Flaxseed (flax, graine de lin, leinsamen, lini semen, linoleic acid, linseed, lint bells, linum usitatissimum)
Classes: Cardiovascular, Herbals; Dermatology, Herbals; Gastrointestinal, Herbals; Oncology, Herbals
Suggested dosing of Flax, graine de lin (flaxseed)
Seed
1 tbsp PO BID-TId
15-50 g/day
Oil
15-30 ml PO qDay
equivalent to 200 mg ALA qDay
Flour Poultice
30-50 g topically PRn
Administration
Take with adequate amount of fluid to prevent bowel obstruction
Suggested uses of Flax, graine de lin (flaxseed)
Constipation (chronic), benign prostatic hyperplasia (oil), cancer (prevention), diabetes, diverticulitis, gastritis/enteritis, hypercholesterolemia, irritable bowel syndrome, menopausal symptoms, MI prevention (oil), skin inflammation, SLE nephritis
Efficacy
Possibly effective for diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, menopausal symptoms and SLE nephritis.
Flax, graine de lin (flaxseed) adverse (side) effects
Allergic reactions, anaphylactoid rxns, diarrhea (oil), intestinal obstruction
Warnings
Contraindications
Bowel obstruction, cancer (breast, ovarian, uterine), endometriosis, esophageal stricture, hormone sensitive conditions, hypertriglyceridemia, intestinal inflammation, acute, uterine fibroids
Cautions
Bleeding disorders (oil)
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: avoid use
Lactation: avoid use
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Flax, graine de lin (flaxseed)
Metabolism: N/A
Excretion: N/A
Mechanism of action
Seeds: bulk-forming laxative; prevent enterohepatic recirculation of cholesteroL
Oil: source of alpha-linolenic acid, an essential component of cell membranes & precursor for anti-inflammatory prostaglandins
