Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

HMR lignan (7-hydroxymatairesinol) is a plant lignan derived from the Norway spruce. Its primary interest relates to its conversion by intestinal bacteria into enterolignans, such as enterolactone, which have weak estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects. The use of HMR lignan for supporting or treating breast lumps—most commonly benign breast conditions like fibrocystic breast changes—emerges from its proposed ability to modulate estrogen metabolism. Since some breast lumps can be hormonally responsive, lignans' weak phytoestrogenic activity is theorized to offer benefit by either blocking stronger endogenous estrogens or modulating estrogen receptor activity. There is a modest body of scientific literature exploring the relationship between dietary lignans (from flaxseed, sesame, and HMR lignan) and breast health. Observational studies suggest that higher lignan intake may correlate with a lower risk of breast cancer or benign breast disease, but data are inconsistent and largely epidemiological. Human clinical trials specifically examining HMR lignan for the treatment of breast lumps are lacking. Most research focuses on general breast cancer risk reduction, not direct treatment or support for existing benign breast lumps. In summary, while there is a plausible biological mechanism and some supportive epidemiological evidence, direct, high-quality clinical evidence for using HMR lignan to treat or support breast lumps is weak; thus, the evidence rating is a 2 out of 5.

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