Lunasin FAQs

What is Lunasin and where is it found?

Lunasin is a unique 43-amino acid soybean peptide that contains a -RGD-cell adhesion motif followed by 8 aspartic acid residues at the carboxyl end and a structurally conserved helix region. Lunasin is a small subunit of the 2S albumin, a group of storage proteins that occur widely in seeds of dicotyledonous plants such as soybeans, wheat, and barley. Lunasin was originally identified in soybeans, and its concentration varies in different seeds and in different breeds of the same species.

What are the health benefits of Lunasin?

Lunasin has been shown to have chemopreventive properties that bind to deacetylated histones and inhibit acetylation, and it has been identified as a novel cancer preventive peptide. Lunasin suppresses E1A-mediated transformation of mammalian cells but does not inhibit the growth of immortalized and established cancer cell lines.

What does the word ‘lunasin’ mean?

The name ‘lunasin’ was coined by the scientist who discovered it in Berkeley, CA. It comes from the Tagalog word lunas, which means ‘cure’.

Is consuming Lunasin safe for people with soy allergies?

A study found that 2S albumins, of which Lunasin is a subunit, isolated from soy were not major allergens. In a study of 23 individuals known to be allergic to soy, they did not have an allergic reaction to 2S albumins. However, individuals with soy allergies should consult their healthcare provider before consuming Lunasin or soy-based products.

What are the sources of Lunasin?

Lunasin is found in soybeans, wheat, and barley, but its concentration varies in different seeds and breeds of the same species. Soy protein concentrate, isolate, and hydrolyzate contain the highest concentrations of Lunasin. Isoflavone-enriched products, however, contain little or no Lunasin.