Flaxseed is the richest known source of lignans (9–30 mg per g), which could alter the metabolism of estrogen and estrogen metabolites in postmenopausal women (Sturgeon et al., 2010). The biological activity of plant lignans results from their conversion to mammalian lignans by the intestinal microflora. A milk and flaxseed-based fermented beverage may be a great option for the health management of the female population, considering that milk is a source of calcium, flaxseed provides phytoestrogen, and that fermentation can be good for digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health management for women. This research project was proposed for the development of a milk and flaxseed-based fermented beverage for female health and for the evaluation of its efficacy in the management of hormonal imbalances.
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (NCDC 296) was used to ferment low-fat milk for 7 h. The milk and flaxseed-based fermented product was prepared by adding roasted flaxseed flour, stabilizer, and sugar to fermented curd. The efficacy of the product was estimated in 3-month-old ovariectomized female rats and blood estradiol levels were evaluated using ELISA. Ovariectomy, involving the surgical removal of the ovaries, and estradiol replacement facilitate the understanding of hormone-related diseases. Approved study protocols were practiced according to the rules and regulations of the animal ethics committee of the National Dairy Research Institute (Registration No: 1705/GO/Re/SL/13/CPCSEA).
The optimized product had an overall acceptability score of 8.21±0.5, a Lactobacilli count of 108 CFU/ml, and 32.14 mg per 100 ml of lignan. Estradiol levels may be considered a marker of female hormonal health; during the menopausal stage, estradiol levels decline. The optimized beverage showed the highest estradiol level (40.70 pg/ml) in ovariectomized animals, whereas the lowest estradiol level (19.80 pg/ml) was found in experimental animals fed a control diet. Regular intake of this beverage would help in the management of hormonal imbalances in women as established by the animal study, which could be further extended to humans.
