Overview of enterolactone biological properties and total synthesis

Lignans are a class of compounds found in plants, especially fiber-rich foods such as flax seeds, whole grains, berries and vegetables. A diet rich in lignans is believed to be protective against cancer, inflammation, viral infection, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases. Enterolactone, a mammalian lignan, has been investigated extensively due to its potential therapeutic properties. A variety of approaches to synthesize enterolactone have been reported. This account summarizes some of the biological studies and reported syntheses of enterolactone found in literature. [GRAPHICS] .