Evidence supporting the use of: Secoisolariciresinol-diglucoside
For the body system: Estrogen
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Secoisolariciresinol-diglucoside (SDG) is a plant lignan found primarily in flaxseed. SDG is converted by intestinal bacteria into enterolignans (enterodiol and enterolactone), which are classified as phytoestrogens—plant-derived compounds with weak estrogenic activity. Scientific research has investigated SDG’s potential role in supporting estrogen-related body systems, particularly due to its structural similarity to endogenous estrogens and its ability to bind estrogen receptors. A number of in vitro and animal studies, as well as some human observational research, suggest that SDG and its metabolites may exert mild estrogenic or anti-estrogenic effects, depending on the hormonal environment. These effects have led to interest in SDG for supporting women’s health during menopause, alleviating symptoms such as hot flashes, and potentially modulating the risk of hormone-dependent cancers. However, clinical data in humans remain limited and results are sometimes inconsistent. Some small human trials have suggested modest effects on estrogen metabolism and menopausal symptoms, but evidence is not robust enough for strong conclusions. Major health authorities do not currently endorse SDG as a treatment for estrogen-related conditions, but its use as a phytoestrogen is grounded in plausible biological mechanisms and early-stage research. Accordingly, it receives a moderate rating for scientific evidence.
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