flax lignan

Flax lignan refers primarily to the class of plant-derived polyphenolic compounds known as lignans found in high concentrations in flaxseed. The principal and most studied flaxseed lignan is secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG). Lignans are phytoestrogens—plant compounds structurally similar to estrogen—that can exert weak estrogenic or anti-estrogenic effects in the body. After ingestion, SDG is converted by intestinal microflora into enterolignans (enterodiol and enterolactone), which may have biological activity. Mechanistically, flax lignans are thought to modulate estrogen metabolism by promoting the production of less active estrogen metabolites. This may contribute to potential benefits for hormone-related conditions such as menopausal symptoms and breast cancer risk reduction[8][7]. Flaxseed consumption has also been associated with improvements in cholesterol levels, blood pressure, renal function (especially in lupus nephritis), and markers of inflammation[1][2][5][8]. Some studies suggest anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties for SDG[10].

Brand names

BeneFlaxBrevail

Other names

secoisolariciresinol diglucosideSDGflaxseed lignanplant lignan