Lignans are one of the most important and abundant phytochemicals found in flaxseed-diets.
These have shown to possess several health-benefits, including anticancer, antioxidant,
neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and estrogenic-properties etc. The potential of lignans health-
promoting effects are circumscribed due to their poor-bioavailability resulting from their bound
structure. Recent studies have demonstrated that various food design strategies can enhance
the release of bound-lignans from agro-industrial residues, resulting in a higher bioaccessibility
and bioavailability. This review focuses primarily on the bioavailability of flaxseed lignans, key factors affecting it and their pharmacokinetics, different strategies to improve the contents of
lignans, their release and delivery. Present study will help to deepen our understanding of the
applications of lignans and their dietary-supplements in the prevention and treatment of
diseases. Several absorption issues of lignans have been observed such as impaired-
bioavailability and variability in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Therefore, the
development of novel strategies for optimizing lignan bioavailability is critical to ensure its
successful application, such as the delivery of lignans to biological targets via “targeted
designs.” In addition, some detailed examination is required to identify and understand the basis
of variation in lignans bioavailability caused by interactions with the gastrointestinal system.
Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. , 2022, Nutr. 64(13), 4312–4330