Comparative effects of brown and golden flaxseeds on body composition, inflammation and bone remodelling biomarkers in perimenopausal overweight women

Effects of Flaxseed on Perimenopausal Symptoms: Findings From a Single-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

Background Flaxseed contains many phytoestrogens that share structural similarities with endogenous estrogens. It has beneficial properties that improve hormonal effects that may influence chronic disorders. Objective This study aims to evaluate the impact of flaxseed supplementation on perimenopausal syndrome symptoms and serum polyphenol metabolites enterodiol (ED) and enterolactone (EL). Methods Recruitment of 145 perimenopausal women from Queen Mary's Hospital OPD in K.G.M.U. Lucknow, India, was done for this single-blind randomized placebo-controlled experiment, considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. We randomly divided subjects into two groups using a computer-generated random number table. The intervention group A received 10 grams of flaxseed powder, while the placebo group B received 10 grams of roasted wheat flour for a continuous three months. We measured their demographic characteristics, menopausal symptoms score using the modified Kupperman's index (KI), the menopause rating scale (MRS), and the menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) intervention questionnaire. Moreover, using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), biochemical parameters (ED, EL) were assessed both at baseline and after three months. For the statistical analysis, Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 24; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY) was employed. Result The study involved 123 individuals, with 22 subjects losing out during follow-up. From baseline to follow-up comparison, the intervention group demonstrated an average percentage decline in the final score of the KI, MRS, and MENQOL intervention questionnaire of -47.25%, -54.05%, and -50.39%, respectively, while the placebo group demonstrated an average percentage decline of -3.83%, -4.91%, and -7.92%, respectively. From baseline to follow-up, ED and EL levels increased by 2.81-fold and 8.55-fold in the intervention group and decreased by 0.25-fold and 0.27-fold in the placebo group. Conclusion Following three months of supplementation, the intervention group showed substantially lower menopausal symptoms (p < 0.001), and ED and EL levels were considerably higher (p < 0.001). Therefore, flaxseed might ameliorate the symptoms associated with perimenopause.

Effect of Crushed Flaxseed Consumption on Cardiovascular Risk Indicators in Menopausal Women

Flaxseed is known for its numerous health benefits and is often used in the prevention and treatment of civilizational diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of consuming crushed flaxseed on cardiovascular risk in 51 menopausal women. The intervention lasted for 8 weeks, during which participants received a daily dose of 40 g of crushed flaxseed from two varieties with differing lignan contents. Participants were divided into three subgroups based on the variety of flaxseed consumed: (1) high-lignan group (HL), (2) low-lignan group (LL), and (3) control group (no flaxseed consumption). Biochemical blood parameters were measured using a BiOLis 24i Premium automatic analyzer. Body composition was assessed using an InBody 720 device. In the lipid profile, we observed a significant increase in total cholesterol (T-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, along with a significant decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in both the HL and LL groups. Triglyceride (TG) levels exhibited no significant change, whereas high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were significantly reduced in both the HL (p < 0.01) and LL (p < 0.01) groups. Visceral fat area (VFA) and percent body fat (PBF) showed a slight decreasing trend in the HL group, whereas in the LL group, VFA showed a slight increase. Body mass index (BMI) remained stable across all groups. These findings suggest that for the modulation of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, the daily dosage, duration of consumption, form of intake, and the specific variety of flaxseed (based on lignan content) are crucial factors.

Formulation and evaluation of a novel herbal trio gel containing flax seed extract, carbopol and carboxymethyl cellulose

It is of interest to formulate and evaluate herbal trio gel containing brown flax seed extract, carbopol, and carboxymethyl cellulose and to assess the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory activity along with quality analysis using SEM and FTIR. The brown flax seeds were grinded into a fine powder and supercritical fluid was prepared which was mixed with CMC and carbopol. The formulation was checked for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory activity, surface characteristics with SEM and FTIR. The results revealed that the activity of the trio gel was efficacious in hampering the growth of black pigmented anaerobes. The highest zone of inhibition for novel herbal trio gel was recorded at 100 µL measuring 14mm and for the standard chlorhexidine gel it was recorded at 100 µL measuring 23mm in diameter. The results proved that the zone of inhibition of novel herbal trio gel had a decent difference to that of standard chlorhexidine gel. The anti-inflammatory activity showed significant activity at 20 µL which accounted for 53% for the novel herbal trio gel and for the standard diclofenac gel it showed highest activity at 20 µL which accounted for 60%. However, there was not much difference between the herbal trio gel and standard diclofenac gel. SEM observations revealed that the components used in formulation of this trio gel have been bonded well to each other and exhibited appreciable surface characteristics. The lattice of the trio gel has been very well exhibited in SEM analysis. FTIR revealed high peaks showing the different components present in the trio gel. Within the limitations of the study, the results of our study concluded that novel herbal trio gel containing Linum usitatissimum extract, sorbitol, and carboxymethyl cellulose could be an efficient economic primeval substitute that is non-toxic, natural, and structured for clinical application.

Bioaccessibility and bioavailability of calcium in sprouted brown and golden flaxseed

BACKGROUND

Germination promotes changes in the composition of seeds by providing potential nutritional and health benefits compared with unsprouted seeds. This study investigated the influence of germination on the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of calcium in brown flaxseed (BF) and golden flaxseed (GF).

RESULTS

Germination did not influence the calcium levels of BF or GF, but the sprouted GF (SGF, 265.6 ± 12.9 mg) presented higher levels of calcium than the sprouted BF (SBF, 211.6 ± 3.20 mg). Tannin levels were similar among the groups (GF = 79.97 ± 3.49 mg; SGF = 78.81 ± 0.77 mg; BF = 81.82 ± 2.61 mg; SBF = 79.24 ± 4.58 mg), whereas phytate and oxalate levels decreased after germination. Germination reduced the phytate:calcium and oxalate:calcium molar ratios. In the in vitro study, germination increased calcium bioaccessibility (GF = 35.60 mg versus SGF = 41.45 mg; BF = 31.01 mg versus SBF = 38.84 mg). In the in vivo study, all groups present similar levels of urinary calcium (GF = 1.04 mg versus SGF = 2.06 mg; BF = 1.68 mg versus SBF = 1.35 mg) and fecal calcium (GF = 5.06 mg versus SGF = 6.14 mg; BF = 6.47 mg versus SBF = 8.40 mg). The calcium balance/day of the SBF group (37.97 mg) was smaller than the control group (47.22 mg). The germination maintained the plasma levels of calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase similar among the groups. No changes were observed in morphology and calcium levels of animal femurs.

CONCLUSION

The germination reduced the antinutritional factor in both flaxseed varieties. Although there was an improvement in the in vitro bioaccessibility of calcium, the germination did not increase calcium absorption and balance in the animals, which may be due to the interaction with other compounds in the organism. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.