EXCESSIVE USE OF FLAXSEED MAY POSE A THREAT TO KIDNEY TISSUE: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Abstract

Objective
 We aimed to investigate the effects of flaxseed,
 which is widely used due to its healing effects, on the
 kidney tissue when the daily recommended dose is
 exceeded.
 Material and Methods
 We divided the male Wistar Albino rats into four
 groups of eight, namely the control, OD-1 (1.4 mg/
 kg/d), OD-2 (2.8 mg/kg/d), and OD-3 (5.6 mg/kg/d)
 groups. Ground flaxseed was administered to each
 overdose group by oral gavage for 7 days. At the
 end of the experiment, blood and kidney samples
 were collected. Blood samples were centrifuged and
 serum was separated for renal function analyses.
 The half of the kidney samples were stored at -20
 °C until biochemical analyses and we fixed the
 remaining tissues with 10% buffered formalin for
 histopathological analysis.
 Results
 Serum urea and BUN levels were significantly
 increased in all overdose groups compared to the
 control group (for all p˂0.05). TAS levels significantly
 decreased in the OD-3 group compared to the control
 (p=0.044). There was an increase renal TOS levels
 in all overdose groups compared to the control
 and also, OSI level of the OD-3 group significantly
 increased compared to the control (p=0.016). While
 histopathological changes were not observed in OD-1
 and OD-2 groups compared to the control group,
 there were non-significant histopathological changes
 in OD-3 group.
 Conclusion
 It was concluded that the use of flaxseed above the
 recommended daily dose can pose a threat to kidney
 tissue. So, while being used for its benefit, in order not
 to be exposed to its toxic effects, overuse and longterm
 use should be avoided.