: any of a class of propyl phenolic dimers including many found in plants and noted for having antioxidant and estrogenic activity
Examples of lignan in a Sentence
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Research has shown that flaxseeds are the most concentrated source of lignans in food.
—
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 16 Dec. 2024
Other studies have found that the lignans—a type of polyphenol—in pumpkin seeds may help reduce the risk of and help treat breast cancer.
—Valentina Bottoni, Vogue, 25 Nov. 2024
Flaxseeds are also rich in lignans, shown to have anti-cancer effects in animal studies.
—Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 18 May 2024
May Help Reduce Cancer Risk Cucumbers contain a natural substance called lignans—like flax and sesame seeds, kale, broccoli, cabbage, strawberries, apricots, and other plant foods.
—Cynthia Sass, Mph, Rd, Health, 18 Nov. 2023
Tiwa Savage’s Guide to Treating Hyperpigmentation and Day-to-Night Makeup
One of the richest sources of lignans, a potent phytoestrogen, is flaxseed, which can easily be sprinkled into smoothies, soups or on top of cereal and yogurt.
—Georgia Day, Vogue, 6 Sep. 2023
These include:2 Antioxidants Curcumin Fiber Fish oil Magnesium Polyphenols in green and black tea Selenium Sesame lignans Vitamin D Vitamin E Zinc Inflammatory conditions related to carrying excess weight can often be managed with weight loss.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 26 Apr. 2023
Although scientists are still working to figure out how valerian root actually works in the body, research suggests that some benefits may be due to the mechanism behind plant compounds like lignans, flavonoids and valepotriates (compounds that give off the sedation feeling).
—Valerie Agyeman, Good Housekeeping, 20 Apr. 2023
Eating flax seeds and pumpkin seeds during the first phase of your cycle is thought to boost estrogen production as your body metabolizes lignan.
—Jaclyn London, Ms, Rd, Cdn, Good Housekeeping, 16 May 2019
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Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 16 Dec. 2024
Other studies have found that the lignans—a type of polyphenol—in pumpkin seeds may help reduce the risk of and help treat breast cancer.
—Valentina Bottoni, Vogue, 25 Nov. 2024
Flaxseeds are also rich in lignans, shown to have anti-cancer effects in animal studies.
—Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 18 May 2024
May Help Reduce Cancer Risk Cucumbers contain a natural substance called lignans—like flax and sesame seeds, kale, broccoli, cabbage, strawberries, apricots, and other plant foods.
—Cynthia Sass, Mph, Rd, Health, 18 Nov. 2023
Tiwa Savage’s Guide to Treating Hyperpigmentation and Day-to-Night Makeup
One of the richest sources of lignans, a potent phytoestrogen, is flaxseed, which can easily be sprinkled into smoothies, soups or on top of cereal and yogurt.
—Georgia Day, Vogue, 6 Sep. 2023
These include:2 Antioxidants Curcumin Fiber Fish oil Magnesium Polyphenols in green and black tea Selenium Sesame lignans Vitamin D Vitamin E Zinc Inflammatory conditions related to carrying excess weight can often be managed with weight loss.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 26 Apr. 2023
Although scientists are still working to figure out how valerian root actually works in the body, research suggests that some benefits may be due to the mechanism behind plant compounds like lignans, flavonoids and valepotriates (compounds that give off the sedation feeling).
—Valerie Agyeman, Good Housekeeping, 20 Apr. 2023
Eating flax seeds and pumpkin seeds during the first phase of your cycle is thought to boost estrogen production as your body metabolizes lignan.
—Jaclyn London, Ms, Rd, Cdn, Good Housekeeping, 16 May 2019
Cite this Entry
“Lignan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lignan. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
lignan
noun
lig·nan
ˈlig-ˌnan 
: any of a class of polyphenolic compounds including many found in plants and noted for having antioxidant and estrogenic activity
In the process of digestion, bacteria convert lignans into estrogen-like substances …—Wellness Letter
Wellness LetterThe major types of phytoestrogens are thought to be isoflavones, found in soy protein, and lignans, found in flaxseeds, whole grains, and some fruits and vegetables.—Consumer Reports
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