Matairesinol is an
organic compound. It is classified as a
lignan, i.e., a type of
phenylpropanoid. It is present in some cereals, such as
rye, and together with
secoisolariciresinol has attracted much attention for its beneficial nutritional effects.[2]
Metabolism
The plant lignans are precursors of the enterolignans (mammalian lignans).[3] A number of plant lignans are metabolized to the enterolignans (
enterodiol and
enterolactone) that can potentially reduce the risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.[4]
Biomedical considerations
Although some studies attribute disease preventative (cardio-protective and hormone associated cancers like breast cancer) benefits of lignans, the results are inconclusive.[5] Matairesinol has been found to act as an
agonist of the
adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1).[6]
^Niemeyer HB, Honig DM, Kulling SE, Metzler M (October 2003). "Studies on the metabolism of the plant lignans secoisolariciresinol and matairesinol". J. Agric. Food Chem. 51 (21): 6317–25.
doi:
10.1021/jf030263n.
PMID14518962.