Lignans

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The Whole Soy Story: The dark side of America's favorite health food Kaayla T. Daniel, PhD, CCN See book keywords and concepts

Coumestans occur in young sprouting legumes such as soy, clover and alfalfa sprouts. lignans are present in flaxseeds.46 Now that pharmaceutical firms see future profits in phytoestrogens, they have developed sensitive and accurate analytical methods to measure these compounds. The most widely used PHYTOESTROGENS food's fifth column techniques are reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection; gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection; and liquid chromatography with mass spec-trometric detection.

Handbook of Medicinal Plants Amarjit S. Basra See book keywords and concepts

In addition to phenolic compounds, legumes (soybeans, peanuts, beans, and peas) contain flavonoids, isoflavonoids, isoflavones, coumestans, lignans, and other molecules, some of which also act as estrogenic agonists/antagonists; such compounds have been suggested to contribute to reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. SOY Soy is a major source of protein worldwide. Soybeans contain variable (normally around 5 mg-kg_l protein) amounts of isoflavones that have been hypothesized to play a relevant role in the health effects on the cardiovascular system attributed to soy.

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Small amounts of lignans are present in a wide variety of foods of plant origin. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information): Rating Health Concerns þ?? Constipation (page 137) (flaxseed) Systemic lupus erythematosus (page 421) (flaxseed) High cholesterol (page 223) (flaxseed) Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (page 58) (flaxseed oil) Constipation (page 137) (flaxseed oil) Ulcerative colitis (page 433) (flaxseed) Who is likely to be deficient?

You Don't Have to be Afraid of Cancer Anymore Bill Sardi See book keywords and concepts

Journal Nutrition 131: 1826-32,2001] A recent report says: " Women, especially those at high risk, want to know whether phytoestrogens decrease or increase breast cancer risk. If phytoestrogens are indeed protective, are soy and isoflavone nutraceuticals that are designed to supply phytoestrogens at 50 mg/day an intake comparable with that of an Asian diet, required to guarantee sufficiently high dosages?" American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 79:183-184, 2004 That's not an easy question to answer.

The Constituents of Medicinal Plants: An Introduction to the Chemistry and Therapeutics of Herbal Medicine Andrew Pengelly See book keywords and concepts

OCH CH,0 CH,0 Recent research on lignans has focused on a range of compounds demonstrating cardiovascular activities such as inhibition of cyclic AMP phosphodierstase, PAF antagonism, calcium channel antagonism and antihypertensive and antioxidant effects (Ghisalberti et al. 1997). Lignans are also present in grains and pulses and their regular consumption has been shown to affect oestrogen levels in humans (Beckham 1995). Coumarins Coumarins are lactones of hydroxycinnamic acids, with cyclic C6C3 skeletons. Most simple coumarins are substituted with OH or OCH3 at positions C-6 and C-7.

Fundamentals of Naturopathic Endocrinology Michael Friedman, ND See book keywords and concepts

In vitro studies of nettle root (Urtica wrens) have shown it to be an up-regulator of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), in part due to the lignans found in the root. Most circulating androgens are bound primarily to SHBG, and when bound, hormones, such as testosterone, are considered biologically inactive. It is believed that with PCOS, SHBG levels are decreased and androgens circulate more freely and are more active. Thus, nettle root is indicated to treat the virilization of PCOS.

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Animal research suggests that large amounts of flaxseed or lignans consumed during pregnancy might adversely affect the development of the reproductive system.3 No studies have attempted to investigate whether this could be a problem in humans. Allergic reactions to flaxseed have occasionally been reported, but are considered very uncommon.37'38 f m 0 RIP E i.......¦........i............................................... What is it? Fluoride is a binary compound of fluorine and tin. Fluoride appears to have at least two separate mechanisms by which it prevents tooth decay (page 431).

Active constituents Phyllanthus primarily contains lignans (e.g., phyllan-thine and hypophyllanthine), alkaloids, and flavonoids (page 516) (e.g., quercetin [page 580]). Phyllanthus blocks DNA polymerase, the enzyme needed for the hepatitis (page 220) B virus to reproduce. In one study, 59% of those infected with chronic viral hepatitis B lost one of the major blood markers of HBV infection (e.g., hepatitis B surface antigen) after using 900 mg of phyllanthus per day for 30 days.3 While clinical rrials on the effectiveness of phyllanthus for HBV have been mixed, the species P. urinaria and P.

Conscious Eating Gabriel Cousens, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Unlike many other plants, flaxseed has a special fiber called lignin that our body converts to lignans, which help to build up the immune system and have specific anticancer, antifungal, and antiviral properties. High levels of lignans are associated with reduced rates of colon and breast cancer. Just ten grams, or about one to two teaspoons of flaxseed oil per day, raises levels of the lignans significantly. A third advantage of the flaxseed oil over fish oil is that fish and fish oil are high in cholesterol.

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Schisandra lignans appear to protect the liver by activating the enzymes in liver cells that produce glutathione (page 531), an important antioxidant (page 467) substance.5 Schisandra fruit may also have an adaptogenic action, much like the herb Asian ginseng (page 630), but with weaker effects. Laboratory work suggests that schisandra may improve work performance, build strength, and help to reduce fatigue.6 How much is usually taken? Use of schisandra fruit ranges from 1.5-15 grams per day.7 The tincture, 2—4 ml three times per day, can also be used.

Flaxseed, called linseed in some countries, is a good source of dietary fiber (page 512), omega-3 fatty acids (page 509), and lignans. Each of these components may contribute to the health effects of eating flaxseed, but flaxseed oil contains no fiber and very little lignan. Like most vegetable oils, flaxseed oil contains linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid needed for survival. But unlike most oils, it also contains significant amounts of another essential fatty acid, alpha linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is an omega-3 fatty acid.

Natural Health Solutions Mike Adams See book keywords and concepts

Super EPA / DHA with Sesame lignans & Olive Fruit Extract (www.LEF.org) <•* GCW Organic Chia Seeds (www.GoodCauseWellness.com) <•* Baseline Nutritionals Metal Magic (www.BaselineNutritionals.com) *" Astaxanthin (www.Nutrex-Hawaii.com) Obesity (see also Appetite Control) Obesity is treated like a disease by conventional medicine and the media—but it's not. It's more of an effect. Obesity is the effect of consuming certain food products that promote blood sugar disorders, fat storage acceleration, and the imbalance effect of appetite control hormones.

The Constituents of Medicinal Plants: An Introduction to the Chemistry and Therapeutics of Herbal Medicine Andrew Pengelly See book keywords and concepts

The antiviral action of lignans', Planta Medica 55: 531-535. Meier, B. and Liebi, M. 1990, 'Medicinal plants containing salicin: effectiveness and safety', British Journal of Phytotherapy 1: 36-42. Mills, S. and Bone, K. 2000, The Principles and Practices of Phytotherapy, Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh. Rao, K., McBride, T. and Oleson, J. 1968, Cancer Research 28: 1952-1954. Robbers, J. E. and Tyler, V. E. 1999, Tyler's Herbs of Choice, Haworth Herbal Press, New York. San Feliciano, A., Gordaliza, M., Miguel del Corral, J. M., Castro, M. A., Garcia-Gravalos, M. D. and Ruiz-Lazaro, P.

Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices Of Herbal Medicine David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG See book keywords and concepts

Interactions of Phytoestrogens with Receptors Two important interactions are mediated via sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and Type II estrogen binding sites in the nucleus. lignans and isoflavones may affect the uptake and metabolism of sex hormones by helping to regulate SHBG levels, although phytoestrogens bind only weakly to SHBG.30 They also compete with estradiol for binding to unfilled cytoplasmic estrogen receptors or unfilled nuclear Type II estrogen receptor sites, which may be the mechanism by which they inhibit cancer cell growth.

Whole Foods Companion: A Guide For Adventurous Cooks, Curious Shoppers, and lovers of natural foods Dianne Onstad See book keywords and concepts

Studies show that omnivorous women with breast cancer typically excrete much lower levels of lignans in their urine than do vegetarian women. BYPRODUCTS Fresh flaxseed oil is known for its rich golden color, delicate nutty taste, and ease of digestion. However, it has the dubious distinction of turning rancid faster than any other vegetable oil when exposed to light, oxygen, and heat, and thus special care must be taken in pressing, filling, and storing operations. Avoid any oil that tastes bitter, acrid, or scratchy, since those tastes indicate rancidity.

Flaxseeds are the most abundant source of lignans, but othet seeds, grains, and legumes are also good sources. Liminoid Found in the essential oils of orange and other citrus fruit peels (and the white pulp between segments) as well as in dill, caraway, and lemongrass, liminoid inhibits the formation and reduces the size of tumors in animals. Limonene Found in citrus fruits, limonene boosts production of enzymes that help neutralize potential catcinogens. Linolenic acid An unsaturated fatty acid essential in nutrition. Also called an omega-3 fatty acid.

Like most nuts and seeds, sesame contains lignans; sesamin, a lignan that exists exclusively and abundantly in sesame, has demonstrated remarkable antioxidant effects and has been put to good use in stabilizing sesame products. In studies with rats, sesamin has been shown to inhibit the absorption of cholesterol from the diet and to inhibit the manufacture of cholesterol in the liver. BYPRODUCTS Black sesame butter is sesame butter made from black sesame seeds, which have a richly intense sesame flavor.

Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices Of Herbal Medicine David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG See book keywords and concepts

Photosensitizers found in plants include furanocoumarins, pterocarpans, isoquinolines, lignans, sesquiterpenes, hypericins, and curcumins. Chemistry of the Furocoumarins A common furocoumarin (or furanocoumarin) is psoralen; the name is derived from the genus Psoralen. Furocoumarins cause photosensitization and poisoning in humans and domestic animals but have been used medicinally as well.

Disease Prevention and Treatment The Life Extension Editorial Staff See book keywords and concepts

The most potent known lignans in this respect are constituents of nettle root. In addition to inhibiting SHBG binding, at least six constituents of nettle root inhibit aromatase, reducing conversion of androgens to estrogens (Schottner et al. 1997a, 1997b, 1998). Combining nettle root with pygeum results in a stronger synergistic inhibition. The studies on aromatase inhibition by nettle root used methanolic extracts. An experimental study provides a dramatic demonstration of nettle root's effect on BPH tissue.

The Omega Solution: Unleash the Amazing, Scientifically Based Healing Power of Omega-3 & -6 Fatty Acids Jonathan Goodman ND See book keywords and concepts

Studies suggest that lignans may partially block the effects of estrogen in the bloodstream, which may reduce the risk of some breast cancers. We'll talk more about the link between EFAs, lignans, and cancer in chapter 9. There's good evidence that the omega-3s in flaxseed may reduce the risk of heart disease by blocking the formation of blood clots in the arteries and also by lowering levels of harmful, LDL cholesterol—the type that sticks to arteries and may block the flow of blood to the heart or brain.

Disease Prevention and Treatment The Life Extension Editorial Staff See book keywords and concepts

And another study on mice getting high fat diets also found that soy could not reverse colon cancer (but rye lignans could) (Davies et al. 1999). Thyroid Cancer. Soy may have beneficial effects against other types of cancer, including thyroid cancer. Researchers at the Northern California Cancer Center looked at 608 cases of thyroid cancer, a relatively large number of cases. They found that people who got soy compounds, genistein and daidzein, in their diet reduced their risk of this cancer by one-third. (Alfalfa sprouts reduced risk by almost half (Horn-Ross et al. 2002).

The Omega Solution: Unleash the Amazing, Scientifically Based Healing Power of Omega-3 & -6 Fatty Acids Jonathan Goodman ND See book keywords and concepts

In fact, flaxseed contains more lignans than any other food. Scientists have learned that lignans weakly mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. By competing with the body's more potent estrogens at cell binding sites, they essentially lessen these estrogens' effects. This is important because estrogen acts as a fuel for some types of tumors, especially some breast tumors. Flaxseed contains a lignan called secoisolariciresinol diglu-coside, or SDG. When you eat flaxseed, this compound is taken up by bacteria in the intestine, which convert it into protective estrogenic compounds.

The Okinawa Diet Plan : Get Leaner, Live Longer, and Never Feel Hungry Bradley J. Willcox, M.D., D. Craig Willcox, Ph.D., Makoto Suzuki, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Fiber may owe its healthy protective qualities to several substances it contains, including lignans and folate, found in whole grains, and various other Just the Facts • Fiber is a complex carbohydrate that has no calories and usually has many phytonutrients that help protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease. • Fiber (CD 0.0) not only reduces a food's caloric density but also helps you feel full on fewer calories. • High-fiber foods give you a lot to eat for very few calories and take the edge off your appetite for longer than many other foods.

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete Home Reference to Natural Medicine Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC See book keywords and concepts

Lignans lower blood levels of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), a marker for infective hepatitis and other liver disorders.1 lignans also interfere with platelet-activating factor, a chemical that promotes inflammation in a number of conditions.4 Standardized extracts of schisandra fruits have gained popularity for use in racehorses not running well in relation to elevated liver enzyme levels.5 Schisandra fruit may also have an adaptogenic action, much like the herb ginseng (p. 394), but with weaker effects.

Modern Chinese research suggests that compounds called lignans in schisandra (p. 458) regenerate liver tissue damaged by harmful influences, such as viral hepatitis and alcohol. These lignans lower blood levels of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), a marker for infective hepatitis and other liver disorders.36 Are There Any Side Effects or Interactions? Refer to the individual herb for information about any side effects or interactions. Checklist for Hepatitis Ranking Nutritional Supplements Herbs Primary Bioflavonoids (p. 271) (silymarin) Licorice (p.

Earl Mindell's Supplement Bible: A Comprehensive Guide to Hundreds of NEW Natural Products that Will Help You Live Longer, Look Better, Stay Heathier, ... and Much More! Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

In addition to containing omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed oil is a rich source of lignans, a type of fiber that is changed by "friendly bacteria" in the gut into compounds that fight against cancer. lignans can also modulate hormone levels and relieve some of the symptoms often associated with menopause, such as hot flashes and yeast infections due to vaginal dryness. Flaxseed oil is also a treatment for premenstrual syndrome, which may be caused by a hormonal imbalance.

The Constituents of Medicinal Plants: An Introduction to the Chemistry and Therapeutics of Herbal Medicine Andrew Pengelly See book keywords and concepts

Resins are difficult to classify because of their amorphous nature; they are complex mixtures that include lignans, resin acids, resin alcohols, resinotannols, esters and resenes (see Table 7.3). Resins are insoluble in water but soluble in alcohol and fixed oils. They are heavier than water and volatile oils, and have high boiling points. They are translucent and burn with a characteristic smoky flame—hence their use in incense. They have fixative actions, making them useful ingredients in crafts and industry.

PowerFoods: Good Food, Good Health with Phytochemicals, Nature's Own Energy Boosters Stephanie Beling See book keywords and concepts

Specifically, they are rich in the phenols, lignans, coumarins, phytosterols, and protease inhibitors.The phenols inhibit the enzymes that can mutate critical genes and cause cancer. The lignans are antioxidants, and they also appear to suppress cell mutation. The coumarins, with their first-strike capability, block cancer-causing substances before they can get started. Phytosterols knock cancer-causing estrogen hormones off their path. The pharmacological activity of protease inhibitors offers numerous benefits.

Outsmart Your Cancer: Alternative Non-Toxic Treatments That Work Tanya Harter Pierce See book keywords and concepts

Flavanones are primarily concentrated in citrus fruits, lignans are found in all fruits, vegetables, and cereals, and the stronger isoflavones and coumestans are mostly found in legumes. Because of so much processed food in our diets, Americans generally don't eat as many "whole" foods as people in other countries do. There are many other populations around the world where a higher percentage of the daily diet consists of various forms of whole vegetables, grains, seeds, legumes and fruits than in the United States.

The Constituents of Medicinal Plants: An Introduction to the Chemistry and Therapeutics of Herbal Medicine Andrew Pengelly See book keywords and concepts

By modification of their C3 side chains or changes in substitution patterns of their aromatic nucleus, hydroxycinnamic acids are able to form a host of secondary HO OCH3 apocynin—an acetophenone OH c02H caffeic acid compounds including phenolic ethers, lignans, coumarins, glycosides, dimers such as rosmarinic acid and curcumin from the roots of turmeric, and the depsides cynarin and chlorogenic acid. Caffeic acid is an inhibitor of the enzymes DOPA-decarboxylase and 5-lipoxygenase. It is an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, and promotes intestinal motility (Adzet and Camarasa 1988).

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