6533b7d7fe1ef96bd1268cb9
RESEARCH PRODUCT
New findings on the bioactivity of lignans
Jose M. PrietoJosé Luis RíosRosa M. Ginersubject
AntioxidantPlatelet-activating factormedicine.medical_treatmentBiological activityInflammationLipid peroxidationchemistry.chemical_compoundchemistryBiochemistrymedicinePhytoestrogensLiver functionmedicine.symptomFunction (biology)description
Abstract This chapter reviews the lignans with biological and pharmacological activity, and includes new natural products and some synthetic or semisynthetic compounds. Lignans are widespread in plants and in many cases are their effective principles. They play an important role as phytoestrogens in preventing menopausial symptoms, osteoporosis, cancer and heart diseases. Lignans possess anticancer and antiviral properties and specifically inhibit certain enzymes and mediators involved in inflammation and immunity processes. They affect the cardiovascular system by different mechanisms including the modification of phosphodiesterase activity and platelet activating factor function. Lignans can modify liver function, inhibit lipid peroxidation and free radical-mediated processes and exhibit antioxidant activity. Toxicity to fungi, bacteria, parasites and insects has also been documented. In several cases the most relevant structure-activity relationship established for certain synthetic lignans in different activities have been summarised.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-01-01 |