A Mini Review on the Protective Effect of Lignans for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders

Abstract

Nature is a rich source of numerous bioactive compounds that are categorized as secondary metabolites. Lignans are group of such compounds, generally called phytoestrogens widely present in many plants and vegetables, grains, seeds, nuts and tea. They have been used as folk medicine for the treatment of several clinical conditions like asthma, cardiovascular diseases, arthrosclerosis, colitis and many more. Structurally, lignans are characterized by two phenylpropane groups attached by a carbon bond. They have been divided in to several types on the basis of structure of their carbon skeleton, the way of cyclization and oxygen incorporation in the skeleton. Lignans from numerous plant species such as Kadsura

Lignans and Gut Microbiota: An Interplay Revealing Potential Health Implications

“…A recent study [61] using different neuronal systems, reported that metabolites from dietary polyphenols exert neuroprotective effects after reaching the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier. Additionally, it was suggested that mammalian enterolignans play a prominent role, even higher than their precursors, against neurodegeneration [71]. That is why considerable research effort was devoted to a complete understanding of the colonic transformations of plant lignans, leading to the generation of ED and EL, as explained in the previous sections.…”

Sesame Meal, Vitamin E and Selenium Influence Goats’ Antioxidant Status

“…On the contrary, in cows, Lima et al [30] observed a significant decrease and a trend for increase in the CAT activity in blood plasma and erythrocytes, respectively, when the animals were fed a diet containing 12.4% flax meal. Both sesame and flax seeds are rich in plant lignans [31], which are strong antioxidant compounds [32]. Moreover, not only lignans by themselves but also other molecules which are produced by their metabolism in the rumen [33] end up in the animals' blood [34], such as enterolactones [35], and also have strong antioxidant effect.…”