Abstract: Soy isoflavones are a natural estrogen that is a secondary metabolite during the growth of soybeans,and its distribution is mainly located in the cotyledons and hypocotyls of soybean seeds. 97% of soy isoflavones exist in the form of glycosides,and the rest exist in the form of aglycones. Soy isoflavone aglycones are the forms of their main functional activities. At present,conventional extraction methods of soybean isoflavones include organic solvent extraction,ultrasonic assisted extraction,microwave assisted extraction,supercritical fluid extraction,and subcritical water. Studies have shown that soy isoflavones have certain physiological effects,including prevention of cardiovascular disease,prevention of osteoporosis,anti-tumor and neuroprotection. Based on the introduction of the composition,chemical structure and properties of soy isoflavones and aglycones,this paper reviewed the research overview,extraction process and main functional activities of soy isoflavones. Furthermore,the development trend of this field and the research direction to be strengthened were prospected. In order to provide a reference for the industrial development of soybean isoflavones and their aglycones and in-depth study on its clinical application value。