Enterolignans: from natural origins to cardiometabolic significance, including chemistry, dietary sources, bioavailability, and activity

Research output: Contribution to journalReviewResearchpeer-review

  • Emily P. Laveriano-Santos
  • Carlos Luque-Corredera
  • Trius Soler, Marta
  • Julian Lozano-Castellón
  • Inés Dominguez-López
  • Sara Castro-Barquero
  • Anna Vallverdú-Queralt
  • Rosa M. Lamuela-Raventós
  • Maria Pérez

The enterolignans, enterolactone and enterodiol, the main metabolites produced from plant lignans by the gut microbiota, have enhanced bioavailability and activity compared to their precursors, with beneficial effects on metabolic and cardiovascular health. Although extensively studied, the biosynthesis, cardiometabolic effects, and other therapeutic implications of mammalian lignans are still incompletely understood. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of these phytoestrogen metabolites based on up-to-date information reported in studies from a wide range of disciplines. Established and novel synthetic strategies are described, as are the various lignan precursors, their dietary sources, and a proposed metabolic pathway for their conversion to enterolignans. The methodologies used for enterolignan analysis and the available data on pharmacokinetics and bioavailability are summarized and their cardiometabolic bioactivity is explored in detail. The special focus given to research on the health benefits of microbial-derived lignan metabolites underscores the critical role of lignan-rich diets in promoting cardiovascular health.

Original languageEnglish
JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
ISSN1040-8398
DOIs
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

    Research areas

  • bioavailability, cardiovascular health, dietary lignans, Lignan metabolism

ID: 403454593