Flax Seed

Flaxseed: What is it?

Flax Seed

Other names: Linseed, Linum usitatissimum.

Common forms: whole flaxseed, ground flaxseed, flaxseed oil.

Description:

Flaxseed is a seed that comes from the flax plant.

Mechanism of action:

It is thought that Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) contained within flaxseed is responsible for its anti-hypertensive effect. ALA inhibits the enzyme Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase (seH) which in turn is responsible for the metabolism of Epoxy-eicosatrienoic acid (EpETre) into Dihydroxy-eicosatrienoic acid (DiHETre). Because EpETre contains vasodilatory properties via nitric oxide synthase, the inhibition of its degradation may lead to more vasodilation and its anti-hypertensive effect.

Flaxseed is thought to exert anti-atherogenic effect via anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative actions which include a reduction in the expression of IL-6, VCAM-1 and PCNA.

Common indications/uses:

Anti-hypertensive

Anti-atherogenic

Dosing:

Flaxseed fiber: 7.0-18.9 g/day for anti-hypertensive consumption

Ground flaxseed in food: 30 g for anti-hypertensive consumption

Evidence:

In a year-long randomized, double-blinded study (FLAX-PAD) revealed that consumption of 30 g of ground flaxseed was associated with a 10 and 7 mmHg reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively. The effect was even larger, with a reduction of 15 mmHg in SBP, in participants who entered the study with elevated blood pressure.

A meta-analysis of 25 randomized controlled trials evaluating flaxseed fiber consumption and blood pressure reported a significant reduction of SBP (3.4 mmHg) and DBP (1.97 mmHg) with fiber disease between 7.2 and 18.9 g/day.

Safety concerns:

In a double-blind study examining BeneFlax consumption and safety, there were no incidents of hypoglycemia or hypotension observed.

Contraindicated in acute or chronic diarrhea, esophageal stricture, inflammatory bowel disease.

Adverse reactions:

Adverse reactions from flaxseed are limited. Of reported reactions, they are often due to drug interactions leading to an increased risk of bleeding.

Drug interactions:

May have a synergistic antiplatelet and anticoagulation effect with antiplatelet medications such as Aspirin and Warfarin, respectively. There have been case reports of elevated INR, anemia, rectal bleeding, and melena.