The plant lignans are precursors of the enterolignans (mammalian lignans).[3] A number of plant lignans are metabolized to the enterolignans (enterodiol and enterolactone) that can potentially reduce the risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.[4]
Biomedical considerations
Although some studies attribute disease preventative (cardio-protective and hormone associated cancers like breast cancer) benefits of lignans, the results are inconclusive.[5] Matairesinol has been found to act as an agonist of the adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1).[6]
^Niemeyer HB, Honig DM, Kulling SE, Metzler M (October 2003). "Studies on the metabolism of the plant lignans secoisolariciresinol and matairesinol". J. Agric. Food Chem. 51 (21): 6317–25. doi:10.1021/jf030263n. PMID14518962.