Secoisolariciresinol Diglycoside

Description:Secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG) is an anti-oxidant phytochemical present in flax, sunflower, sesame, and pumpkin seeds. It is a precursor of mammal lignans and a phytoestrogen.
Animal studies have shown SDG can prevent the development of atherosclerosis and diabetes, and has beneficial modifying effect on blood and cholesterol levels. It may play very different role in the people with the already existent cancer. In the Grade IV histology group of adult patients diagnosed with malignant glioma, high intake of secoisolariciresinol (for highest tertile compared to lowest tertile, in all cases) was associated with poorer survival.
Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside can be isolated from de-fatted (hexane extraction) flaxseed by extraction of the lignan polymer precursor with a water/acetone mixture, followed by acetone removal and alkaline hydrolysis.