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Flaxseed (lignans) anti-estrogenic

#1

Lignans (Flaxseed) are phytoestrogens with estrogenic or anti-estrogenic activity. Flaxseed has the highest content of phytoestrogen, (see chart), however it also antagonizes it's estrogenic effect, and btw, so does phytoestrogens themselves.

   

So why doesn't flaxseed work for everyone?, well here's why: and the text is highlighted:

When plant lignans are ingested, they can be metabolized by intestinal bacteria to the enterolignans, enterodiol and enterolactone, in the intestinal lumen (4). Enterodiol can also be converted to enterolactone by intestinal bacteria. Not surprisingly, antibiotic use has been associated with lower serum enterolactone levels (5). Thus, enterolactone levels measured in serum and urine reflect the activity of intestinal bacteria in addition to dietary intake of plant lignans. Because data on the lignan content of foods are limited, serum and urinary enterolactone levels are sometimes used as markers of dietary lignan intake. A pharmacokinetic study that measured plasma and urinary levels of enterodiol and enterolactone after a single dose (0.9 mg/kg of body weight) of secoisolariciresinol, the principal lignan in flaxseed, found that at least 40% was available to the body as enterodiol and enterolactone (6). Plasma enterodiol concentrations peaked at 73 nanomoles/liter (nmol/L) an average of 15 hours after ingestion of secoisolariciresinol, and plasma enterolactone concentrations peaked at 56 nmol/L an average of 20 hours after ingestion. Thus, substantial amounts of ingested plant lignans are available to humans in the form of enterodiol and enterolactone. Considerable variation among individuals in urinary and serum enterodiol:enterolactone ratios has been observed in flaxseed feeding studies, suggesting that some individuals convert most enterodiol to enterolactone, while others convert relatively little (1). It is likely that individual differences in the metabolism of lignans, possibly due to gut microbes, influence the biological activities and health effects of these compounds.

Biological Activities

Estrogenic and Anti-Estrogenic Activities

Estrogens are signaling molecules (hormones) that exert their effects by binding to estrogen receptors within cells (see chemical structures). The estrogen-receptor complex interacts with DNA to change the expression of estrogen-responsive genes. Estrogen receptors are present in numerous tissues other than those associated with reproduction, including bone, liver, heart, and brain (7). Although phytoestrogens can also bind to estrogen receptors, their estrogenic activity is much weaker than endogenous estrogens, and they may actually block or antagonize the effects of estrogen in some tissues (8). Scientists are interested in the tissue-selective activities of phytoestrogens because anti-estrogenic effects in reproductive tissue could help reduce the risk of hormone-associated cancers (breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate), while estrogenic effects in bone could help maintain bone density. The enterolignans, enterodiol and enterolactone, are known to have weak estrogenic activity. At present, the extent to which enterolignans exert weak estrogenic and/or anti-estrogenic effects in humans is not well understood.

Estrogen Receptor-Independent Activities

Enterolignans also have biological activities that are unrelated to their interactions with estrogen receptors. By altering the activity of enzymes involved in estrogen metabolism, lignans may change the biological activity of endogenous estrogens (9). Lignans can act as antioxidants in the test tube, but the significance of such antioxidant activity in humans is not clear because lignans are rapidly and extensively metabolized (4). Although one cross-sectional study found that a biomarker of oxidative damage was inversely associated with serum enterolactone levels in men (10), it is not clear whether this effect was related to enterolactone or other antioxidants present in lignan-rich foods.


http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/ph...s/#sources
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#2

(02-05-2014, 02:26)Lotus Wrote:  Lignans (Flaxseed) are phytoestrogens with estrogenic or anti-estrogenic activity. Flaxseed has the highest content of phytoestrogen, (see chart), however it also antagonizes it's estrogenic effect, and btw, so does phytoestrogens themselves.



So why doesn't flaxseed work for everyone?, well here's why: and the text is highlighted:

When plant lignans are ingested, they can be metabolized by intestinal bacteria to the enterolignans, enterodiol and enterolactone, in the intestinal lumen (4). Enterodiol can also be converted to enterolactone by intestinal bacteria. Not surprisingly, antibiotic use has been associated with lower serum enterolactone levels (5). Thus, enterolactone levels measured in serum and urine reflect the activity of intestinal bacteria in addition to dietary intake of plant lignans. Because data on the lignan content of foods are limited, serum and urinary enterolactone levels are sometimes used as markers of dietary lignan intake. A pharmacokinetic study that measured plasma and urinary levels of enterodiol and enterolactone after a single dose (0.9 mg/kg of body weight) of secoisolariciresinol, the principal lignan in flaxseed, found that at least 40% was available to the body as enterodiol and enterolactone (6). Plasma enterodiol concentrations peaked at 73 nanomoles/liter (nmol/L) an average of 15 hours after ingestion of secoisolariciresinol, and plasma enterolactone concentrations peaked at 56 nmol/L an average of 20 hours after ingestion. Thus, substantial amounts of ingested plant lignans are available to humans in the form of enterodiol and enterolactone. Considerable variation among individuals in urinary and serum enterodiol:enterolactone ratios has been observed in flaxseed feeding studies, suggesting that some individuals convert most enterodiol to enterolactone, while others convert relatively little (1). It is likely that individual differences in the metabolism of lignans, possibly due to gut microbes, influence the biological activities and health effects of these compounds.

Biological Activities

Estrogenic and Anti-Estrogenic Activities

Estrogens are signaling molecules (hormones) that exert their effects by binding to estrogen receptors within cells (see chemical structures). The estrogen-receptor complex interacts with DNA to change the expression of estrogen-responsive genes. Estrogen receptors are present in numerous tissues other than those associated with reproduction, including bone, liver, heart, and brain (7). Although phytoestrogens can also bind to estrogen receptors, their estrogenic activity is much weaker than endogenous estrogens, and they may actually block or antagonize the effects of estrogen in some tissues (8). Scientists are interested in the tissue-selective activities of phytoestrogens because anti-estrogenic effects in reproductive tissue could help reduce the risk of hormone-associated cancers (breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate), while estrogenic effects in bone could help maintain bone density. The enterolignans, enterodiol and enterolactone, are known to have weak estrogenic activity. At present, the extent to which enterolignans exert weak estrogenic and/or anti-estrogenic effects in humans is not well understood.

Estrogen Receptor-Independent Activities

Enterolignans also have biological activities that are unrelated to their interactions with estrogen receptors. By altering the activity of enzymes involved in estrogen metabolism, lignans may change the biological activity of endogenous estrogens (9). Lignans can act as antioxidants in the test tube, but the significance of such antioxidant activity in humans is not clear because lignans are rapidly and extensively metabolized (4). Although one cross-sectional study found that a biomarker of oxidative damage was inversely associated with serum enterolactone levels in men (10), it is not clear whether this effect was related to enterolactone or other antioxidants present in lignan-rich foods.


http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/ph...s/#sources

I remembered a post from a member last year stating that she used flaxseed oil and it stopped her NBE program dead in its tracks. I found the statement peculiar, I now believe the info provided explains why.

Wink
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#3

Is this only if you take it orally? I was thinking to try massaging and noogling with flaxseed oil.
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#4

(03-05-2014, 20:33)prettylily Wrote:  Is this only if you take it orally? I was thinking to try massaging and noogling with flaxseed oil.

Hi prettylilly,

Yes orally, but I would think it would also apply for topical too, it's more or less of a judgement call to me. It's seems to react differently for individuals,

Quote:It is likely that individual differences in the metabolism of lignans, possibly due to gut microbes, influence the biological activities and health effects of these compounds.

For me I wouldn't take the chance, maybe choose from these:

(08-03-2014, 03:22)Lotus Wrote:  
GLA-Gamma-Linolenic Acid



GLA- a fatty acid found primarily in vegetable oils. It is sold as a dietary supplement for a variety of human health problems. Here's a list of common GLA's and there uses or treatments for NBE.


Borage oil-The oil helps regulate hormones and lowers blood pressure, 3x more GLA than EPO, massage, galactogogue-increases breast milk in lactating mothers, Fibrocystic breast pain, anti-androgen


Evening Primrose Oil- massage, Fibrocystic breast pain, treats hot flashes, relieves PMS symptoms, relieves Eczema, hormone balance, fights breast tumors


Flaxseed oil-Ligan, massage, omega-3 fatty acids, Flax seed oil can increase prolactin, at the cost of lowering estrogen, (lignans inhibit aromatase, slows down the conversion of testosterone to estrogen), helps with breast pain


Coconut oil-makes connective tissues stronger for that much desired softness and elasticity. superb antioxidant activities that neutralize free radicals and slowing down aging, aids in breast feeding, Coconut oil is nature's richest source of MCFAs."




-More to follow-



Precautions

________________________________________________________________

Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, dietary supplements should be taken only under the supervision of a knowledgeable healthcare provider.

Omega-6 supplements, including GLA and EPO, should not be used if you have a seizure disorder because there have been reports of these supplements inducing seizures.

Borage seed oil,and possibly other sources of GLA, should not be used during pregnancy because they may be harmful to the fetus and induce early labor.

Doses of GLA greater than 3,000 mg per day should be avoided because, at that point, production of AA-Arachidonic Acid(rather than DGLA) may increase.



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#5

Here (http://www.naturalstandard.com/index-abstract.asp?create-abstract=flaxseed.asp&title=Flaxseed%20and%20flaxseed%20oil) it says flaxseed oil doesn't contain lignans. I think since I've already bought it, I might as well go ahead and try it out. Smile Did the member you referred to use the oil topically or ingest it?
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#6

(03-05-2014, 23:20)prettylily Wrote:  Here (http://www.naturalstandard.com/index-abstract.asp?create-abstract=flaxseed.asp&title=Flaxseed%20and%20flaxseed%20oil) it says flaxseed oil doesn't contain lignans. I think since I've already bought it, I might as well go ahead and try it out. Smile Did the member you referred to use the oil topically or ingest it?

The lignan constituents of flaxseed (not flaxseed oil) possess in vitro antioxidant and possible estrogen receptor agonist or antagonist properties, prompting theories about their efficacy for the treatment of breast cancer.

There just making a distinction between the two, meaning just the flaxseed not the oil.

Flaxseed oil comes from flaxseeds

Flaxseed is the seed of the flax plant, which is believed to have originated in Egypt. It grows throughout Canada and Northwestern United States. Flaxseed oil comes from flaxseeds.
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/flaxseed/ataglance.htm


I'll find the statement, it may take awhile though sifting through the posts.

One other thing was this post from Isabelle and Flaxseed being an Aromatase Inhibitor, meaning it prevents testosterone converting to estrogen.
(24-08-2011, 08:09)Isabelle Wrote:  Hi NotSoBusty,

I posted my list of anti-androgens here:
http://www.breastnexus.com/showthread.php?tid=8419&pid=33520#pid33520

The hops I use is also anti-androgen, so I get enough. Before I knew that, I stocked up on anti-androgens. I keep them in my emergency kit:

mint tea and green tea
broken flax seeds
barley grass
borage oil capsules
and the formula I posted here:
http://www.breastnexus.com/showthread.php?tid=8419&pid=30906#pid30906

So far, I have only used the teas and the broken flax seeds. Be careful with flax: it's also an aromatase inhibitor, so it can slow down testosterone becoming estrogen. But lots of flax increases Sex Hormone Binding Glubulin (SHBG), which binds free testossterone, and gets it out of the blood stream.

The smart thing to do is to check your diet. Carbs that become blood sugar fast (sugar, white bread or pasta, white rice) increase insulin. SHBG binds insulin, and releases free testosterone to make space for the insulin. The free testosterone becomes DHT, which causes the breakouts.

The anti-androgen blocks testosterone from becoming DHT. If I fall off the wagon on ice cream, I eat a teaspoon of flax seed after it.

In recognizing symptoms, you can use fast symptoms to adjust your program on a daily basis, and slow symptoms to check the general direction of your program:

Too much estrogen:
fast: headaches, foggy thinking
slow: NBE growth, conical breasts

Too much testosterone:
slow: muscle growth

Too much DHT:
fast: good mood and libido, breakouts
slow: chin hair, male pattern baldness

Too much progesterone:
fast: good mood and libido
slow: round breasts, NBE growth stops

Too much cortisol:
fast: no rashes or inflammation
slow: fat inside the abdomen (visceral fat)

Too much prolactin:
fast: swelling
slow: lactation

Too much insulin:
fast: dizzy, black before your eyes (low blood sugar)
slow: fat inside the abdomen (visceral fat)

The above list is not complete. It's the symptoms I use to steer my program. I linked more complete lists in my program thread:
http://www.breastnexus.com/showthread.php?tid=8419&pid=34708#pid34708
DHT:
http://www.breastnexus.com/showthread.php?tid=8419&pid=31857&highlight=DHT#pid31857
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#7

Sorry, I should have specified.

Quote:Flaxseed oil contains only the ALA component of flaxseed and not the fiber or lignan components. Therefore, flaxseed oil may share the purported lipid-lowering properties of flaxseed but not the proposed laxative or anticancer abilities.

Since, as I understand it, the lignans are what is having the anti-estrogenic effect, I think it should be okay as long as there are no lignans added.

As for anti-aromatase properties, that would be more consistent among individuals, right? I think many people have found flaxseed oil to be good for massage, so I'm not too worried about that if I'm using it topically.

No need to dig up the statement on my account! I was just wondering if you knew offhand.
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#8

(04-05-2014, 00:53)prettylily Wrote:  Sorry, I should have specified.

Quote:Flaxseed oil contains only the ALA component of flaxseed and not the fiber or lignan components. Therefore, flaxseed oil may share the purported lipid-lowering properties of flaxseed but not the proposed laxative or anticancer abilities.

Since, as I understand it, the lignans are what is having the anti-estrogenic effect, I think it should be okay as long as there are no lignans added.

As for anti-aromatase properties, that would be more consistent among individuals, right? I think many people have found flaxseed oil to be good for massage, so I'm not too worried about that if I'm using it topically.

No need to dig up the statement on my account! I was just wondering if you knew offhand.


PHEW!!, thanks!! Wink

I hope it works out for ya pretty!, I'd hate to imagine people wasting their hard earned money. It just goes to show how different we all are, actually it's quite extraordinary.
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#9

Ok so in layman or laywomans terms.. :p
No more ground flaxseed or linseed oil for breakfast anymore????
Cause I've been having this everymorning..
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#10

As always, same here, Ella! Milled flaxseeds on my oatmeal. Guess I won't be buying another box once I use them up. And maybe I should switch to a different oil to massage with... (won't miss the smell!)
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