• Lignans
    Extraction
    And Analysis

Background

Lignans are a plant-based bioactive compounds classified under the polyphenol family. They are found in a variety of whole foods including seeds, grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, with the highest concentrations found in flaxseeds.

Lignans are often considered as phytoestrogens because they have a chemical structure similar to estrogen and can bind to estrogen receptors in the body.

Consuming foods rich in lignans is thought to provide several health benefits. Their phytoestrogen activity allows them to influence hormone balance in the body, which may have implications for diseases such as breast cancer and prostate cancer. They also have antioxidant properties, meaning they can help to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Some research suggests that a diet high in lignans may be beneficial for heart health and could potentially help to reduce the risk of certain other diseases, including type 2 diabetes.


Lignans in Different Types of Biomass

Seeds

Examples of some lignans found in seeds are listed below:
  • Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) - This is the primary lignan found in flaxseeds and is one of the most commonly consumed lignans in a typical Western diet. It is broken down in the body into the mammalian lignans enterodiol and enterolactone, which can exert various biological effects.
  • Pinoresinol and lariciresinol - These lignans are found in sunflower seeds and poppy seeds and are metabolized into enterolignans in the body.
  • Sesamin and Sesamolin - These are specific lignans found in sesame seeds. Sesamin has been studied for a variety of potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects and potential benefits for heart health.
  • Matairesinol - This lignan is present in the seeds of several plants, including flax, seasme, rye, pumpkin, and sunflower.

Get more info...Seeds




Extraction of Lignans from Biomass


The extraction process, including the solvents and methods used, can influence the concentration and types of lignans present in the final extract. It is often the case that a balance needs to be found between fully-extracting all lignans while also ensuring that the compounds that are obtained are of a high quality and not degraded.

At Celignis we have extensive experience in the design and optimisation of extraction protocols for a wide variety of chemical constituents from many different biomass types. If needed we can also work on processes to separate and purify the target compounds.

Click here to read more about Celignis's Bioprocess Development Services for the extraction of chemicals from biomass.

Get more info...Biomass Extractions




Analysis of Lignans at Celignis

We have the necessary equipment and expertise to determine the amount and distribution of lignans in a wide variety of biomass samples.

Feel free to get in touch with us to request further information and a quotation.

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