EQUELLE is the result of extensive research and development conducted both in Japan and overseas.
It All
Began with Soy Isoflavone Research
The 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 Chance
With 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.
