Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay.
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 Due to high concentrations of lignans and flavonoids, the berries have antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity (Yesilada, 1977). They work extremely well in the treatment of influenza and can also be used to treat upper respiratory tract infections including sinusitis and sore throat. Commercial extracts are now available, and most of them are sweetened sufficiently to please the children, a problem with bitter alternatives.
I often use elderberry tinctures in children, often in combination with echinacea tinctures. |
Laurie Deutsch Mozian, M.S., R.D.
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 Depending upon a woman's estrogen status, lignans can either act as an estrogen-enhancing agent or as an anti-estrogen—guarding the cell against an estrogen overload. For premenopausal women with an abundance of estrogen, lignan will compete with circulating estrogen and decrease the amount of estrogen that the cell is exposed to. For menopausal or postmenopausal women who have low estrogen levels, the lignan will act like a source of estrogen, adding to the pool of circulating estrogenic substances, thereby working as an estrogen proxy.
Lignins (LIG-ninz). |
Prevention Magazine
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 This is important because lignans may have powerful antioxidant properties that can help block the damaging effects of harmful oxygen molecules called free radicals. These molecules are thought to cause changes in the body that can lead to cancer.
In the kjtchen
Unlike pumpkin or sunflower seeds, which you can eat out-of-hand, flaxseed is usually used as an ingredient in other foods. Here are a few ways that you can prepare it.
Soften them up. Since flaxseed is protected by a tough outer shell, soaking a few tablespoons of seeds overnight in a little water will make them soft enough to eat. |
| Finally, laboratory research suggests that the lignans in flaxseed may have bacteria- and fungus-fighting abilities, which means that it could be an aid in fighting infections.
_Getting the Most_
Buy it processed. Many people sprinkle whole flaxseed on salads or fresh-baked breads. Flaxseed in this form provides little benefit, however, because the body is unable to crack open the hard little shells. So it's actually best to buy the cracked or milled forms, which readily give up the nutritious goodness that is packed inside.
Pass on the oil. |
| Even when estrogen-sensitive tumors get a chance to grow, lignans exert a restraining influence that can slow or even halt their growth. In a laboratory study, breast tumors in animals given flaxseed shrank by 50 percent in seven weeks.
Flaxseed has two additional cancer-fighting secrets. It's a rich source of polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which appear to limit the body's production of chemicals called prostaglandins. This is important because prostaglandins, in large amounts, can "speed up tumor growth," says Bandaru S. Reddy, Ph.D. |
Christopher Hobbs
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 Water-soluble lignans with antiviral and immunomodulating effects have also been isolated from shiitake mycelium (Hanafusa et al, 1990), and JLS, a new compound recently derived from the mycelium, has shown the ability to block the release of infectious herpes simplex virus type 1 in animals (Sarkar et al, 1993). |
Sharol Tilgner, N.D.
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 They are converted by gut bacteria to mammalian lignans, the primary ones being enterolactone and enterodiol. They are structurally similar to estrogen and bind with low affinity to estrogen receptors. They also increase sex hormone binding protein.294
The most potent phytoestrogens are the phytosterols. Common foods, which contain phytosterols, are chestnuts, sesame, safflower, sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Phytosterols are most common in whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes. |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
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 The influence of flaxseed and lignans on colon carcinogenesis and B-glucuronidase activity. Carcinogenesis 1996; 17 (6): 1343-1348
3. Blumberg JB. Considerations of the scientific substantiation for antioxidant vitamins and beta-carotene in disease prevention. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1995; 62: S1521-1526
4. Knekt P, Jarvinen R, Sappanen R et al. Dietary flavonoids and the risk of lung cancer and other malignant neoplasms. American Journal of Epidemiology 1997; 146 (3): 223-230
5. Dorant E, van den Brandt PA, Goldbohm RA, Sturmans F. |
Laurie Deutsch Mozian, M.S., R.D.
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| Lignins are structurally related to lignans, but they differ in their biological effects. Lignin is a type of insoluble dietary fiber that is found in the plant cell walls and can be resistant to breakdown by digestive enzymes.
Limonene (LlGH-mo-neen). Limonene, a monoterpene and phytochemical, is the simplest of the isoprenoids. It is found in citrus fruit oils and citrus fruit and in some herbs and spices, such as caraway, celery seed, cardamom, and fennel. Limonene has demonstrated the ability to impede the growth of skin, lung, breast, and stomach cancer in animal tests. |
Gabriel Cousens, M.D.
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 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. Three and one-half ounces of cod liver oil contain 570 milligrams of cholesterol, which equals the amount found in two egg yolks. The fourth advantage of flaxseed oil over fish oil is the fact that fish are often high in toxic residues because they sometimes live in polluted waters. |
Laurie Deutsch Mozian, M.S., R.D.
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| You can, however, purchase a flaxseed oil with added lignans. It takes three tablespoons of flax meal to equal the concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in one teaspoon of flaxseed oil. Heat, light, and oxygen are enemies of flaxseed oil, which makes flaxseed oil inappropriate for use at the high temperatures needed for frying and grilling. The seeds, as well as the oil, should be refrigerated between uses. Milled (ground) flaxseed has been stored at room temperature for up to four months (128 days) without any noticeable changes in flavor. |
| The drug tamoxifen acts as an anti-estrogen, however, as do the isoflavone phytochemicals and lignans. Drugs are being developed that inhibit the activation of tyrosine kinase and prevent growth signals from reaching a tumor cell; the isoflavone genistein does that, too.
While medicine might be taking its inspiration from nature, drugs never seem to offer a benefit without a negative side effect. By using plant food as medicine, you get the benefits of the phytochemicals without the undesirable side effects. |
| The isoflavones and lignans in beans and whole grains will compete with a woman's own estrogen for attachment to estrogen receptors. Plant estrogen compounds have the powerful ability to attach to estrogen receptors but are milder acting than human estrogen. Competition for attachment to estrogen receptors should displace self-made estrogen and should result in a weaker, less toxic pool of estrogen circulating in the female body. |
| Women of childbearing age might be cautioned not to overuse phytoestrogens and plant lignans because it is possible that temporary infertility can be caused by an overuse of plant estrogens. For example, animals grazing in pastures on crops that were later found to have estrogenic activity have displayed decreased rates of pregnancy. However, eating phytoestrogens in foods should cause no problem, as large parts of the world's population depend heavily on phytoestrogen-rich foods, namely the soybean, for sustenance, without reports of abnormally high rates of infertility. |
the Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing
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 They act like estrogen or progesterone and are important for fighting breast, prostate, and ovarian cancers, osteoporosis, and heart disease. lignans, an example of these friendly plant chemicals, can slow the growth of breast tumors.
Polyphenols. This category of phytochemicals contains phenolic acids. They work as antioxidants to protect against cancer, fight heart disease, and kill bacteria. Also found in green tea, these can protect cells in your colon and stomach from becoming cancerous. In addition, they kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. |
| More research needs to be done, but scientists are focusing on substances in legumes called lignans and phytochemicals — natural cancer fighters.
&lack bean salad
1 15-ounee can black beans
1 15-ounce can com
1/4 cup green pepper, chopped
3 green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
Drain and rinse beans and corn. Mix with other ingredients.
Chili for at least an hour. Makes 4 to €> servings.
Dr. |
Dr. Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons and Elizabeth M. Williamson
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 Pharmacological effects and clinical efficacy
Balm of Gilead is an expectorant, stimulant, antipyretic and analgesic. It is a common ingredient of herbal cough mixtures, and also ointments used for rheumatic and other muscular pains. The phenolic glycosides (e.g. salicin) and the volatile oil constituents have antiseptic and expectorant activity. Little evidence is available for efficacy but the drug has a long history of traditional use. The bark of poplar species is used in a similar way to willow bark, as an antirheumatic. |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
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| These resins are chemically diverse and can contain resin acids, pyrones, lignans, esters and glycosides among others. On microscopic examination of the tissues of these plants, secretion cells with resinous contents are sometimes visible.
Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) is an oleo-gum resin with astringent and antimicrobial properties. The former quality is probably entirely due to the resin and the latter is a combined effect from the resin and the essential oil. Tincture of myrrh is a potent antiseptic in the mouth and throat. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D.
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 Chemical composition
Viscum album contains a variety of pharmacologically active substances including alkaloids, polysaccharides, phenylpropanes, lignans, lectins, and "viscotoxins. |
| Ketonic (12%) • guggulsterones Cji and Ci; steroids
Bases (1%)
Nonketonic (88%) diterpenes, lignans, fatty acid alcohols
• Hypocholesterolemic activity
ž Antiinflammatory activity k Toxic
Figure 18.1 Chemical segregation of gum guggulu
In contrast, the soluble portion possesses significant cholesterol-lowering and antiinflammatory activity. The soluble portion can be further separated into base, acid, and neutral fractions. The neutral portion possesses almost all of the cholesterol-lowering activity, while the acid portion possesses the antiinflammatory components. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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 The lignans found in flaxseeds, legumes, soy, and nuts can offset this process, as can tangeritin, a chemical found in tangerines.
The fourth stage of carcinogenesis is invasion and metastasis. In this stage, the cancer cells break out of tissue boundaries and begin to intermix with cells in other organs. Tumor cells release corrosive enzymes that eat through the basement membrane separating the organ from the bloodstream until the cancer escapes. Resveratrol, tan-geretin, and grapeseed extract are helpful dietary interventions at this stage. |
| Alcohol-soluble components of stinging nettle root known as lignans interact with sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) to keep it from binding testosterone and taking it out of circulation. For men, the advantage of stinging nettle root over many other treatments for diminished sex drive is that, while it maintains testosterone in a form that energizes the libido, it prevents benign prostate enlargement.
• Hives. Stinging nettle leaf speeds healing of rashes, especially those caused by reactions to shellfish. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D.
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 Foods high in phytoestrogens include soy, flaxseed and flaxseed oil (highest sources of lignans), nuts, whole grains, apples, fennel, celery, parsley, and alfalfa. A high intake of phytoestrogens is thought to explain why hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms rarely occur in cultures in which people consume a predominantly plant-based diet. Increasing the intake of dietary phytoestrogens helps decrease hot flashes, increase maturation of vaginal cells, and inhibit osteoporosis. In addition, a diet rich in phytoestrogens results in a decreased frequency of breast, colon, and prostate cancer. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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 Thompson, "The Influence of Flaxseed and lignans on Colon Carcinogenesis and Beta-glucuronidase Activity," Carcinogenesis, 17(6), June 1996, p. 1343-1348.
Results of this study showed that rats fed 5% flaxseed flour in a high-fat diet at the promotional stage of DMBA-induced tumorigenesis experienced a significant decrease in tumor size.
—M. Serraino & L.U. Thompson, "The Effect of Flaxseed Supplementation on the Initiation and Promotional Stages of Mammary Tumorigenesis," Nutrition Cancer, 17(2), 1992, p. 153-159. |
Prevention Magazine
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| Somewhat paradoxically, the lignans in bulgur can help protect the heart by protecting cholesterol. Why would you want to protect a bad guy? Because when cholesterol is damaged by free radical molecules, it is more likely to stick to artery walls, contributing to the development of heart disease.
Bulgur can help in yet another way. This grain has a low glycemic index, meaning that the sugars it contains are released relatively slowly into the bloodstream, says David Jenkins, M.D., Sc.D., Ph.D., professor of nutritional sciences and medicine at the University of Toronto. |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
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| Linseed (flaxseed) is the richest source of the oestrogenic lignans enterodiol and enterolactone, which are formed by bacterial action on the precursor secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, found in the seed.
Pharmacodynamics
Interest in the oestrogenic effects of plants first arose in the scientific world when clover disease was identified in Australia in the 1940s. It was observed that infertility in sheep developed after grazing on various species of clover (Trifolium species). |
Prevention Magazine
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| University of Toronto, lignans can help prevent tiny blood clots from forming, further reducing the risk of heart disease.
Finally, barley is exceptionally high in both selenium and vitamin E. Although research results are mixed, there's mounting evidence that both help pro-
In the kjtchen
Unlike rice and wheat, which are quite mild, barley has a robust, slightly pungent taste that complements highly flavored dishes like lamb stew or mushroom soup. But you prepare it in much the same way as other grains by mixing it with water and letting it simmer, covered, until the kernels are tender. |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
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| Phytooestrogens also appear to influence sex hormone metabolism. lignans and isoflavones are postulated to increase levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which is deemed to be a favourable effect for protection against breast cancer and coronary heart disease in women.270 They also inhibit aromatase in vitro, which converts androgens in adipose tissue into oestrogen.271
A study in six premenopausal women indicated that intake of soya protein (60 g per day for one month containing 45 mg of isoflavones) significantly (p<0.01) increased follicular phase length or delayed menstruation. |
| To modify the effects of oestrogen, intake of phytooestro-gens and oestrogenic lignans should be increased. This could also reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Menopause
The climacteric or menopause is a period of waning ovarian function which marks the end of the reproductive lifespan. As such, it is a normal event in the life of a woman and should not be regarded as a disease. The aim of herbal treatment is to assist the adjustment to this important change and provide symptomatic alleviation of the effects of oestrogen withdrawal. |
Susun S. Weed
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 They are exceptional sources of anti-cancer lignans and acids such as gallic acid, ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, and coumaric acid. They appear to be anti-estrogenic and quite specific against breast cancer.14 See oil.
FRESH FOOD
Fresh food-food which has not been stored, shipped, frozen, dried, precooked, or preserved-is the best source of anti-cancer, antioxidant vitamin C. Vitamin C is easily dissipated by exposure to light, moisture, air, heat, water, or freezing, thus, the fresher the food, the more vitamin C it contains. |
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