EQUELLE is the result of extensive research and development conducted both in Japan and overseas.
It All Began with Soy Isoflavone ResearchThe journey started in 1996 with research on soy isoflavones.For six years, we pursued this study, aiming to support women’s health.
Unfortunately, the research did not yield the expected results. However, during this process, we discovered something groundbreaking: equol, a compound produced from soy isoflavones by intestinal bacteria, is closely linked to women’s health.
We also learned that some people can produce equol in their bodies, while others cannot.
A New Goal and a Second ChanceWith no tangible results, the research team faced a major challenge. The company gave us just three months to achieve something that could lead to product development.
We shifted our focus to a single goal:
"Find lactic acid bacteria or bifidobacteria that can produce equol for use in food."
For three months, we worked tirelessly, analyzing samples from individuals who could produce equol. We examined 1,300 samples in search of the right bacteria.
On the day of the final report, we still had no success. The team was deeply discouraged, wondering what to do next.
Ironically, the very next morning, we discovered that one sample contained a lactic acid bacterium capable of producing equol.
It was the most thrilling moment of the entire project.
At first, we weren’t even sure if the bacterium was truly lactic acid bacteria, nor whether it was safe for food use.
We investigated lactic acid bacteria found in fermented foods worldwide and eventually discovered that the same species existed in Italian cheese.
This confirmed that it was a safe strain commonly found in food.
Otsuka Pharmaceutical successfully developed a process to ferment soy using this lactic acid bacterium to produce equol.
Since its launch, EQUELLE has provided equol to those who cannot produce it naturally, helping support women’s health.
