Secoisolariciresinol

Secoisolariciresinol is a lignan, a type of phytoestrogen, found in various foods including flaxseed, sesame seeds, and berries. It is a precursor to enterolactone, which is thought to have potential health benefits, particularly in relation to cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Secoisolariciresinol has a complex chemical structure, consisting of two phenylpropanoid units joined together. It is a dimer of coniferyl alcohol, and is classified as a dibenzylbutane lignan. It is soluble in ethanol and methanol, but insoluble in water.

Sources

Secoisolariciresinol is found in high concentrations in flaxseed, but is also present in various other foods. These include sesame seeds, certain types of berries, and some vegetables. The concentration of secoisolariciresinol in these foods can vary widely, depending on factors such as the specific variety of the food, the growing conditions, and the method of preparation.

Health Benefits

Secoisolariciresinol is converted in the gut to enterolactone, a compound that has been studied for its potential health benefits. Some research suggests that enterolactone may have protective effects against cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer, although more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Potential Risks

While secoisolariciresinol is generally considered safe, it is a phytoestrogen and can therefore have estrogenic effects. This means that it may not be suitable for everyone, and individuals with certain health conditions or who are taking certain medications may need to avoid it.

See Also

• Phytoestrogen
• Flaxseed
• Enterolactone