Effects of growing site and nitrogen fertilization on biomass production and lignan content of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

There is strong evidence that the lignan precursors from vegetable material, secoisolariciresinol (seco) and matairesinol (mata), are major sources to support the development of lignans in the mammalian colon. Recent studies have shown these active agents to have anticancer properties, especially for mammary or prostatic carcinomas. Linseed is currently by far the best‐known source of seco and mata. To support the development of a food supplement, cultivars of linseed were tested at two sites and under increasing nitrogen supply to investigate how the lignan content is affected. The results indicated that the nitrogen supply did not affect the content of seco and mata at either site. A significant difference in seed yield could be measured between the sites, but the overall lignan content—even though significant—was less affected. The main effects were relatively similar at both sites and derived from the cultivars, indicating that the lignan content is very much dependent on genetic predisposition.