Lignans are a class of polyphenolic compounds naturally occurring in plants, particularly concentrated in seeds, whole grains, and certain vegetables, and are biochemically classified as phytoestrogens. Once ingested, these compounds are metabolized by the resident gut microbiota into active enterolignans, primarily enterodiol and enterolactone, which possess weak estrogenic and anti-estrogenic properties. These metabolites interact dynamically with the body’s hormonal systems, potentially influencing endogenous estrogen metabolism and exhibiting significant antioxidant effects. Their consistent consumption is often studied for its role in supporting long-term cardiovascular and hormonal health.
Origin
The term is derived from the Latin word lignum, meaning wood, reflecting their initial discovery as structural components of plant cell walls and fibers. Their physiological significance in human health, particularly their mild estrogen-modulating activity, gained substantial research attention in the late 20th century. This research established a direct, measurable link between the dietary intake of these plant compounds and subsequent hormonal health outcomes.
Mechanism
Lignans exert their primary effects through their active metabolites, the enterolignans, which are capable of binding to both alpha and beta estrogen receptors (ERs), though with a much lower affinity than the body’s native estradiol. By acting as mild Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs), they can exert weak estrogenic effects when native estrogen levels are low or act as anti-estrogens by competitively blocking the binding of stronger endogenous estrogens. This dual, modulatory action provides a subtle yet important regulatory influence on estrogen-sensitive tissues, supporting overall hormonal balance.
We use cookies to personalize content and marketing, and to analyze our traffic. This helps us maintain the quality of our free resources. manage your preferences below.
Detailed Cookie Preferences
This helps support our free resources through personalized marketing efforts and promotions.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, improving user experience and website performance.
Personalization cookies enable us to customize the content and features of our site based on your interactions, offering a more tailored experience.