Lignans are a plant-based bioactive compounds classified under the polyphenol family.
They are found in a variety of whole foods including seeds, grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, with the highest concentrations
found in flaxseeds.
Lignans are often considered as phytoestrogens because they have a chemical structure similar to estrogen and can bind to estrogen receptors in
the body.
Consuming foods rich in lignans is thought to provide several health benefits.
Their phytoestrogen activity allows them to influence hormone balance in the body, which may have implications for diseases such
as breast cancer and prostate cancer. They also have antioxidant properties, meaning they can help to
neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Some research suggests that a diet high in lignans may be
beneficial for heart health and could potentially help to reduce the risk of certain other diseases, including type 2 diabetes.
Examples of some lignans found in seeds are listed below:
Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) - This is the primary lignan found in
flaxseeds and is one of the most commonly consumed lignans in a typical Western diet. It is broken down in the body into the mammalian lignans
enterodiol and enterolactone, which can exert various biological effects.
Pinoresinol and lariciresinol - These lignans are found in sunflower seeds and
poppy seeds and
are metabolized into enterolignans in the body.
Sesamin and Sesamolin - These are specific lignans found in sesame seeds.
Sesamin has been studied for a variety of potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects and potential benefits for heart health.
Matairesinol - This lignan is present in the seeds of several plants, including
flax, seasme, rye, pumpkin, and sunflower.
The extraction process, including the solvents and methods used, can influence the concentration and types of lignans present in the final extract.
It is often the case that a balance needs to be found between fully-extracting all lignans while also ensuring that the compounds that are
obtained are of a high quality and not degraded.
At Celignis we have extensive experience in the design and optimisation of extraction protocols for a wide variety of chemical constituents from
many different biomass types. If needed we can also work on processes to separate and purify the target compounds.
Click here to read more about Celignis's Bioprocess Development Services for the extraction of
chemicals from biomass.
Celignis is a Partner in 3 Successful Proposals for EU Funding
We are pleased to announce that three of the proposals involving Celignis, submitted to the CBE-JU programme for funding collaborative biomass research in Europe, were successful. These projects will provide an additional funding of €1.5m to Celignis and build on our achievements in other CBE and EU projects. In particular, the projects are all at enhanced TRLs (6/7) and will use our existing Celignis Bioprocess infrastructure and will also fund further development of our bioprocessing capacities and the Bioprocess Development Services we offer our clients.
Details on the funded projects are provided below:
BIONEER - This project was funded under CBE-JU topic IA-06 and focuses on the TRL 6/7 production of biobased platform chemicals. Celignis's activities in the project focus on scaling up the work undertaken in our ongoing
Celignis to Exhibit and Present at Major Biochar Event
The 2024 North American Biochar Conference will take place in Sacramento, California, on Feb 12-15
On Feb 12-15 we'll be exhibiting at the 2024 North American Biochar Conference, taking place at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Centre in Sacramento, California.
We're looking forward to interacting with the 1000+ expected attendees, outlining our extensive range of analytical and application testing services for biochar.
Celignis CIO Lalitha Gottumukkala will also be a member of the expert panel focused on developing improved laboratory methods for biochar characterisation.
This Networking Event Will Involve Discussions on Collaborations for Proposals to the 2024 CBE-JU Topics
The Circular Bioeconomy Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE-JU) is an organisation that funds biomass research in Europe at various Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). Since 2016 Celignis has been an active participant in a number of projects funded by the CBE-JU.
The Biobased Industries Consortium (BIC) is the steering committee that helps to steer the focus of research for the CBE-JU programme. In 2023 Celignis joined the BIC as a Full Industry Member and participated in several proposals submitted for different research topics in the CBE-JU's 2023 Work Programme.
We're Hiring - Business Administration & Client Relationship Manager
This position will involve working closely with senior management, fostering existing and new client relationships.
Situated in Limerick, Ireland, Celignis currently operates at two centres, Celignis Analytical and Celignis Bioprocess, actively engaging in a variety of private and public bioeconomy projects. As we continue to expand, we're looking to strengthen our team of 14 with a Business Administration and Client Relationship Manager who can bring a blend of enthusiasm and expertise.
This position will involve working closely with senior management, fostering existing and new client relationships, and ensuring successful delivery of our services, playing a key role in our ongoing growth and success.
Celignis to Sponsor and Present at Major Biochar Event
The event takes place on May 3rd at Carrick-on-Shannon
We are pleased to announce that, on May 3rd, Celignis will be presenting and exhibiting at the National Biochar and Carbon Products Conference 2023, which is taking place in Carrick-on-Shannon in County Leitrm, Ireland.
This conference is being organised under the auspices of the Interreg Northwest Europe-funded THREE C Project, entitled 'Creating and sustaining Charcoal value chains to promote a Circular Carbon economy in NWE Europe'.
The conference will highlight both Irish stakeholders who are currently working in the biochar and carbon products sector, but also partners from the THREE C project (covering Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium, France and Wales, as well as Ireland) who have interesting stories and products to share.
Thanks for contacting us. One of our representatives will be in contact with you shortly regarding your inquiry. If you ever have any questions that require immediate assistance, please call us at +353 61 371 725.
Contact Us
Somthing went wrong! Please call us at
+353 61 371 725 or send us a email at
info@celignis.com with your inquiry.
Contact Us
Please provide a valid email id.
News letter signup
Thanks for signing our newsletter.
News letter signup
Thanks for signing our newsletter.
Newsletter signup
Our newsletter provides monthly updates on new types of biomass analyses and articles on the development of innovative bioprocesses.
Newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.
NOTE : We use cookies to improve our website and to give you the best experience. If you continue using our website, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on this website.