The definitive identification of the first lignans to be found in humans and animals is described. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, n.m.r. spectroscopy, i.r. spectroscopy and chemical techniques were employed to establish the structures of two lignans as trans-2,3-bis(3-hydroxybenzyl)-gamma-butyrolactone and 2,3-bis(3-hydroxybenzyl)butane-1,4-diol. Both compounds are essetially racemic. Evidence was also found for several methoxy analogues of these lignans in the vervet monkey.
