Skip to main content

Enterolactone

Meaning

Enterolactone is a clinically relevant phytoestrogen, specifically a lignan metabolite, produced in the colon through the fermentation of dietary precursors by the gut microbiota. This compound possesses weak estrogenic activity and significant antioxidant properties, enabling it to interact with estrogen receptors, particularly Estrogen Receptor Beta, to subtly modulate hormonal signaling pathways. Its measurable concentration in the bloodstream serves as a valuable biomarker for dietary lignan intake and the functional status of the intestinal microbiome, linking nutrition directly to endocrine balance.