Utilizing the healing power of flaxseed: a narrative review of its therapeutic applications

Purpose: Linum usitatissimum L. (flaxseed), an herbaceous plant from the Linaceae family, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in treating various health conditions. Although numerous studies have explored the benefits of flaxseed, a comprehensive review of its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects is lacking. Such a review would provide a clearer perspective on its medical applications. This study aims to comprehensively examine these effects based on research conducted on the management of various disorders.  Method: We conducted a narrative review of flaxseed and its derivatives by systematically searching for the keywords “Linum usitatissimum L., flax, flaxseed, antioxidant“, and “anti-inflammatory, oxidative stress, inflammation, herbal medicine, nutraceuticals, cytokines“ in reputable international databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus, up until October 1, 2024. A total of 2,412 articles were reviewed, of which 2,336 were excluded due to duplication, irrelevance or similarity. The findings were categorized into in vitro, animal, and clinical studies.  Results: Numerous studies indicate that flaxseed and its derivatives reduce inflammatory cytokine levels. Additionally, they exhibit antihyperlipidemic, antihyperglycemic, and cardioprotective properties due to their antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, animal and clinical studies suggest that flaxseed extract reduces body fat storage and insulin resistance while offering various therapeutic benefits.  Conclusion: In conclusion, various studies demonstrate the significant potential of flaxseed for prevention and management of diseases. Its efficacy is likely attributable to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. However, further research is required to fully understand its therapeutic potential.