Flavonolignan: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:26, 15 February 2025

Overview[edit]

Flavonolignans are a group of natural compounds that are classified as a subclass of flavonoids. They are characterized by their unique chemical structure, which combines features of both flavonoids and lignans. These compounds are primarily found in the seeds of the milk thistle plant, scientifically known as Silybum marianum.

Chemical Structure[edit]

Flavonolignans are composed of a flavonoid moiety linked to a lignan moiety. The most well-known flavonolignan is silibinin, which is a major active component of the milk thistle extract known as silymarin. The structure of silibinin includes a flavonoid portion that is chemically bonded to a lignan portion, forming a complex molecule with significant biological activity.

Biological Activity[edit]

Flavonolignans, particularly silibinin, are known for their antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. They have been extensively studied for their potential therapeutic effects in liver diseases, including cirrhosis and hepatitis. The antioxidant activity of flavonolignans helps in neutralizing free radicals, thereby protecting cells from oxidative stress.

Pharmacological Uses[edit]

The primary use of flavonolignans in medicine is in the treatment of liver disorders. Silibinin, as part of silymarin, is used as a supplement to support liver health. It is believed to enhance liver function by promoting the regeneration of liver cells and inhibiting the entry of toxins into the liver.

Sources[edit]

Flavonolignans are predominantly found in the seeds of the milk thistle plant. The seeds are harvested and processed to extract silymarin, which contains silibinin and other related compounds. Milk thistle has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its beneficial effects on liver health.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Flavonolignan''' is a type of [[phytochemical]] that is a fusion of [[flavonoid]] and [[lignan]] molecules. They are found in a variety of plants and have been studied for their potential health benefits.
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Flavonolignan}}
-== Structure and Classification ==
+== Overview ==
+[[File:Silibinin_skeletal.svg|thumb|right|Skeletal structure of Silibinin, a prominent flavonolignan.]]
+Flavonolignans are a group of natural compounds that are classified as a subclass of [[flavonoids]]. They are characterized by their unique chemical structure, which combines features of both flavonoids and lignans. These compounds are primarily found in the seeds of the [[milk thistle]] plant, scientifically known as ''Silybum marianum''.
-Flavonolignans are complex molecules that consist of a flavonoid unit and a lignan unit. The flavonoid unit is a type of [[polyphenol]] that is characterized by a 15-carbon skeleton, which consists of two phenyl rings and a heterocyclic ring. The lignan unit, on the other hand, is a type of [[phenolic compound]] that is characterized by a 2,3-dibenzylbutane skeleton.
+== Chemical Structure ==
+Flavonolignans are composed of a flavonoid moiety linked to a lignan moiety. The most well-known flavonolignan is [[silibinin]], which is a major active component of the milk thistle extract known as [[silymarin]]. The structure of silibinin includes a flavonoid portion that is chemically bonded to a lignan portion, forming a complex molecule with significant biological activity.
-Flavonolignans can be classified into different types based on the type of flavonoid and lignan units they contain. For example, [[silymarin]] is a type of flavonolignan that contains a [[taxifolin]] flavonoid unit and a [[coniferyl alcohol]] lignan unit.
+== Biological Activity ==
+Flavonolignans, particularly silibinin, are known for their [[antioxidant]] and [[hepatoprotective]] properties. They have been extensively studied for their potential therapeutic effects in liver diseases, including [[cirrhosis]] and [[hepatitis]]. The antioxidant activity of flavonolignans helps in neutralizing free radicals, thereby protecting cells from oxidative stress.
+== Pharmacological Uses ==
+The primary use of flavonolignans in medicine is in the treatment of liver disorders. Silibinin, as part of silymarin, is used as a supplement to support liver health. It is believed to enhance liver function by promoting the regeneration of liver cells and inhibiting the entry of toxins into the liver.
 == Sources ==
+Flavonolignans are predominantly found in the seeds of the milk thistle plant. The seeds are harvested and processed to extract silymarin, which contains silibinin and other related compounds. Milk thistle has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its beneficial effects on liver health.
-Flavonolignans are found in a variety of plants. One of the most well-known sources is the [[milk thistle]] (Silybum marianum), which contains a complex of flavonolignans known as silymarin. Other sources include the [[sesame]] (Sesamum indicum), which contains the flavonolignan [[sesamin]], and the [[flax]] (Linum usitatissimum), which contains the flavonolignan [[secoisolariciresinol]].
+== Related Pages ==
-== Health Benefits ==
-Flavonolignans have been studied for their potential health benefits. They have been found to have [[antioxidant]], [[anti-inflammatory]], and [[anticancer]] properties. For example, silymarin has been used in traditional medicine for its liver-protective effects, and recent studies have supported its potential in treating [[liver diseases]] such as [[cirrhosis]] and [[hepatitis]].
-== See Also ==
-* [[Phytochemical]]
 * [[Flavonoid]]
 * [[Lignan]]
-* [[Silymarin]]
+* [[Antioxidant]]
-* [[Sesamin]]
+* [[Hepatoprotection]]
-* [[Secoisolariciresinol]]
+* [[Milk thistle]]
-== References ==
-<references />
+[[Category:Flavonoids]]
 [[Category:Phytochemicals]]
-[[Category:Flavonoids]]
+[[Category:Hepatology]]
-[[Category:Lignans]]
-{{Phytochemical-stub}}