Synopsis

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

7-Hydroxymatairesinol (HMR) is a lignan found in the wood of the Norway spruce and has attracted scientific interest due to its phytoestrogenic activity. HMR is metabolized in the body to enterolactone, a compound structurally similar to endogenous estrogen, which can bind to estrogen receptors, albeit with much lower affinity than estradiol. Preclinical studies in rodents have shown that HMR and its metabolites can exert weak estrogenic or anti-estrogenic effects depending on the physiological context, such as altering uterine weight or modulating hormone-responsive gene expression. Some in vitro research also suggests potential for influencing estrogen receptor signaling pathways. However, clinical evidence in humans is limited. A small number of trials exploring lignan-rich diets (not pure HMR supplementation) suggest possible modest benefits for menopausal symptoms and hormone balance, but results are inconsistent and not robustly replicated. Currently, there is insufficient high-quality human data to conclusively support significant benefits of HMR for the estrogen body system. Its use is thus justified primarily by mechanistic plausibility and preliminary animal and cell studies, rather than strong clinical validation.

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