Enterolignan

Enterolignan is a collective term for the gut microbial metabolites of plant lignans, primarily enterodiol and enterolactone. These compounds are produced in the human intestine from dietary lignans such as secoisolariciresinol and matairesinol found in seeds, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, with flaxseed being especially rich.

The formation of enterolignans depends on intestinal bacteria. Lignan precursors are converted by the gut microbiota first to enterodiol, which can then be oxidized to enterolactone. After formation, enterolignans are absorbed and extensively conjugated in the liver to glucuronides and sulfates, and circulating levels can be measured in plasma or urine as biomarkers of lignan exposure and microbial metabolism.

Biological activity of enterolignans is those of phytoestrogens with relatively weak estrogenic activity, mainly mediated through estrogen receptor beta. They may also exert antioxidant effects. The health implications of these compounds are the subject of ongoing research, with observational studies suggesting possible associations with reduced risk of certain hormone-related cancers and cardiovascular benefits, while randomized trials have yielded inconsistent results. Overall, evidence is not conclusive.

Safety and intake: enterolignans are considered safe at typical dietary levels. They are used as indicators of lignan intake and gut microbial activity rather than as established drugs or supplements. The magnitude of health effects appears to depend on diet, microbiome composition, and individual metabolism.