Flaxseed (Herb/Suppl)

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.

Allergic reactions, anaphylactoid rxns, diarrhea (oil), intestinal obstruction

Contraindications

Bowel obstruction, cancer (breast, ovarian, uterine), endometriosis, esophageal stricture, hormone sensitive conditions, hypertriglyceridemia, intestinal inflammation, acute, uterine fibroids

Cautions

Bleeding disorders (oil)

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.

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