Lignans from linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) and its allied species: Retrospect, introspect and prospect

Lignans are complex diphenolic compounds representing phytoestrogens and occur widely across the plant kingdom. Formed by the coupling of two coniferyl alcohol residues, lignans constitute major plant "specialized metabolites" with exceptional biological attributes that aid in plant defenc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Critical reviews in food science and nutrition 2021-09, Vol.61 (16), p.2719-2741
Main Authors: Chhillar, Himanshu, Chopra, Priyanka, Ashfaq, Mohd Ashraf
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anticancer properties
Antiviral activity
Cereals
Diabetes mellitus
elicitor
Functional foods & nutraceuticals
Legumes
Lignan
Lignans
linseed
Linum spp
Linum usitatissimum
Metabolites
Phytoestrogens
pinoresinol-lariciresinol reductase
secoisolariciresinol diglucoside
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Summary:Lignans are complex diphenolic compounds representing phytoestrogens and occur widely across the plant kingdom. Formed by the coupling of two coniferyl alcohol residues, lignans constitute major plant "specialized metabolites" with exceptional biological attributes that aid in plant defence and provide health benefits in humans by reducing the risk of ailments such as cancer, diabetes etc. Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is one of the richest sources of lignans followed by cereals and legumes. Among the various types of lignans, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) is considered as the essential and nutrient rich lignan in linseed. Lignans exhibit established antimitotic, antiviral and anti-tumor properties that contribute to their medicinal value. The present review seeks to provide a holistic view of research in the past and present times revolving around lignans from linseed and its allied species. This review attempts to elucidate sources, structures and functional properties of lignans, along with detailed biosynthetic mechanisms operating in plants. It summarizes various methods for the determination of lignan content in plants. Biotechnological interventions (in planta and in vitro) aimed at enriching lignan content and adoption of integrative approaches that might further enhance lignan content and medicinal and nutraceutical value of Linum spp. have also been discussed.
ISSN:1040-8398
1549-7852
DOI:10.1080/10408398.2020.1784840