Planta Med 2023; 89(06): 608-615
DOI: 10.1055/a-2013-2966
Biological and Pharmacological Activity
Reviews

Influence of Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) on Female Reproduction

Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic
› Author Affiliations

Supported by: Vedecká Grantová Agentúra MŠVVaŠ SR a SAV VEGA 1/0392/17 Supported by: Agentúra na Podporu Výskumu a Vývoja APVV-15-0296
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Abstract

This review describes the chemical composition of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) and its general health effects, as well as the currently available knowledge concerning its action on the female reproductive state, functions on the ovary and ovarian cells and reproductive hormones, as well as possible constituents and extra- and intracellular mediators mediating its effects on female reproductive processes. Flaxseed contains a number of biologically active molecules, which, acting through multiple signalling pathways, can determine numerous physiological, protective and therapeutic effects of flaxseed. The available publications demonstrate the action of flaxseed and its constituents on the female reproductive system – ovarian growth, follicle development, the resulting puberty and reproductive cycles, ovarian cell proliferation and apoptosis, oo- and embryogenesis, hormonal regulators of reproductive processes and their dysfunctions. These effects can be determined by flaxseed lignans, alpha-linolenic acid and their products. Their actions can be mediated by changes in general metabolism, metabolic and reproductive hormones, their binding proteins, receptors and several intracellular signalling pathways, including protein kinases, transcription factors regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and malignant transformation. Flaxseed and its active molecules are found potentially useful for improving farm animal reproductive efficiency and treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome and ovarian cancer.



Publication History

Received: 17 August 2022

Accepted after revision: 06 January 2023

Article published online:
20 February 2023

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