A natural isoflavone which is biotransformed by intestinal bacteria to give the phytoestrogens daidzein and equol, resulting in antithrombotic, antiallergic, and other salutary effects; modulates serotonin receptors when given intraperitoneally; suppresses LPS-mediated activation of NF-κB in RAW 264.6 macrophages when given at 20-40 μM