SECOISOLARICIRESINOL DIGLUCOSIDE - A POTENTIAL BIOMEDICINE OF LINUM USITATISSIMUM

Abstract

Lignans are a group of diphenolic compounds or phytoestrogens which are present in a wide variety of plants however less investigated. Plant lignans are phenolic compounds generally containing a dibenzylbutane structure. Considering the health beneficial potential of food components, lignans are also becoming an interesting topic and consumption of lignanrich foods are studied for their recognized health beneficial effects on human health. Secoisolariciresinol Diglucoside or SDG is the major lignin found in flaxseed with apparent health aids. It belongs to the phenolic chemical group. SDG and its metabolites are gaining attention due to their abundant health aids like anti antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic and anticancer properties. SDG is believed to play a crucial role in reducing the incidence of several diseases such as hypertension, cardio vascular diseases, cancers and inflammatory diseases. Studies have proved that the lignan rich diets help to reduce the risk of various cancers and heart diseases. This review article elucidates the role of SDG as a biomedicine and also the safety aspects. Although, substantial research activities especially the clinical and pharmacokinetic studies in humans are prerequisite to validate these possessions.