# Matairesinol **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/matairesinol **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 6 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** (-)-Matairesinol, MAT, Dibenzylbutyrolactone lignan, Flaxseed lignan, Plant estrogen, Phytoestrogen compound, Sesame lignan ## Overview Matairesinol is a plant lignan found in flaxseeds and whole grains that acts as a phytoestrogen with [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties. It may reduce vascular inflammation markers and shows anticancer potential through apoptosis induction and epithelial-mesenchymal transition suppression. ## Health Benefits • May reduce vascular [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers (IL-6, TNF-α) based on observational dietary studies (Preliminary evidence, PMID: 19361969) • Shows anticancer effects in preclinical models by suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and inducing apoptosis (Animal/cell studies only, PMIDs: 41232730, 35892941) • Inhibits angiogenesis through [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) ROS suppression and HIF-1α downregulation (In vitro evidence, PMID: 22483751) • Demonstrates anti-osteoclastogenesis activity via RANKL signaling pathway (Preclinical evidence, PMID: 24444335) • Exhibits [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects in animal models (Preliminary evidence, PMID: 21597179) ## Mechanism of Action Matairesinol functions as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), binding to both ERα and ERβ receptors with higher affinity for ERβ. It suppresses [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s IL-6 and TNF-α through NF-κB pathway inhibition. The compound induces apoptosis in cancer cells by activating caspase cascades and inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition by downregulating Snail and Twist transcription factors. ## Clinical Summary Human evidence for matairesinol comes primarily from observational dietary studies showing associations with reduced vascular [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers. One study (PMID: 19361969) found higher dietary lignan intake, including matairesinol, correlated with lower IL-6 and TNF-α levels in adults. Anticancer effects are limited to preclinical studies in cell cultures and animal models, with no human clinical trials available. The preliminary evidence suggests potential [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) benefits, but controlled human studies are needed to establish therapeutic efficacy. ## Nutritional Profile Matairesinol is a plant lignan (polyphenolic compound) classified as a phytoestrogen, not a macronutrient or primary micronutrient. It is not a source of protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, or minerals in meaningful dietary quantities. As a bioactive compound, it occurs in trace concentrations in foods: highest in sesame seeds (~5–9 mg/100g dry weight), flaxseeds (~0.01–0.09 mg/100g), rye bran (~0.5–1.5 mg/100g dry weight), and smaller amounts in whole grains, berries, and certain vegetables. Typical dietary intake in Western populations is estimated at 0.1–0.5 mg/day. Matairesinol is a precursor lignan that undergoes gut microbiota-dependent conversion to the mammalian lignan enterolactone (and to a lesser extent enterodiol) via demethylation and dehydroxylation by colonic bacteria such as Blautia producta and Clostridium scindens. Bioavailability is highly variable (estimated 20–50% conversion efficiency) and is strongly dependent on [gut microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) composition. Enterolactone, the primary metabolite, is detectable in serum and urine and is considered the biologically active form responsible for most observed health associations. Matairesinol itself has a molecular weight of 358.39 g/mol and exhibits weak estrogenic and [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) in its unconverted form. No established Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) or Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) exists for matairesinol. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied human dosages exist. Preclinical studies used 50-150 μM in cancer cell lines, while dietary intake from flaxseed provides approximately 1-10 mg/day matairesinol equivalents. No standardized extract forms have established clinical ranges. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Matairesinol appears generally safe when consumed through food sources like flaxseeds and whole grains. As a phytoestrogen, it may theoretically interact with hormone-sensitive conditions or hormone replacement therapy, though specific interactions haven't been documented. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution with concentrated supplements due to estrogenic activity. No serious adverse effects or drug interactions have been reported in the limited available research. ## Scientific Research No large-scale human randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses have been conducted on matairesinol as a monotherapy. Evidence is limited to one observational study (PMID: 19361969) showing correlations between dietary lignan intake and reduced vascular [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers, with all other research confined to preclinical cancer models (PMIDs: 39297880, 41232730, 36802650, 35892941). ## Historical & Cultural Context No specific historical use of isolated matairesinol is documented in traditional medicine systems. As a component of flaxseed, it contributes to flaxseed's traditional applications in Western herbalism and Traditional Chinese Medicine for laxative and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) purposes, but matairesinol itself lacks targeted traditional applications. ## Synergistic Combinations Flaxseed oil, Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), Sesame lignans, Arctigenin, Omega-3 fatty acids ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What foods contain matairesinol? Matairesinol is found primarily in flaxseeds (highest concentration), sesame seeds, whole grain cereals, and some berries. Flaxseeds contain approximately 1-3 mg of matairesinol per 100g, making them the richest dietary source. ### How much matairesinol should I take daily? No established daily dosage exists for matairesinol supplements since human clinical trials are lacking. Observational studies suggest benefits from dietary intake of 10-50 mg total lignans daily from food sources rather than isolated supplements. ### Does matairesinol help with menopause symptoms? While matairesinol has estrogenic activity that could theoretically help menopause symptoms, no clinical studies have specifically tested this application. More research is needed to determine its effectiveness for menopausal support. ### Can matairesinol prevent cancer? Preclinical studies show matairesinol can induce cancer cell death and inhibit tumor progression in laboratory settings. However, no human clinical trials have proven cancer prevention benefits, so these effects remain unconfirmed in people. ### Is matairesinol safe with blood thinners? No specific interactions between matairesinol and blood thinning medications have been reported in research. However, since lignans may have mild anticoagulant effects, consulting a healthcare provider before combining them is advisable. ### What is the difference between matairesinol and other lignans like secoisolariciresinol? Matairesinol and secoisolariciresinol are both dietary lignans, but they differ in chemical structure and food sources. Matairesinol is found primarily in seeds and whole grains, while secoisolariciresinol is more abundant in flaxseeds and berries. Both are converted to enterolignans by gut bacteria, but matairesinol may have distinct effects on vascular inflammation markers based on preliminary observational studies. ### How does matairesinol absorption work, and what affects how much my body actually uses? Matairesinol undergoes conversion by intestinal microbiota into bioactive metabolites, meaning your gut bacteria composition directly influences how much your body can utilize. Dietary fiber intake, overall microbiome diversity, and food matrix (whether matairesinol is consumed with other nutrients) can enhance or reduce its bioavailability. Individual variation in bacterial enzyme activity explains why supplementation responses may differ significantly between people. ### What does current clinical research actually show about matairesinol's effectiveness in humans? Human clinical evidence for matairesinol is limited; most supportive data comes from observational dietary studies showing associations with reduced vascular inflammation markers like IL-6 and TNF-α. Anticancer and angiogenesis-inhibiting effects have only been demonstrated in animal and cell culture models, not yet reliably replicated in human trials. More randomized controlled trials are needed to establish clinical efficacy for any health condition beyond dietary consumption. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*