colon. But nutritionists don't entirely understand how or why.
Researchers know a lot about genistein and daidzein because they are easy to obtain.
But glycitein has been something of a mystery with relatively little lab work done on it due to its scarcity. That should change with Lang'at's process, Murphy said. She adds that knowing how all three compounds act together will give researchers a much clearer picture of what makes these compounds healthful to consumers. An organic chemist by training, Lang'at provided the expertise Murphy lacked and helped devise a much simpler way to make glycitein. Gone was the exacting, multi-step process, literally replaced by a simpler mix and microwave method.