The Factor of N and P Fertilization Affecting the Concentration of a Nutraceutical Lignan in Flaxseed
As lignans are derived from phenylalanine, an amino acid found in protein, it is logical to ask the question of the effect of nitrogen and/or phosphorus fertilizers on the final concentration of SDG in flax seed.
IPNI-2002-CAN-SK31
15 Apr 2002
Project Description
Lignans are a class of naturally occurring plant phenolics with hundreds of structural variations being reported. The predominant lignan in flax seed (Linum usitatissimum) is secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG). While the presence of SDG in flaxseed has been known for almost 50 years, the biological activity of SDG has been mainly studied during the last 10 years. Today, SDG is of interest as it has shown some potential therapeutic benefits in some cancers, heart disease, diabetes and lupus nephritis.