Lignan

Lignan: one of the major classes of phytoestrogens found in plants, which are estrogen-like chemicals and also act as antioxidants. They are capable of binding to estrogen receptors and interfering with the cancer-promoting effects of estrogen on breast tissue. Lignans such as podophyllotoxin are therefore being studied for their possible effects on breast, prostate and colon cancer. Lignans are also good antioxidants scavenging free radicals that may play a role in some diseases