Abstract: Therapeutic compositions comprising at least one 8-substituted-dibenzylbutyrolactone lignan, preferably a lignan is selected from the group of nortrachelogenin, diasteromeric forms of nortrachelogenin, isomeric forms of nortrachelogenin and combinations thereof as well as 8-methylmatairesinol and 8-methyldimethylmatairesinol, for use in a method of treating cancer or a similar condition wherein the growth factor signaling pathway of a mammal is deregulated. The invention also provides therapeutic pharmaceutical combinations comprising a hydroxy-dibenzylbutyrolactone lignan and at least one TRAIL receptor agonist. The hydroxy-dibenzylbutyrolactone lignans and a TRAIL receptor agonist can be used as a combined preparation for administration to a patient simultaneously, separately or spaced out over a period of time in treating cancer.

Abstract: Therapeutic compositions comprising at least one 8-substituted-dibenzylbutyrolactone lignan, preferably a lignan is selected from the group of nortrachelogenin, diasteromeric forms of nortrachelogenin, isomeric forms of nortrachelogenin and combinations thereof as well as 8-methylmatairesinol and 8-methyldimethylmatairesinol, for use in a method of treating cancer or a similar condition wherein the growth factor signaling pathway of a mammal is deregulated. The invention also provides therapeutic pharmaceutical combinations comprising a hydroxy-dibenzylbutyrolactone lignan and at least one TRAIL receptor agonist. The hydroxy-dibenzylbutyrolactone lignans and a TRAIL receptor agonist can be used as a combined preparation for administration to a patient simultaneously, separately or spaced out over a period of time in treating cancer.

Abstract: Therapeutic compositions comprising at least one 8-substituted-dibenzylbutyrolactone lignan, preferably a lignan is selected from the group of nortrachelogenin, diasteromeric forms of nortrachelogenin, isomeric forms of nortrachelogenin and combinations thereof as well as 8-methylmatairesinol and 8-methyldimethylmatairesinol, for use in a method of treating cancer or a similar condition wherein the growth factor signaling pathway of a mammal is deregulated. The invention also provides therapeutic pharmaceutical combinations comprising a hydroxy-dibenzylbutyrolactone lignan and at least one TRAIL receptor agonist. The hydroxy-dibenzylbutyrolactone lignans and a TRAIL receptor agonist can be used as a combined preparation for administration to a patient simultaneously, separately or spaced out over a period of time in treating cancer.

Abstract: Novel phenolic esters of lignans, and pharmaceutical compositions, dietary supplements, and food products containing these esters.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of lariciresinol, cyclolariciresinol or secoisolariciresinol, which method includes the steps of a) reducing hydroxymatairesinol to give 7-hydroxy-secoisolariciresinol, and b) subjecting the 7-hydroxy-secoisolariciresinol obtained in step a) to i) cyclization to give lariciresinol, or ii) cyclization to give cyclolariciresinol, or iii) catalytic hydrogenolysis to give secoisolariciresinol.

Abstract: Novel phenolic esters of lignans, and pharmaceutical compositions, dietary supplements, and food products containing these esters.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of matairesinol from hydroxymatairesinol, either by (i) catalytic hydrogenolysis of the hydroxy group in 7-position of hydroxymatairesinol, where the reaction is carried out in a suitable solvent as a pressurized hydrogenolysis, or (ii) reduction of hydroxymatairesinol, where the reduction is carried out as a hydrogen transfer reaction from a hydrogen donor in the presence of a catalyst.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method for the preparation of enterolactone. The method is characterized by the steps of a) transforming the phenolic hydroxyl groups of matairesinol to groups R, which are removable by hydrogenolysis, to give Compound B in Scheme 1, b) substituting the groups R in Compound B in Scheme 1 with hydrogen, to give bis-3,3?-O-methylenterolactone (Compound C), and c) converting the methoxy groups in bis-3,3?-O-methylenterolactone to hydroxyl groups to give enterolactone. The invention concerns also a new group of compounds having the formula of Compound B in Scheme 1.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of lariciresinol, cyclolariciresinol or secoisolariciresinol, which method includes the steps of a) reducing hydroxymatairesinol to give 7-hydroxy-secoisolariciresinol, and b) subjecting the 7-hydroxy-secoisolariciresinol obtained in step a) to i) cyclization to give lariciresinol, or ii) cyclization to give cyclolariciresinol, or iii) catalytic hydrogenolysis to give secoisolariciresinol