Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside
Synopsis of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside
Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) is a type of plant lignan—a class of polyphenolic compounds—found most abundantly in flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum). It is the primary lignan in flaxseed and serves as a precursor to mammalian lignans enterodiol and enterolactone, which are formed via intestinal microbial metabolism. These compounds are phytoestrogens, meaning they exhibit mild estrogenic or anti-estrogenic activity depending on hormonal context, making them of interest in hormone-related health issues.
SDG possesses strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemopreventive properties. It has been studied for its potential to support cardiovascular health by reducing oxidative stress, lowering LDL cholesterol, and improving arterial elasticity. Due to its interaction with estrogen receptors, SDG may also help modulate hormonal balance, particularly in menopausal women or individuals at risk of hormone-related cancers. It has shown promise in reducing breast and prostate cancer risk, improving bone mineral density, and supporting metabolic health by lowering blood glucose and insulin resistance.
As a supplement, SDG is typically extracted from flaxseed hulls and offered in capsule or powder form. Its benefits are linked not only to hormonal modulation but also to its ability to regulate oxidative stress and inflammation systemically.
Historical Use:
While SDG itself is a relatively recent discovery in the field of nutritional biochemistry (identified in flaxseed in the 1950s and studied intensively since the 1990s), its source—flaxseed—has a rich and ancient history in both nutrition and medicine. Flaxseed has been cultivated since at least 3000 BCE in Mesopotamia and Egypt, where it was valued for its oil, fiber, and medicinal properties. Ancient Greek and Roman physicians, including Hippocrates and Galen, used flaxseed for intestinal health, soothing inflammation, and improving skin conditions.
In traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, flaxseed was used to ease constipation, improve digestion, and balance vata-related disorders. It was often ground into a paste and applied topically for burns and skin irritations. The mucilaginous quality of flax also made it a common remedy for throat irritation and coughs.
Though early healers were unaware of the specific compound SDG, the regular consumption of flaxseed likely delivered health benefits associated with this lignan, including hormonal regulation and cardiovascular protection. The modern isolation and concentration of SDG represent a scientific evolution of traditional flaxseed use, allowing more precise dosing for research and clinical applications.
Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside is used for these health conditions
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Scientific)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
secoisolariciresinol diglucoside is used to support these body systems
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Estrogen (Scientific)
Heart (Scientific)
Prostate (Scientific)
Specific Hormones (Scientific)
