The effect of a lignan complex isolated from flaxseed on inflammation markers in healthy postmenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE
Plant lignans are metabolised by the colonic micro-flora to the mammalian lignans enterodiol and enterolactone, which are hypothesized to be cardioprotective. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a plant lignan complex isolated from flaxseed, providing 500 mg/d of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, on inflammatory markers.


RESULTS
Healthy postmenopausal women (n=22) completed a randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Women consumed daily a low-fat muffin, with or without a lignan complex, for 6 weeks, separated by a 6-week washout period. A significant difference of approximately 15% (P=0.028) was observed for C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration between the lignan complex intervention period and placebo period. CRP concentrations (median; 25th, 75th percentiles) were 0.88 (0.63, 2.05) mg/L at baseline and 0.92 (0.59, 1.49) mg/L after the lignan complex intervention period compared with 0.80 (0.62, 1.62) mg/L at baseline and 1.10 (0.72, 1.62) mg/L after placebo. No significant differences in interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 were found between the lignan complex intervention period and placebo period.


CONCLUSIONS
Daily consumption for 6 week of a low-fat muffin enriched with a lignan complex may reduce CRP concentrations compared to a low-fat muffin with no lignans added.
Hallund
J
J
Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 30, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark. jeha@life.ku.dk
Tetens
I
I
Bügel
S
S
Tholstrup
T
T
Bruun
J M
JM
D015107:4-Butyrolactone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000652:urine; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D019597:Flax / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000652:urine; D017705:Lignans / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000652:urine; D008875:Middle Aged; D048789:Phytoestrogens / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000652:urine; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology / Q000652:urine; D013997:Time Factors
D015415:Biomarkers; D017705:Lignans; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D015107:4-Butyrolactone; C029497:2,3-bis(3'-hydroxybenzyl)butyrolactone