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Flaxseed lignans

Flaxseed is best utilized as the most potent vegetarian source of alpha linolenic acid (LNA) and lignans. LNA serves as the precursor for the essential omega 3 fats which are naturally converted into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and decosohexenoic acid (DHA) by the body. Both DHA and EPA have significant functions in neurological function and development. DHA is the primary structural component in brain tissue. Its deficiency has shown negative effects on neurotransmission and overall neural function. During growth and aging, the consistent intake of adequate amounts of DHA is imperative. Studies have shown that malnourished infants show decreased brain function as well as impaired visual acuity. It has also been implied that individuals who maintain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids may experience a lower incidence of degenerative diseases that effect the nervous system.

Aside from neural regulation EPA has many other properties that make it essential to the body. EPA acts a precursor for prostaglandin-3 allowing the inhibition of platelet aggregation. This property implies that EPA is a critical component in the reduction of inflammation as well as the prevention of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. Currently EPA is also believed to be effective in the treatment of certain forms of depression.

In addition to the benefits of the omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed has again proved to be a key nutrient because it contains lignans. Plant lignans are phytonutrients, very closely related to the beneficial family of phytochemicals. The lignans found in flax contain secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) which is converted to mammalian lignans in the gut, mainly enterolactone and enterodiol. Plant lignans are suggested to have chemoprotective properties. SDG exhibits very strong antioxidant activity, which serves to protect a variety of human tissues from free radical degradation. SDG may prevent the development of hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis, helps reduce total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, and has been recently discovered to help increase HDL-cholesterol.

The mammalian lignans derived from flaxseed also have benefits for both men and women. Enterolactone and enterodiol very closely resemble estrogen in the body and therefore aid in hormone homeostasis in females. In previous studies high lignan intake provided relief from menopausal symptoms in peri-menopausal women.

In men, flaxseed lignans have also been implicated in prostate health. Phytoestrogens derived from flaxseed lignans block the over production of estrone, a hormone whose concentration directly effects the concentration of DHT. Prostate health is often dependent on the balance of DHT production. Flaxseed lignans indirectly block DHT overproduction, resulting in the maintenance of a healthy prostate.

The newest studies of flaxseed lignans and other flaxseed components implicate their use in oncology both as preventative and combative measures. Flax components may help to inhibit the proliferation of cancerous cells in the body. Effects on estrogen metabolism have also been linked to the prevention of breast cancer. Flax has had significant effects on tumor multiplicity as well as healthy cell replication. Flaxseed lignan properties have become key elements in improving the prevention and treatment of cancer, the maintenance of a healthy heart, and the preservation and development of neural function.

References

Intestinal Bacterial Communities That Produce Active Estrogen-Like Compounds Enterodiol and Enterolactone in Humans.

Clavel T, Henderson G, Alpert CA, Philippe C, Rigottier-Gois L, Doré J, Blaut M.
Appl Environ Microbiol. 2005 Oct; 71(10): 6077-6085.
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Nutrition and cancer: A review of the evidence for an anti-cancer diet.

Donaldson MS.
Nutr J. 2004; 3: 19. published online before print October 20, 2004
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Nutrition in brain development and aging: role of essential fatty acids.

Nutr Rev. 2006 May;64(5 Pt 2):S24-33; discussion S72-91.
PMID: 16770950 [PubMed - in process]

Eicosapentaenoic acid inhibits cell growth and triacylglycerol secretion in McA-RH7777 rat hepatoma cultures.

Fox JC, Hay RV.
Biochem J. 1992 Aug 15; 286(Pt 1): 305-312.
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Omega 3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease-fishing for a natural treatment.

Din JN, Newby DE, Flapan AD.
BMJ. 2004 Jan 3; 328(7430): 30-35.
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