Pharmacological Applications of Lignins and Lignins Related Compounds: An Overview

Lignins are major class of natural products present in the natural kingdom, and are formed through phenolic oxidative coupling process in the plant. Lignin is a multifunctional natural polymer that has the potential to be developed into a major industrial raw material for multitude of applications. After cellulose and hemicelluloses, lignin is considered to be the most abundant polymer present on planet earth. Many studies have confirmed the potential application of lignins and related compounds in vivo and in vitro. This paper is a review of the most significant results present in the literature concerning the biological and pharmacological applications of lignins and related compounds. The evidence reviewed here will facilitate the identification of what is known in this area, the gaps that exist, and the future research that holds the most potential and promise to affect the human health.