Lignans and Neolignans: Plant Secondary Metabolites as a Reservoir of Biologically Active Substances

The document is a comprehensive review of the biological activities and potential health benefits of lignans and neolignans, which are plant secondary metabolites. It covers 413 newly identified structures of these compounds, reported in over 300 peer-reviewed articles from 2016 to mid-2018. The compounds exhibit a range of biological activities, including antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-neurodegenerative, antiviral, and antimicrobial effects. Some lignans act as phytoestrogens and have been associated with protective effects against hormone-dependent cancers. The review also discusses the cytotoxic effects of these compounds on various human cancer cell lines, with specific examples and IC50 values indicating their potency. Additionally, the document highlights the potential therapeutic applications of lignans and neolignans in neuroprotection, anti-osteoporosis, antiradical activity, anti-parasitic and insecticidal properties, skin whitening, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and liver protection. It suggests that these compounds could be valuable for treating a range of health issues and emphasizes the importance of further research into their protective properties against various diseases.