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Lee Swanson Research Update
New Study Reveals HMRlignan Provides Cardiovascular Protection
May 2007
A new study shows that 7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMRlignan) ingestion may provide cardiovascular protection by depressing a particular inflammatory pathway. The study was performed by the Department of Clinical Medicine at the University of Insubria in Italy and is under preparation for publication.
Researchers evaluated the anti-inflammatory properties of HMR (from Norway Spruce) and its metabolite enterolactone on the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) in a human cell line (THP-1). The effect of HMR was additionally assessed on the production of reactive oxygen species (free radicals) by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Researchers found that both HMR and enterolactone concentration-dependently reduced TNF-alpha production in THP cells, a known inflammatory pathway. In polymorphonuclear leukocytes, HMR concentration-dependently significantly reduced production of reactive oxygen species.
Commenting on the results, research pharmacologist Dr. Marco Cosentino stated: "These results indicate that HMR and enterolactone exert effects that may result in reduction of the inflammatory process, known to be a contributing factor in the etiology of heart disease. Tumor necrosis factor production by monocytes infiltrating atherosclerotic lesions is a key factor in the genesis and progression of vascular damage, and oxidative stress of the vascular wall sustained by circulating activated PMNs is an early step in the cascade leading to cardiovascular pathology in otherwise asymptomatic individuals. This study shows remarkable potential for the inclusion of HMR in a cardiovascular protective regimen."
Dr. Donald Brown, N.D., commented: "The results of this study add to existing data suggesting that higher dietary lignan intake and enterolactone levels in the blood stream correlate with reduced risk of coronary heart disease-related and cardiovascular-disease-related mortality."
