Effects Of Flaxseed Research Articles

Effect of Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) Supplementation on Vascular Endothelial Cell Morphology and Function in Patients with Dyslipidaemia-A Preliminary Observation.

Context: Flaxseed has a characteristic fatty acids composition and unique phytonutrient profile that may have health-promoting properties. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of 10 weeks of supplementation with the flaxseed (28 g/day) on endothelial cells (EC) function, serum lipids and proinflammatory mediators in patients with mild and severe dyslipidaemia. Materials and methods: Eleven lean patients with severe dyslipidaemia treated with apheresis (group 1; 10 weeks treated in four phases: (i) ordinary diet, (ii) ordinary diet + flaxseed, (iii) ordinary diet (wash out), (iv) ordinary diet + placebo) and eleven obese patients with mild dyslipidaemia—not treated with apheresis (group 2; 10 weeks treated in two phases: (i) ordinary diet, (ii) low fat diet + flaxseed). Flaxseed was given blindly. Serum was collected at the end of each phase of the study. ECs were exposed in vitro to the medium supplemented with pooled serum taken from patients from both groups to detect their morphological changes using light and electron microscopy. ECs proliferation was also measured at the end of each study phase. Results: Serum vascular endothelial growth factor was decreased after flaxseed supplementation but only in group 1. ECs proliferation was increased after flaxseed supplementation only in obese patients. ECs exposed to medium supplemented with obese patients’ serum revealed the following cellular abnormalities: accumulation of lipid droplets, changes of rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and flaxseed did not reverse observed changes. At the same time, flaxseed supplementation decreases total cholesterol in both tested groups, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in group 1 and triglycerides in group 2. Conclusions: Our findings support the potential role of flaxseed in treating dyslipidaemia but indicate only a slight impact on endothelial cell function.

The effect of flaxseed, sesame and chia oils on lipid profile , oxidative stress , body weight and histopathological parameters in rats fed normal and high fat diets.

The effect of flaxseed, sesame and chia oils on lipid profile , oxidative stress , body weight and histopathological parameters in rats fed normal and high fat diets.

Therapeutic comparison of flex seed and black seed supplementation for treatment of type II diabetic patients

Diabetes is one of the most prevailing global health issues. Genetic factors, obesity, environmental factors, poor dietary habits and sedentary life style are the main causes of its occurrence that leads to hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. In recent years therapeutic effects of dietary flaxseed and blackseed in management of diabetes has been studied. Both possess anti-oxidant, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory properties. Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) is a lignan present in flaxseed that lower the blood glucose level and fiber control insulin secretion and its mechanism of action. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a bioactive component present in flaxseed that control blood glucose level, insulin secretion and maintain glucose hemostasis. Both seeds are considered as highly acceptable with the great safety profile in management of type II diabetes. Therefore, this article highlights the therapeutic effects of flaxseed and blackseed supplementation in management of type II diabetes.

Therapeutic effects of Flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum) and Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) against hyperglycemia

Therapeutic effects of Flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum) and Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) against hyperglycemia

Effect of Flaxseeds in Diabetic Rats with or without Experimentally Induced Chronic Kidney Disease

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a progressive disease that can lead to multiple complications including nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, and others. It is one of the major risk factors for the development of chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Therefore, identification and development of new therapeutic agents for CKD and diabetes is highly needed. Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum), a member of the genus Linum, has been found to be beneficial in treatment of several human diseases. Here we examined the effects of different doses of flaxseeds on experimentally induced diabetes in rats with or without experimentally adenine-induced CKD. DM was induced in Male Wister rats via a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/Kg) and CKD was induced thereafter by oral adenine (150 mg/kg/day in feed for five weeks). Several plasma and urinary biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammatory and renal damage were measured and assessed. Animals given adenine exhibited physiological (e.g., weight loss, increases urine output), biochemical (e.g., increased urea and creatinine), inflammatory (e.g., increased cystatin C and interleukin-1β), oxidative (e.g., reduced sodium dismutase and renal catalase) and histopathological markers and signs of CKD. streptozotocin induced DM alone worsened most of these markers and further worsened the renal damage induced by adenine. Flaxseed significantly ameliorated the renal actions of adenine and streptozotocin, given either singly or in combination. These results demonstrated that flaxseed is a useful agent in the treatment of DM induced CKD.

Effects of Flaxseed and Multi-Carbohydrase Enzymes on the Cecal Microbiota and Liver Inflammation of Laying Hens.

Simple SummaryWheat and flaxseed are used worldwide to produce omega-3 (ω-3) enriched poultry meat and eggs, however, wheat and flaxseed contain some anti-nutritional factors (ANFs). In addition, the supplementation of feed additive including enzymes usually alleviate the deleterious influence of ANFs. Therefore, we conducted the current study of laying hens fed with two diets (corn/flaxseed and wheat/flaxseed, supplemented with three enzymes), for a period of 10 weeks. Here, we found a clear increase in the fat weight of birds fed with corn diet as compared with wheat diet. Moreover, a high level of secretory IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 and comparatively higher inflammatory changes in the liver tissue were found in birds fed with corn diet as compared with wheat diet. The gut microbial composition of hens fed with corn diet was clearly different than that of birds fed a wheat diet. In conclusion, our findings suggest that inflammatory changes in laying birds were mediated by a corn diet with flaxseed and enzymes instead of a wheat diet. Additionally, in the wheat-fed group, enzyme-b and -c showed more encouraging results as compared to enzyme-a indicating that wheat diet might be a preferable diet for commercial layers poultry farms.Background: The use of wheat and flaxseed to produce omega-3 (ω-3) enriched poultry meat and eggs is very popular in the world. However, wheat and flaxseed contain some anti-nutritional factors (ANFs), and enzymes are usually used to alleviate the deleterious influence of ANFs. Method: A 2 × 3 two factors design was used in the experiment. A total of 540 twenty-week-old Nongda-3 laying hens were randomly allocated to six dietary treatments, two diets (corn/flaxseed and wheat/flaxseed), and three enzymes (enzyme-a contains neutral protease 10,000, xylanase 35,000, β-mannanase 1500, β-glucanase 2000, cellulose 500, amylase 100, and pectinase 10,000 (U g−1); enzyme-b contains alkaline protease 40,000 and neutral protease 10,000 (U g−1); enzyme-c contains alkaline protease 40,000, neutral protease 10,000, and cellulase 4000 (U g−1). Results: There was an interaction between dietary treatment and supplemental enzymes for liver weight and liver inflammatory cytokines of broilers. A significant increase was observed in the fat weight of birds fed a corn diet as compared with a wheat diet. A corn diet and wheat diet with the addition of enzyme-a (p < 0.001) showed the highest level of liver fat followed by enzyme-c (p < 0.01) and enzyme-b. Moreover, a high level of secretory IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 and comparatively higher inflammatory changes in the liver tissue were found in birds fed a corn diet as compared with a wheat diet, and enzyme-b showed more beneficial effects as compared with enzyme-a and -c. The gut microbial composition of hens fed a corn diet was significantly different than that of birds fed a wheat diet. Bacteroides were significantly (p < 0.05) abundant in the corn-fed birds as compared with wheat-fed birds. However, Firmicutes were less abundant in the wheat-fed birds than the corn-fed birds (16.99 vs. 31.80%, respectively). The microbial community at the genus level differed significantly in the dietary groups and we observed that Bacteroides are the predominant cecal microbiota. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways of co-factors, carbohydrates, vitamins, protein, and energy were expressed at slightly higher levels in the microbiota of the wheat-fed birds, whereas, metabolic pathways for nucleotides, lipids, and glycine were expressed at higher levels in the wheat-fed birds. Furthermore, expression of the growth and cellular processes pathway and endocrine system pathway levels were predicted to be higher for the wheat-fed group as compared with the corn-fed group. Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings suggest that inflammatory changes in laying birds were mediated by a corn diet with flaxseed and enzymes instead of a wheat diet. Additionally, in the wheat-fed group, enzyme-b and -c showed more encouraging results as compared to enzyme-a.

The Cardioprotective Role of Flaxseed in the Prevention of Doxorubicin- and Trastuzumab-Mediated Cardiotoxicity in C57BL/6 Mice

Although the combination of doxorubicin (DOX) and trastuzumab (TRZ) reduces the progression and recurrence of breast cancer, these anticancer drugs are associated with significant cardiotoxic side effects. We investigated whether prophylactic administration of flaxseed (FLX) and its bioactive components, α-linolenic acid (ALA) and secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), would be cardioprotective against DOX+TRZ-mediated cardiotoxicity in a chronic in vivo female murine model. Wild-type C57BL/6 female mice (10-12 wk old) received daily prophylactic treatment with one of the following diets: 1) regular control (RC) semi-purified diet; 2) 10% FLX diet; 3) 4.4% ALA diet; or 4) 0.44% SDG diet for a total of 6 wks. Within each arm, mice received 3 weekly injections of 0.9% saline or a combination of DOX [8mg/(kg.wk)] and TRZ [3mg/(kg.wk)] starting at the end of week 3. The main outcome was to evaluate the effects of FLX, ALA, and SDG on cardiovascular remodeling and markers of apoptosis, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Significance between measurements was determined using a 4 (diet) × 2 (chemotherapy) × 2 (time) mixed factorial design with repeated measures. In the RC+DOX+TRZ-treated mice at week 6 of the study, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decreased by 50% compared with the baseline LVEF (P<0.05). However, the prophylactic administration of the FLX, ALA, or SDG diet was partially cardioprotective, with mice in these treatment groups showing an ∼68% increase in LVEF compared with the RC+DOX+TRZ-treated group at week 6 (P<0.05). Although markers of inflammation (nuclear transcription factor κB), apoptosis [poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 and the ratio of BCL2-associated X protein to B-cell lymphoma-extra large], and mitochondrial dysfunction (BCL2-interacting protein 3) were significantly elevated by approximately 2-fold following treatment with RC+DOX+TRZ compared with treatment with RC+saline at week 6, prophylactic administration of FLX, ALA, or SDG partially downregulated these signaling pathways. In a chronic in vivo female C57BL/6 mouse model of DOX+TRZ-mediated cardiotoxicity, FLX, ALA, and SDG were partially cardioprotective.

Evaluation of hypolipidemic effect of flaxseeds in experimentally induced dyslipidemia in albino rats

Introduction: The most important risk factor of IHD is hyperlipidaemia. The dietary manipulation with flaxseed powder has reduced the incidence of CVD by decreasing the lipid profile in human beings. So flaxseed powder has been used in the present study to analyse its hypolipidemic action in experimentally induced hyperlipidaemia in male albino rats. Materials and Methods: This is an animal interventional study. It was conducted in 24 male albino rats divided into 4 groups with 6 animals in each. Gr I (control), GrII to see the per se effect of flaxseed powder, Gr III (standard) kept on High cholesterol diet and Gr IV (test) kept on high cholesterol diet with flaxseed powder. The study was conducted for two weeks. Blood samples for estimation of TC, TGc, LDLc, VLDLc and HDLc were collected at the beginning and at the end of the study period from orbital vein. Results: In the intervention group fed on flaxseed powder and HCD significantly reduced the blood lipids but not in the Gr II fed on flaxseed alone. The HCD fed Standard group developed a highly significant rise in lipid levels of the rats. This has revealed that incorporation of flaxseed in diet may protect against the development of IHD. The hypolipidemic effect of flaxseeds may be due to the presence of rich content of omega 3 fatty acids, ALA, Lignans and antioxidant properties and phytoestrogens. Conclusion: So, we conclude that flaxseed powder administration has highly significantly reduced the blood lipid levels in rats. The addition of flaxseed in diet has a beneficial effect on lipids and protects against cardiovascular disorders due to omega 3 fatty acids, ALA and Lignans. Keywords: Flaxseeds, High cholesterol diet, Lipoproteins, Hyperlipidaemia, Lignans.

Effect of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) and soybean (Glycine max) oils in Egyptian lactating buffalo and cow diets on the milk and soft cheese quality

Produce and compare soft cheese with potential benefits of human health from Egyptian buffalo's and cow's milk was studied. Eight Egyptian lactating buffalos and cows were fed a total mixed ration supplemented with either 0% oil (CD), 2% flaxseed oil (DFO), 2% soybean oil (DSO), or 2% of their mixture (1:1, DFSO) according to a double 4 x 4 Latin Square design. Milk yield was similar between buffalo's diets but was higher in cows fed a DFO, DSO or DFSO resulting in 11.15, 8.21% or 8.97% increases compared with the control diet, respectively. Milk composition was not significantly affected in both buffalos and cows fed diets. The DFO, DSO or DFSO displayed decreased short-chain fatty acids, especially DSO and DFSO (3.73 and 3.33%, respectively) when compared to CD for buffalo milk (6.32%). The DSO and DFSO were more effective for increasing unsaturated fatty acids followed by the DFSO in buffalo's milk fat (42.31 and 41.90 %), whereas DFO and DFSO were more effective in cow's milk fat (39.67 and 39.84%), respectively. DFO, DSO or DFSO had no significant effect on the yield, composition and sensory properties of resultant soft cheese compared to the CD for both lactating cows and buffalos. During storage, a diet rich in unsaturated fatty acids enhances protein proteolysis and antioxidant activity of soft cheese during storage compared to the CD especially for soft cheese produced from buffalo's milk.

Effects of Flaxseed and Its Components on Mammary Gland MiRNome: Identification of Potential Biomarkers to Prevent Breast Cancer Development.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. We previously showed that early-life exposure to flaxseed (FS) or its components, FS oil (FSO) and secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), affects the mammary gland (MG) and is associated with the reduction of breast cancer risk during adulthood. However, the underlying mechanisms are not understood. This study aimed to investigate the effect of FS, FSO, and SDG on the MG miRNA signature at a late stage of development. Female C57BL/6 mice, 4–5 weeks of age, were randomized into four groups to receive: (i) basal AIN-93G, (ii) 10% FS, (iii) 3.67% FSO, or (iv) 0.15% SDG. After 21 days, the mice were sacrificed and MG miRNAs were profiled. Diet-specific MG miRNA signatures were identified. Deregulated miRNAs were associated with breast cancer and targeted genes involved in MG development, growth, and cancer. The study allowed for the identification of potential biomarkers or novel therapeutic targets to prevent and/or reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Antihypertensive and Renoprotective Effects of Dietary Flaxseed and its Mechanism of Action in Deoxycorticosterone Acetate-Salt Hypertensive Rats

Background/Aims: Flaxseed contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), lignans, and dietary fiber, and its intake lowers blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Here, we examined the effects of flaxseed powder, which includes all flaxseed components, flaxseed oil, composed mainly of ALA, flaxseed lignan, and flaxseed fiber, on hypertension and renal damage induced by deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt. Then, we investigated the mechanisms of action associated with the effects of flaxseed. Methods: Flaxseed powder, oil, lignan, or fiber was administered to DOCA-salt rats. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), urinary protein excretion, renal angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity, sympathetic nerve activity, and gene expression of inflammatory mediators in the kidney and hypothalamus were measured. Results: Flaxseed powder and oil reduced the increases in SBP and urinary protein excretion induced by DOCA-salt treatment, whereas lignan and fiber had no effects. Flaxseed oil suppressed the increase in renal ACE activity, sympathetic nerve activity, and gene expression of renal and hypothalamic inflammatory mediators. Conclusion: Flaxseed has antihypertensive and renoprotective effects in DOCA-salt rats. These effects are likely principally exerted by ALA. Furthermore, the suppression of renal ACE activity, sympathetic nerve activity, and inflammation is partly involved in the effects of flaxseed.

Effects of Flaxseed (Linum Usitatissimum L.) against Genotoxicity Induced by Cyclophosphamide on Human Blood Lymphocyte

Effects of Flaxseed (Linum Usitatissimum L.) against Genotoxicity Induced by Cyclophosphamide on Human Blood Lymphocyte

The Effect of Flaxseeds on some Physiological and Biochemical Characters in Liver Tissue of Quail Birds

The Effect of Flaxseeds on some Physiological and Biochemical Characters in Liver Tissue of Quail Birds

The Effect of Flaxseed in Breast Cancer: A Literature Review.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers and the second most responsible for cancer mortality worldwide. In 2014, in Portugal approximately 27,200 people died of cancer, of which 1,791 were women with breast cancer. Flaxseed has been one of the most studied foods, regarding possible relations to breast cancer, though mainly in experimental studies in animals, yet in few clinical trials. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, α-linolenic acid, lignan, and fibers. One of the main components of flaxseed is the lignans, of which 95% are made of the predominant secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG). SDG is converted into enterolactone and enterodiol, both with antiestrogen activity and structurally similar to estrogen; they can bind to cell receptors, decreasing cell growth. Some studies have shown that the intake of omega-3 fatty acids is related to the reduction of breast cancer risk. In animal studies, α-linolenic acids have been shown to be able to suppress growth, size, and proliferation of cancer cells and also to promote breast cancer cell death. Other animal studies found that the intake of flaxseed combined with tamoxifen can reduce tumor size to a greater extent than taking tamoxifen alone. Additionally, some clinical trials showed that flaxseed can have an important role in decreasing breast cancer risk, mainly in postmenopausal women. Further studies are needed, specifically clinical trials that may demonstrate the potential benefits of flaxseed in breast cancer.

Effects of Flaxseed and pH on the Emulsion Properties of Beef by Using a Model System

The effects of ground flaxseed (0-0.5%) and pH (3.88-8.12) on the emulsion properties of beef were studied using a model system. A central composite rotatable design was used to determine the response surface. pH, flaxseed and their interactions had significant effects on the emulsion properties of beef. pH and the interaction between pH and flaxseed increased emulsion capacity (EC). Flaxseed and pH increased emulsion stability (ES) until a critical point, which was reached at a flaxseed level of 0.42% and a pH of 7.02. pH decreased emulsion density (ED) and increased emulsion activity (EA). Moreover, the interaction between pH and flaxseed on EA was found to be significant. pH and flaxseed increased emulsion viscosity (EV), and the increasing rate was higher in basic medium than acidic.

Effect of flaxseed and corn oils on acute myocardial infarction in high fat diet fed rat

Effect of flaxseed and corn oils on acute myocardial infarction in high fat diet fed rat

Effects of flaxseed and chia seed on ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and long-chain fatty acid flow in a dual-flow continuous culture system.

Flaxseed (FS) and chia seed (CS) are oilseeds rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may change meat and milk composition when added to ruminants' diets and may have health benefits for humans. Literature on the effects of CS supplementation on ruminal metabolism is nonexistent. A dual-flow continuous culture fermenter system consisting of 6 fermenters was used to assess the effect of FS and CS supplementation in an alfalfa hay-based diet on ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, microbial protein synthesis, and long-chain fatty acid flow. Diets were randomly assigned to fermenters in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design, with 3 consecutive periods of 10 d each, consisting of 7 d for diet adaptation and 3 d for sample collection. Each fermenter was fed a total of 72 g of DM/d divided in 6 equal portions. Treatments were 1) alfalfa hay + calcium soaps of palm oil fatty acid (MEG; 69.3 g DM/d of alfalfa hay plus 2.7 g DM/d of calcium soaps of palm oil fatty acid), 2) alfalfa hay + FS (FLAX; 68.4 g DM/d of alfalfa hay plus 3.6 g DM/d of ground FS), and 3) alfalfa hay + CS (CHIA; 68.04 g DM/d of alfalfa hay plus 3.96 g DM/d of ground CS). Dietary treatments had similar amounts of total fat, and fat supplements were ground to 2-mm diameter. Effluents from the last 3 d of incubation were composited for analyses. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Ruminal apparent and true nutrient digestibility of all nutrients did not differ ( > 0.05) among treatments. Compared with MEG, FLAX and CHIA increased the flows of C18:3 -3, C20:4 -6, and total PUFA ( < 0.01). Both CHIA and FLAX treatments had greater ruminal concentrations of C18:0, indicating that both CS and FS fatty acids were extensively biohydrogenated in the rumen. The NH-N concentration, microbial N flow, and efficiency of microbial protein synthesis were not affected ( > 0.05) by treatments. Lastly, there were no differences ( > 0.05) among diets for total VFA concentration and molar proportions of individual VFA. Results from this study indicate that FS and CS supplementation did not impair ruminal fermentation, digestibility, microbial efficiency, and ruminal N metabolism. Overall, CS appears to be as effective as FS as a fat source when added to ruminants' diets using a dual-flow continuous culture system.

Effects of flaxseed, raw soybeans and calcium salts of fatty acids on apparent total tract digestibility, energy balance and milk fatty acid profile of transition cows

Oilseeds offer some protection to the access of ruminal microorganisms and may be an alternative to calcium salts of fatty acids (FA), which are not fully inert in the ruminal environment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different sources of FA supplementation on apparent total tract nutrient digestibility, milk yield and composition, and energy balance (EB) of cows during the transition period and early lactation. We compared diets rich in C18:2 and C18:3 FA. Multiparous Holstein cows were randomly assigned to receive one of the four diets: control (n=11); whole flaxseed (WF, n=10), 60 and 80 g/kg (diet dry matter (DM) basis) of WF during the prepartum and postpartum periods, respectively; whole raw soybeans (WS, n=10), 120 and 160 g/kg (diet DM basis) of WS during the prepartum and postpartum periods, respectively; and calcium salts of unsaturated fatty acids (CSFA, n=11), 24 and 32 g/kg (diet DM basis) of CSFA during the prepartum and postpartum periods, respectively. Dry cows fed WF had higher DM and net energy of lactation (NEL) intake than those fed WS or CSFA. The FA supplementation did not alter DM and NDF apparent total tract digestibility, dry cows fed WF exhibited greater NDF total tract digestion than cows fed WS or CSFA. Feeding WS instead of CSFA did not alter NEL intake and total tract digestion of nutrients, but increased milk fat yield and concentration. Calculated efficiency of milk yield was not altered by diets. FA supplementation increased EB during the postpartum period. Experimental diets increased long-chain FA (saturated and unsaturated FA) in milk. In addition, cows fed WS and CSFA had higher C18:1 trans-11 FA and C18:2 cis, and lower C18:3 FA in milk than those fed WF. Furthermore, cows fed CSFA had higher C18:1 trans-11 and cis-9, trans-11 FA than cows fed WS. Although supplemental C18:2 and C18:3 FA did not influence the milk yield of cows, they positively affected EB and increased unsaturated long-chain FA in milk fat.

Effect of flaxseed and corn oils on acute myocardial infarction in high fat diet fed rat

Effect of flaxseed and corn oils on acute myocardial infarction in high fat diet fed rat

Flaxseed Protects Against Diabetes-Induced Glucotoxicity by Modulating Pentose Phosphate Pathway and Glutathione-Dependent Enzyme Activities in Rats

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the effects of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) intake on general metabolism, pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and glutathione-dependent enzymes in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin injection (40 mg/kg, i.p.) and the enzyme activities were determined spectrophotometrically. Diabetic and control rats were divided in two subgroups, one untreated, and one treated with flaxseed (0.714 g/kg body weight/day; orally) for 12 weeks. Flaxseed ameliorated decreased body weight (p < .05) and increased blood glucose (p < .001), triglyceride (p < .001), ALT (p < .001) and AST (p < .001) in diabetic rats. Diabetes resulted in increased glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) (p < .05) and decreased glutathione-S-transferase (GST) (p < .01), but unchanged 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD) and glutathione reductase (GR) in the brain of rats. These alterations were partially improved by flaxseed in comparison to diabetic untreated group (p < .05). G6PD, 6PGD, GR were elevated (p < .001), while GST unchanged in the lung of diabetic untreated group compared to control. Flaxseed partially prevented the increase in 6PGD (p < .05) and GR (p < .01), but unaffected G6PD in the lung of diabetic rats. G6PD (p < .001), 6PGD (p < .05), GR (p < .001) were augmented, while GST showed a significant (p < .001) depletion in the pancreas of diabetic untreated rats compared to control. Diabetic alterations observed in pancreatic enzyme activities were significantly prevented by flaxseed. Furthermore, a remarkable decrease in 6PGD (p < .001) and an increase in G6PD (threefold of control) were found in the lens of diabetic untreated group that were completely prevented by flaxseed (p < .001). Flaxseed has beneficial effects against diabetes-induced glucotoxicity by modulating G6PD, 6PGD, GR and GST activities in tissues.