Enterolignans are

organic compound In chemistry, organic compounds are generally any chemical compounds that contain carbon-hydrogen or carbon-carbon bonds. Due to carbon's ability to catenate (form chains with other carbon atoms), millions of organic compounds are known. The ...

s formed by the action of gut microflora on

lignan The lignans are a large group of low molecular weight polyphenols found in plants, particularly seeds, whole grains, and vegetables. The name derives from the Latin word for "wood". Lignans are precursors to phytoestrogens. They may play a role ...

s. They are thus the products of the combined action of both plants and of the animal gut. Prominent enterolignans are

enterodiol Enterodiol is an organic compound with the formula OC6H4CH2CH(CH2OH)sub>2. It is formed by the action of intestinal bacteria on lignan precursors. As such it is sometimes classified as a enterolignan Enterolignans are organic compounds formed ...

and

enterolactone Enterolactone is a organic compound classified as an enterolignan. It is formed by the action of intestinal bacteria on plant lignan precursors present in the diet. Sources Many dietary plant lignan precursors, such as secoisolariciresinol, mat ...

. Enterolignans are also called "mammalian lignans", although that term is self-contradictory since mammals do not produce lignans. . Enterolignans have attracted intense attention because of their potential beneficial roles in nutrition. Elevated levels of enterodiol in urine are attributed consumption of tea and other lignan-rich foods.

References

Polyols Lignans Phenols {{aromatic-stub