Identification and quantitative estimation of a lignan in human and bovine semen

Abstract

Summary. The lignan identified in human and bovine semen was trans 2,3-bis(3′-hydroxybenzyl)-γ-butyrolactone. It was present in unconjugated and conjugated forms. Mean seminal plasma concentrations were always higher than the corresponding blood plasma levels (between 2·5 and 25 times higher), indicating an efficient clearance capacity of the male reproductive system.