Biological functions of lignans in plants

Abstract

Naturally occurring lignans are present in seeds, nuts, cereals, vegetables, and fruits. Lignans play various roles in plants and their multipurpose functions of different organisms including humans is considerable. They are involved in plant defence mechanisms through their antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. The lignans content may be affected by a variety of factors such as genotype, tissue type, geographic origin, local environmental conditions, nutrition, and plant maturity. Interactive relationships between individual factors are also considered. This review aimed to summarize the biological functions of lignans for plants and empasize the importance of these compounds for the added value of individual genotypes of plant food resources. Understanding the biological functions of lignans in plants can provide solutions to the ever-increasing requirements for the production of functional foods. Flaxseed is the richest source of lignans, and as such is considered the model species for lignans studies. Within our review, one paragraph is focused on the properties and biological functions of flax lignans.

Water Stress and Seed Color Interacting to Impact Seed and Oil Yield, Protein, Mucilage, and Secoisolariciresinol Diglucoside Content in Cultivated Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.)

“…Therefore, it seems that more SECO is converted to SDG under water stress conditions in brown-seeded genotypes. These findings were consistent with the results of Shulha et al [32] and Ražná et al [27], who showed that the amount of lignans in the plants increased under stressful conditions. This can increase the plant's resistance to adverse environmental conditions and stresses.…”

“…Flax lignans also impart health benefits, particularly in controlling cancers, due to their strong phytoestrogenic and antioxidant properties [27]. Studies have shown that lignans are mainly localized in the secondary wall of the sclerite cell layer of the outer integument of the seed [28,29].…”

“…Studies have shown that lignans are mainly localized in the secondary wall of the sclerite cell layer of the outer integument of the seed [28,29]. Like many other polyphenolic compounds in plants, lignans, due to their antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, play a critical role in plant defense mechanisms [27,30,31]. Plant lignan content is affected by various factors such as genotype, tissue type, geographical origin, environmental conditions, nutrition, and plant maturity.…”

The Medicinal Halophyte Frankenia laevis L. (Sea Heath) Has In Vitro Antioxidant Activity, α-Glucosidase Inhibition, and Cytotoxicity towards Hepatocarcinoma Cells

“…Flavonoids possess several functions, namely plant development regulation, pigmentation, UV protection, and as microorganisms’ defense signaling molecules [ 17 ]. Lignans may have a defensive role as antifeedants against herbivores and microorganisms, as well as allelopathic effects [ 18 ]. The biosynthesis of these metabolites is usually increased when the plants are exposed to environmental stresses such as drought, UV radiation, and salinity, which characterize halophytes’ habitats.…”

Anticancer Potentials of the Lignan Magnolin: A Systematic Review

“…Naturally occurring lignans are a group of secondary metabolites that are found in a variety of sources, such as seeds, nuts, cereals, vegetables, and fruits. Lignans serve a range of purposes in plants, and their multifaceted functions are significant for various organisms, including humans [25][26][27]. They are mainly liable for the defense mechanism and are distinguished by the presence of two terminal phenyl groups in their chemical structure [28].…”