Flaxseed Ethanol Extract Effect in Acute Experimental Inflammation

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Natural Products
• Inflammation Research

Background:

• Flaxseed and its oil are known for their antioxidant properties.
• Previous research indicates potential health benefits of flaxseed derivatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prophylactic and therapeutic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of flaxseed ethanol extract.
• To assess the impact of flaxseed extract on acute experimental inflammation in rats.

Main Methods:

• Turpentine-induced acute inflammation model in male rats.
• Measurement of serum oxidative stress markers (total oxidative status, oxidative stress index, malondialdehyde, 3-nitrotyrosine, nitrite) and antioxidant markers (total thiols, total antioxidant reactivity).
• Evaluation of Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway.
• Comparison of flaxseed extract (prophylactic and therapeutic) with diclofenac treatment.

Main Results:

• Flaxseed extract demonstrated superior anti-inflammatory activity in therapeutic administration compared to prophylactic.
• Dose-dependent reduction in nitric oxide (NO), 3-nitrotyrosine (3NT), and NF-κB was observed with flaxseed extract.
• Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were reduced more effectively with therapeutic flaxseed extract, while antioxidants were increased with prophylactic administration.
• Total flaxseed extract showed a more significant influence on ROS and antioxidants than diclofenac.

Conclusions:

• Flaxseed extract exhibits antioxidant activity through increasing endogenous antioxidants during prophylaxis.
• Flaxseed extract therapy possesses significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties by reducing NF-κB, reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and ROS.
• Flaxseed extract demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for managing acute inflammation.