Glycitein is an orally active flavonoid, which possesses estrogenic activity. It was discovered, that glycitein suppresses osteoclast generation and induces osteoclast apoptosis and exerts bone beneficial effects.

Glycitin (4'-Hydroxy-6-Methoxyisoflavone-7-D-Glucoside) is a soy isoflavone. Isoflavone mixtures from soybean containing glycitin exert anti-obese and antidiabetic, antineoplastic, antioxidant effects. Isoflavone supplementation in healthy males may enhance cognitive processes which appear dependent on oestrogen activation. Glycitin underwent hydrolysis of the beta-glycoside moiety and little further biotransformation, leading to high plasma glycitein concentrations.