Female Breast Cancer Protection Using Phytoestrogen Lignans From Flaxseed
March 2026
in “
International Journal of Pharmacology
”
Studysummary This study explored a method using deep solvents in the presence of ultrasound to efficiently extract lignans from flax seeds, aiming to maximize their health benefits like hormonal balance and reduced cancer risk, while minimizing toxicity. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
The study highlights the potential of lignans, particularly from flax seeds, in reducing the risk of breast cancer in women due to their phytoestrogen properties, which mimic estrogen. Flax seeds contain 1,000 times more lignans than other plants, with 25 mg per gram, significantly higher than sesame seeds. When consumed, these lignans are converted by intestinal microorganisms into enterodiol and enterolactone, which may suppress testosterone production, potentially reducing hair loss and improving health. The study also introduces a new method to efficiently extract lignans from flax seeds, emphasizing the importance of consuming the seeds rather than the oil for maximum benefit.
