Abstract

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.

摘要

木脂素是代表植物雌激素的复杂二酚化合物，广泛存在于植物界。由两个松柏醇残基偶联形成的木脂素构成了主要的植物“特殊代谢产物”，具有特殊的生物学特性，有助于植物防御并通过降低癌症、糖尿病等疾病的风险为人类提供健康益处。 亚麻籽（Linum usitatissimumL.) 是木脂素最丰富的来源之一，其次是谷物和豆类。在各类木脂素中，开环异落叶松树脂醇二葡糖苷（SDG）被认为是亚麻籽中必需且营养丰富的木脂素。木脂素表现出已建立的抗有丝分裂、抗病毒和抗肿瘤特性，这有助于它们的药用价值。本综述旨在提供过去和现在围绕亚麻籽及其近缘物种木脂素的研究的整体观点。本综述试图阐明木脂素的来源、结构和功能特性，以及在植物中运作的详细生物合成机制。它总结了测定植物中木脂素含量的各种方法。生物技术干预（在植物中和体外）旨在丰富的可能进一步提高木酚素含量和药用和保健品价值的综合方法木酚素含量和采用亚麻属。也被讨论过。