Lignanes

Related Terms

Enterolignans, flax lignans, heterolignans, lignan precursors, mammalian lignans, phytoestrogens, tetrahydrofuran lignans, vegetal estrogens.
Select lignan examples: Acetoxyisolariciresinol, acetoxypinoresinol, actaealactone, agastenol, agastinol, aglacin A, aglacin B, aglacin C, aglacin D, alpha-conidendrin, ambrosidine, anolignan A, anolignan B, anolignan C, AP9-cd, arabelline, arborone, arctigenin, arctiin, arylnaphthalide lignan, aryltetralin cyclic ether lignans, beilschmin A, beilschmin B, beilschmin C, benzofuran lignans, beta-apopicropodophyllin, beta-peltatin methyl ether, bursehernin, burseranin, cinnamophilin, cleistanone, cleistanthin A, cleistanthin C, cleistanthin D, clusin, cyclolariciresinol, cyclolignans, dehydro-beta-peltatin methyl ether, dehydrodesoxypodophyllotoxin, dehydropodophyllotoxin, demethoxystegane, demethyldeoxypodophyllotixin, demethylisolariciresinol, deoxydehydropodophyllotoxin, deoxypicropodophyllin, deoxypodophyllotoxin, deoxypodorhizone, desmethoxydeoxypodophyllotoxin, dibenzocyclooctadiene, dibenzyl butyrolactol, dibenzylbutadiene, didehydroarctigenin, didymochlaenone A, didymochlaenone B, di-O-methyltetrahydrofuroguaiacin B, diphyllin, dysosmarol, egonol, elenoside, eleutheroside E, enterodiol, enterofuran, enterolactone, epiashantin, epieudesmin, episteganangin, etoposide, eudesmine, furanoid lignan, gomisin A, gosimin J, gomisin K, grandisin, guggulu, hattalin, helioxanthin, hemiariensin, hernanol, hernolactone, hinokinin, homoegonol, honokiol, hydroxyenterolactone, hydroxymatairesinol, hydroxypinoresinol, hydroxyyatein, isochaihulactone, isodeoxypodophyllotoxin, isolariciresinol, jusmicranthin, justicidin A, justicidin B, justiciresinol, kadsurarin, kusunokinol, lariciresinol, lignan glycoside, linola 989, liriodendrin, machilin A, machilin D, maculatin, majidine, matairesinol (MAT), methoxypodophyllotoxin, methoxyyatein, methyl p-hydroxyphenyllactate, monoepoxylignan, morelensin, naphthalenic lignan lactone 3a, nemerosin, neoisostegane, niranthin, nirtetralin, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), nortrachelogenin, nortracheloside, nyasol, olivil, oxomatairesinol, patavine, phillyrin, phyllanthin, picro-beta-peltatin methyl ether, picropolygamain, pinoresinol, podophyllotoxin (CPH 86), podorhizol, praderin, S-8921, sauchinone, saururin A, schizandrin, secoisolariciresinol, sesamin, sesamol, shonanin, simplexoside, steganacin, steganangin, steganoate A, steganoate B, steganolide A, strychnoside, styraxjaponoside A, styraxjaponoside B, syringaresinol, taiwanin A, taxiresinol, teniposide, tetrahydronaphthalene lignan, tibeticoside, tortoside A, trachelogenin, trachelogenin amide, tracheloside, tsugacetal, tuberculatin, valerian, vanprukoside, veraguensin, wikstromol, yatein.
Select lignan-containing examples: AC Linora, Acanthopanax koreanum, Achillea clavennae, Aglaia cordata, Annona montana, Anthriscus sylvestris, Arctium lappa L. (Compositae), Asparagus africanus, barley bran, Beilschmiedia tsangii, black cohosh (Actaea racemosa), black sesame, Brucea javanica, Bursera graveolens, Bursera morelensis, Bursera permollis, Calyptranthes pallens, Casearia membranacea, Cephalaria ambrosioides, Cinnamomum philippinense, Cleistanthus collinus, Commiphora mukul, CPH 82 (Reumacon?), creosote bush, Croton spp., Cryptocarya crassinervia, Cunninghamia konishii, Didymochlaena truncatula, Dysosma versipellis, Ephedra viridis, Euodia daniellii, Flanders flaxseed, flaxseed, forsythia fruit (Forsythia viridissima L.), Fraxinus sieboldiana, Haplophyllum spp., Hernandia nymphaeifolia, Hernandia ovigera, Hernandia peltata, Herpetospermum caudigerum, Hyptis tomentosa, Illicium floridanum, Ipomoea cairica, Justicia spp., Kadsura matsudai, Lancea tibetica, Larrea spp., Leontopodium alpinum Cass., linseed, Linum spp., Magnolia spp., oat bran, olive oil, Phillyrea latifolia, Phlomis brunneogaleata, Phyllanthus spp., Picea glehni, Pinus densiflora, Podophyllum emodi, Proresid?, Putoria calabrica, red pine, rye, rye bran, rye seeds, Saururus chinensis, Saussurea lappa, schisandra fruit, Schizandra arisanensis, sesame, sesame oil, sesame seed, Sesamum indicum, Sinomenium acutum, Steganotaenia araliacea, Strychnos vanprukii, Styrax japonica, Taiwania cryptomerioides, Taxus baccata, Taxus wallichiana, Trachelospermum jasminoides, Valeriana laxiflora, virgin olive oil, wheat bran, wholemeal rye bread.
Note: Lignan should not be confused with lignin, a complex chemical compound found in wood and the cell walls of plants.

Background

Lignans are a group of chemical compounds found in whole grains, seeds, nuts, fruits, and vegetables, particularly in flaxseed and sesame seed. The health effects of lignans have been found to largely depend on the particular type of lignan.
There is limited scientific evidence that lignans may be taken to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease, cognitive performance, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis and several types of cancer. Although some clinical research has been conducted, additional and higher-quality studies are needed before a conclusion may be made about the use of lignans for any condition.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


There is conflicting evidence regarding the efficacy of lignans as antioxidants. Further research is needed.

 C


There is conflicting evidence regarding the efficacy of lignans as antioxidants. Further research is needed.

 C


Early research suggests that lignans may play a role in breast cancer risk reduction. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests that lignans may play a role in breast cancer risk reduction. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that increased lignan intake may be associated with better cognitive performance (mental processes). Further research is needed.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that increased lignan intake may be associated with better cognitive performance (mental processes). Further research is needed.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that increased dietary lignan intake is correlated with a reduced colorectal cancer risk. Further research is needed.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that increased dietary lignan intake is correlated with a reduced colorectal cancer risk. Further research is needed.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that increased dietary lignan intake may be correlated with a reduced endometrial cancer risk. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that increased dietary lignan intake may be correlated with a reduced endometrial cancer risk. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


There is conflicting evidence regarding the use of lignans for cardiovascular risk reduction. Further research is needed.

 C


There is conflicting evidence regarding the use of lignans for cardiovascular risk reduction. Further research is needed.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that increased dietary lignan intake may lower blood pressure. Further research is needed.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that increased dietary lignan intake may lower blood pressure. Further research is needed.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that sesamin, a lignan found in sesame, may reduce cholesterol levels, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that sesamin, a lignan found in sesame, may reduce cholesterol levels, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that increased dietary lignan intake may be correlated with a reduced prostate cancer risk. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that increased dietary lignan intake may be correlated with a reduced prostate cancer risk. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that lignans may be useful in reducing inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Further research is needed.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that lignans may be useful in reducing inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Further research is needed.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that secoisolariciresinol, a type of lignan, may be associated with a lower thyroid cancer risk. Further research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that secoisolariciresinol, a type of lignan, may be associated with a lower thyroid cancer risk. Further research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited research suggests that high levels of lignans in the diet and the blood may be associated with a higher risk of cervical lesions. Additional research is needed in this area.

 D


Limited research suggests that high levels of lignans in the diet and the blood may be associated with a higher risk of cervical lesions. Additional research is needed in this area.

 D
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
As an antioxidant, 500 milligrams of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside baked into a low-fat muffin has been taken by mouth daily for six weeks.
For cardiovascular disease, 500 milligrams of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside baked into a low-fat muffin has been used daily for six weeks.
For rheumatoid arthritis, six capsules containing 300 milligrams of CPH 82 (Reumacon?, 50 milligrams of lignans per capsule) have been taken by mouth daily for 12 weeks. Six 50-milligram capsules of Proresid?, the main component being podophyllotoxin-B-D-benzylidene-glycoside, have been taken by mouth daily for three months, and then reduced to four capsules daily for seven months.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Some lignans may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Some lignans may lower insulin and blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may affect blood sugar. Patients taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Lignans may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
Lignans may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include central nervous system (CNS) depressants, benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
Lignans may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may change in the blood and may cause increased or decreased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients taking any medication should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Because some lignans have estrogen-like or antiestrogenic properties, the effects of other agents believed to have estrogen-like properties may be altered.
Lignans may also interact with agents that affect the immune system, alcohol, androgens, antiangiogenic drugs, antibiotics, anticancer agents, antifungal agents, anti-inflammatory agents, antiprotozoals, antituberculosis agents, antiviral agents, aromatase inhibitors, cardiac glycosides, diuretics, laxatives, and lipid-lowering agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Cotterchio M, Boucher BA, Manno M, et al. Dietary phytoestrogen intake is associated with reduced colorectal cancer risk. J Nutr 2006;136(12):3046-3053.
Hallund J, Ravn-Haren G, Bugel S, et al. A lignan complex isolated from flaxseed does not affect plasma lipid concentrations or antioxidant capacity in healthy postmenopausal women. J Nutr 2006;136(1):112-116.
Hallund J, Tetens I, Bugel S, et al. Daily consumption for six weeks of a lignan complex isolated from flaxseed does not affect endothelial function in healthy postmenopausal women. J Nutr 2006;136(9):2314-2318.
Hallund J, Tetens I, Bugel S, et al. The effect of a lignan complex isolated from flaxseed on inflammation markers in healthy postmenopausal women. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2008;18(7):497-502.
Horn-Ross PL, Hoggatt KJ, Lee MM. Phytoestrogens and thyroid cancer risk: the San Francisco Bay Area thyroid cancer study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2002;11(1):43-49.
Kilkkinen A, Erlund I, Virtanen MJ, et al. Serum enterolactone concentration and the risk of coronary heart disease in a case-cohort study of Finnish male smokers. Am J Epidemiol 2006;163(8):687-693.
Kreijkamp-Kaspers S, Kok L, Bots ML, et al. Dietary phytoestrogens and vascular function in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study. J Hypertens 2004;22(7):1381-1388.
Low YL, Taylor JI, Grace PB, et al. Polymorphisms in the CYP19 gene may affect the positive correlations between serum and urine phytoestrogen metabolites and plasma androgen concentrations in men. J Nutr 2005;135(11):2680-2686.
McCann SE, Ambrosone CB, Moysich KB, et al. Intakes of selected nutrients, foods, and phytochemicals and prostate cancer risk in western New York. Nutr Cancer 2005;53(1):33-41.
Penumathsa SV, Koneru S, Thirunavukkarasu M, et al. Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside: relevance to angiogenesis and cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2007;320(2):951-959.
Stuedal A, Gram IT, Bremnes Y, et al. Plasma levels of enterolactone and percentage mammographic density among postmenopausal women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2005;14(9):2154-2159.
van der Schouw YT, Kreijkamp-Kaspers S, Peeters PH, et al. Prospective study on usual dietary phytoestrogen intake and cardiovascular disease risk in Western women. Circulation 2005;111(4):465-471.
Vanharanta M, Voutilainen S, Rissanen TH, et al. Risk of cardiovascular disease-related and all-cause death according to serum concentrations of enterolactone: Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study. Arch Intern Med 2003;163(9):1099-1104.
Wu WH, Kang YP, Wang NH, et al. Sesame ingestion affects sex hormones, antioxidant status, and blood lipids in postmenopausal women. J Nutr 2006;136(5):1270-1275.
Zeleniuch-Jacquotte A, Lundin E, Micheli A, et al. Circulating enterolactone and risk of endometrial cancer. Int J Cancer 2006;119(10):2376-2381.