Flavonolignan

Flavonolignan is a type of phytochemical that is a fusion of flavonoid and lignan molecules. They are found in a variety of plants and have been studied for their potential health benefits.

Structure and Classification

Flavonolignans are complex molecules that consist of a flavonoid unit and a lignan unit. The flavonoid unit is a type of polyphenol that is characterized by a 15-carbon skeleton, which consists of two phenyl rings and a heterocyclic ring. The lignan unit, on the other hand, is a type of phenolic compound that is characterized by a 2,3-dibenzylbutane skeleton.

Flavonolignans can be classified into different types based on the type of flavonoid and lignan units they contain. For example, silymarin is a type of flavonolignan that contains a taxifolin flavonoid unit and a coniferyl alcohol lignan unit.

Sources

Flavonolignans are found in a variety of plants. One of the most well-known sources is the milk thistle (Silybum marianum), which contains a complex of flavonolignans known as silymarin. Other sources include the sesame (Sesamum indicum), which contains the flavonolignan sesamin, and the flax (Linum usitatissimum), which contains the flavonolignan secoisolariciresinol.

Health Benefits

Flavonolignans have been studied for their potential health benefits. They have been found to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. For example, silymarin has been used in traditional medicine for its liver-protective effects, and recent studies have supported its potential in treating liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatitis.

See Also

• Phytochemical
• Flavonoid
• Lignan
• Silymarin
• Sesamin
• Secoisolariciresinol