The Lignans in Norwegian Spruce Extract
Norwegian Spruce Extract, sourced from the knotwood of the Norwegian spruce tree (Picea Abies), is believed to contain one of nature’s highest concentrations of lignans. (50) (38). Lignans are polyphenolic compounds that naturally occur in seeds, grains, fruits, vegetables, and trees, where they help protect and preserve the longevity of the species itself.
Research shows the knotwood contains 50–100x more lignans than regular wood, and significantly more than flaxseed, one of the richest known plant sources of lignans. It is also known that the accumulation of lignans in the core of trees is important for the durability and longevity of the species.
The primary lignan found in Norwegian Spruce is 7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR), a powerful polyphenol and phytoestrogen studied for its antioxidant and hormone-balancing potential.
Many diseases, in particular hormonal related cancers such as breast cancer, have been observed to be much more prevalent in the West than in Asia. There is some evidence that diet plays a role. Populations consuming more phytoestrogens (lignans are phytoestrogens.) have been found to have a reduced risk of breast, colorectal and prostate cancer. In Asia consumption of soybeans (an isoflavone) represents the largest intake of phytoestrogens, while in the Western diet they come in smaller quantities from lignans in whole grains, seeds and vegetables. (63)
Research suggests diets rich in lignans may support hormonal balance, cardiovascular health, antioxidant protection, and overall wellness. When consumed, HMR is converted by the body into enterolactone (ENL), a mammalian lignan associated with many of these benefits.
One key advantage of Nordic Sunn’s Norwegian Spruce Extract is that its lignans occur in aglycone form, meaning they do not require the same complex digestive breakdown process as flaxseed or sesame lignans. Some studies suggest this may improve bioavailability and absorption.
Because lignans rely on gut bacteria for metabolism, gut health may influence how effectively they are absorbed and utilized by the body. Ongoing research continues to explore the role lignans may play in antioxidant activity, hormone regulation, gut health, and overall longevity.
ANTIOXIDANT POWER OF SPRUCE
An antioxidant is a compound that helps protect your cells from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.
Free radicals are naturally created in the body through everyday processes, habits, routines and environmental exposure that contribute to the deterioration of our health.
Sources of free radicals include pollutants, drugs, metal ions, radiation, and high intakes of polyunsaturated fatty acids, strenuous exercise, mitochondrial dysfunction, smoking, alcohol consumption and countless other sources. Even the process of our body turning food into energy, and every day stress, creates free radicals in the body.
One of the key benefits of lignans comes from their powerful antioxidant activity, helping protect the body from oxidative stress. Research on wood species, especially spruce knotwood and bark, has shown strong antioxidant potential.
HMR, the lignan found in Norwegian Spruce knotwood, has even been shown to outperform SECO, the main lignan in flaxseed, in antioxidant activity.(106)
BENEFITS OF POLYPHENOLS
Polyphenols are natural compounds found in plants that help protect the plant from environmental stress, damage, and disease. When we consume them, they can also help support and protect the human body through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
There are over 8,000 polyphenolic compounds in the plant world (62). Berries, green tea, coffee, cocoa, some spices and even red wine all contain polyphenols and have strong antioxidant properties.
Polyphenols are also powerful micronutrients that our bodies use to stay healthy . They have numerous health benefits that may offer protection from the development of cancers, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes. (62)
All polyphenols have various bioavailability, which will depend on the type of polyphenol as well as the colon microflora.
While it’s ideally best to get these nutrients through our diet, sometimes an unbalanced diet prevents us from getting as much as we need.
Polyphenols are grouped in 4 major classes: phenolic acids, flavanoids, stilbenes and lignans.