The present review of the literature on
lignan physiology and
lignan intervention and epidemiological studies was conducted to determine if
lignans decrease the risks of
cardiovascular disease in Western populations. Five intervention studies using flaxseed
lignan supplements indicated beneficial associations with
C-reactive protein, and a meta-analysis that included these studies also suggested
lignans have a lowering effect on plasma total and
low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Three intervention studies using
sesamin supplements indicated possible
lipid- and blood pressure-lowering associations. Eleven human observational epidemiological studies examined dietary intakes of
lignans in relation to
cardiovascular disease risk. Five showed decreased risk with either increasing dietary intakes of
lignans or increased levels of serum
enterolactone (an enterolignan used as a
biomarker of
lignan intake), five studies were of borderline significance, and one was null. The associations between
lignans and decreased risk of
cardiovascular disease are promising, but they are yet not well established, perhaps due to low
lignan intakes in habitual Western diets. At the higher doses used in intervention studies, associations were more evident.