Importance of Flaxseed and its Components in the Management of Hypertension

Abstract

This review paper describes the effects of flaxseed and its components (flax oil, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside [SDG], flax lignan complex [FLC], and flaxseed protein hydrolysate [FPH]) on blood pressure (BP) in Sprague Dawley rats (SDR), spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and humans. Flaxseed, flax oil, and FLC had variable effects on BP in humans, while SDG and FPH significantly reduced the BP in SDR and SHR. The effect of SDG was dose-dependent and long lasting. The lowering of BP is mediated through inhibition of soluble epoxide by α-linolenic acid in flax oil, stimulation of guanylate cyclase and inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) by SDG, and inhibition of renin and ACE activity by FPH. Flaxseed, flax oil, and FLC have variable effects on BP (none, slight, and significant). They are effective in lowering BP in individuals with hypertension and metabolic syndrome but ineffective in healthy individuals' ineffectiveness of flaxseed and its compounds in lowering BP may be due to their low doses, long interval of dosing, short duration of consumption, and patient status. In conclusion, the data at present suggest that flaxseed, flax oil, and FLC cannot serve as therapeutic agents for the treatment of hypertension. However, they can be used as an adjunct in the treatment of hypertension. A clinical trial should be conducted of these agents with higher doses which would be given twice daily for long duration. Pure SDG and FPS may serve as therapeutic agents for the treatment of hypertension but they have not been tried in humans.

Secoisolariciresinol Diglucoside Exerts Anti-Inflammatory and Antiapoptotic Effects through Inhibiting the Akt/IκB/NF-κB Pathway on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

“…Studies have confirmed that SDG suppresses dextran sulfate sodium salt-induced colitis [11], serves as an anti-inflammatory and barrier-protective agent in neuroinflammation [12], and exerts antihypercholesterolemic [13] and also angiogenesis and cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury [14]. In addition, SDG are effective in lowering blood pressure in individuals with hypertension and metabolic syndrome [15] and exert prevention and treatment of arrhythmias and ventricular remodeling postmyocardial infarction [16]. All these studies confirm the role of SDG in inflammation and cardiovascular disease.…”

Pharmacological, nutraceutical, and nutritional properties of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum): An insight into its functionality and disease mitigation

“…The bioactive found in flaxseed provide these health benefits in many circumstances, and the forms of flaxseed that are necessary to supply these bioactive to the body. Flaxseed from the Linaceae family is a type of herb that has been observed to have significant beneficial effects which mainly include the reduction of blood lipids (Prasad, 2019 ), anti‐diabetic characteristics, hepatoprotective effects, and prevention of many cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and cancer. The amount of lin plant foods is highest in flaxseeds, which is about 800 times greater than in other plant foods consumed (Patil, 2017 ).…”

Effects of flaxseed supplementation on omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid balance, lipid mediator profile, proinflammatory cytokines and stress indices in laying hens

“…Since the fatty acid composition in the inner body has also been influenced by this omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid imbalance in the diet, the incidence of chronic inflammatory diseases could be increased [12]. Various studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids counter the effects of chronic inflammatory diseases associated with cardiovascular diseases [13][14][15], central nervous system diseases [16], diabetes [17], obesity [18] and even several cancers [19][20][21]. Similarly, the omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio of animal feed is also obviously distorted.…”