Abstract
Flaxseed is an oilseed (45–50% oil on a dry-weight basis) crop. Its oil has demonstrated multiple health benefits and industrial applications. The goal of this research was to evaluate the antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory potential of the free polyphenol fraction of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) seeds (PLU), based on their use in traditional medicine. Mice with alloxan-induced diabetes were used to study the antidiabetic activity of PLU in vivo, with an oral administration of 25 and 50 mg/kg over 28 days. Measurements of body weight and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were carried out weekly, and biochemical parameters were evaluated. An oral glucose tolerance test was also performed. Inhibitory activities of PLU on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities were evaluated in vitro. The anti-inflammatory was evaluated in vivo in Wistar rats using the paw edema induction Test by carrageenan, and in vitro using the hemolysis ratio test. PLU administration to diabetic mice during the study period improved their body weight and FBG levels remarkably. In vitro inhibitory activity of digestive enzymes indicated that they may be involved in the proposed mode of action of PLU extract. Qualitative results of PLU revealed the presence of 18 polyphenols. These findings support daily consumption of flaxseed for people with diabetes, and suggest that polyphenols in flaxseed may serve as dietary supplements or novel phytomedicines to treat diabetes and its complications.
Highlights
Eighteen molecules classified as belonging to polyphenols were identified in the free flaxseed polar fraction (Table 1)
The biological activities of the flax lignan macromolecule have been extensively investigated; here, we show that the far less studied free polar fraction is of great interest
The anti-inflammatory activity may contribute to resolving the complications of diabetes
Summary
Diabetes mellitus represents a global health crisis, with over 693 million cases expected by 2045, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) [1]. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting the secretion of insulin and its mode of action, resulting in both chronic hyperglycemia and the dysfunctional metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and protein [2]. Statistics project that one in 11 people will be diabetic, and that one in two adults with diabetes are undiagnosed [3]. This increased prevalence is correlated directly to economic development and urbanization, which have led to drastic changes in lifestyle, characterized by a reduction in physical activity and an increase in obesity [4]
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