Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lignans are a group of polyphenolic compounds found in plants, especially in flaxseed, sesame seeds, and whole grains. Their use in supporting or treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is primarily based on emerging scientific evidence, though this evidence is still preliminary and not robust. Lignans are thought to exert weak phytoestrogenic effects and may modulate sex hormone metabolism, which is relevant to prostate health. Some studies suggest that lignans, particularly those from flaxseed, can inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme involved in the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone implicated in prostate enlargement. Additionally, lignans have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which could theoretically help reduce prostatic inflammation associated with BPH.

However, clinical evidence in humans remains limited. A few small randomized controlled trials and observational studies have examined the effects of flaxseed or lignan supplements in men with BPH, with mixed results. Some report modest improvements in urinary symptoms and reductions in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, while others show no significant benefit. No large-scale, high-quality clinical trials have definitively established lignans as an effective treatment for BPH. Therefore, while there is a plausible scientific rationale and some early evidence, the overall support for lignans in BPH remains weak (rated 2/5), and lignans should not be considered a primary treatment option until more conclusive research is available.

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