Antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticaner activity of flaxseed
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticaner activity of flaxseed
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Sindhuja P. and Gomathi N.
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticaner activity of flaxseed
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr201819-13822
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Flaxseed, scientifically known as Linum usitatissimum, has been cultivated since ancient times and is recognized for its extensive medicinal benefits. This study investigates the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties of flaxseed extracts using various solvents, primarily water and ethanol. The research highlights the potential health benefits attributed to flaxseed, including its role in disease prevention and treatment, particularly concerning cancer and other serious health conditions.
Antimicrobial Activity of Flaxseed Extracts
The study evaluates the antimicrobial properties of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of flaxseed against several bacterial strains, including Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Using the agar disc diffusion method and determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the study found that both extracts showed significant antibacterial activity, particularly against Salmonella typhi. However, no activity was observed against other pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The results suggest that flaxseed could be a potential natural agent for treating infections caused by specific bacteria.
Antioxidant Properties of Flaxseed Extracts
The antioxidant activity of flaxseed extracts was assessed using DPPH and FRAP assays. Aqueous extracts demonstrated a remarkable 88.88% DPPH radical scavenging activity, while ethanol extracts showed a 70.37% scavenging effect. The FRAP assay indicated that aqueous extracts provided 395 µM antioxidant potential, whereas ethanol extracts had a higher capacity of 595 µM. These findings emphasize the rich antioxidant properties of flaxseed, suggesting its role in neutralizing free radicals and potentially protecting against oxidative stress-related diseases.
Cytotoxicity and Anticancer Activity
Cytotoxicity tests on Vero cell lines revealed that flaxseed extracts were non-toxic even at high concentrations. The anticancer activity was further evaluated through MTT assays on HeLa cell lines, where the extracts displayed significant inhibitory effects at concentrations as low as 62.5 µg/ml. The research underscores flaxseed's potential in cancer therapy, suggesting that its bioactive compounds may inhibit cancer cell proliferation, thus positioning flaxseed as a promising candidate for cancer prevention and treatment.
Conclusion
The study concludes that flaxseed extracts exhibit substantial antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, underscoring their potential therapeutic applications. With no observed toxicity in cell lines, flaxseed represents a safe and effective natural remedy for combating various diseases, including cancer and infections. The research emphasizes the importance of increasing awareness regarding the health benefits of flaxseed, advocating for its incorporation into diets to improve health outcomes and reduce disease risk.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What activities of flaxseed were evaluated in the study?
The study evaluated the antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and anticancer activities of flaxseed extract using various solvents for extraction.
Which bacteria were inhibited by flaxseed extracts during the study?
Flaxseed extracts showed inhibition against Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with no effect on Escherichia coli, Shigella species, Proteus species, and Staphylococcus aureus.
What methods were used to assess antioxidant activity of flaxseed?
Antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH and FRAP assays, which measure the ability to scavenge free radicals and reduce ferric ions, respectively.
How were the cytotoxic effects of flaxseed measured?
Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay on Vero cell lines, determining cell viability after exposure to various concentrations of flaxseed extracts.
What were the results of the anticancer activity tests?
Flaxseed extracts demonstrated anticancer activity against HeLa cell lines, with a 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) determined to be 62.5 µg/ml.
Was any antifungal activity observed in flaxseed extracts?
No antifungal activity was observed in the flaxseed extracts against tested fungi, including Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Candida albicans.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticaner activity of flaxseed”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
Activity refers to the effects or actions that a particular substance has on cells or organisms. In the context of this study, it refers to the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer effects observed in flaxseed extracts, showcasing the potential benefits of these natural compounds in health-related applications.
2) Line:
Line typically refers to a cell line used in scientific research, specifically for in vitro experiments. In this study, Vero and HeLa cell lines were utilized to assess the cytotoxic and anticancer properties of flaxseed extracts, demonstrating their effectiveness as potential treatments in cancer research.
3) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotic refers to substances that inhibit bacterial growth or kill bacteria. The study's focus on the antibacterial properties of flaxseed extracts indicates their potential role as natural antibiotics, particularly important in the context of rising antibiotic resistance and a growing interest in alternative treatments.
4) Table:
Table refers to the organized presentation of data, allowing readers to easily interpret findings. In this research, tables are used to summarize results from antibacterial and antioxidant assays, indicating the effectiveness of flaxseed extracts at various concentrations, which aids in understanding the significance of the study's findings.
5) Species:
Species refers to distinct groups of organisms sharing common characteristics. The research focused on various bacterial species, such as Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as fungi like Aspergillus, highlighting the targeted action of flaxseed extracts against specific microbial pathogens in evaluating effectiveness.
6) Cancer:
Cancer describes a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. The study investigates the anticancer potential of flaxseed extracts against the HeLa cell line, indicating the relevance of natural compounds in cancer therapies and the increasing interest in plant-based treatments for managing cancer.
7) Hela (Helá):
HeLa refers to a specific cell line derived from cervical cancer cells, famously used in medical research. The study examines the effects of flaxseed extracts on HeLa cells to explore their potential to inhibit cancer cell growth, reflecting the significant role of this cell line in oncological testing.
8) Flax:
Flax refers to the Linum usitatissimum plant from which flaxseed is obtained. The study emphasizes the health benefits of flaxseed, particularly its antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, highlighting its therapeutic potential and the importance of understanding plant-based sources in nutrition and medicine.
9) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can cause harm to organisms. This study assesses the non-toxic nature of flaxseed extracts on Vero cell lines, providing insights into their safety for therapeutic use and emphasizing the necessity for evaluating toxicity in potential medicinal compounds.
10) Water:
Water serves as a universal solvent and was used as one of the solvents for extracting flaxseed components in this study. The use of aqueous extraction highlights the importance of utilizing safe and accessible solvents in isolating active compounds for evaluating the efficacy of natural products.
11) Aureus:
Aureus refers to Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterial species known for causing various infections. The study indicates that flaxseed extracts showed no antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, underscoring the importance of testing against different bacterial strains when evaluating the antimicrobial properties of natural compounds.
12) Chennai:
Chennai, located in Tamil Nadu, is the city where the research was conducted. The mention of Chennai connects the study to a geographic context, emphasizing local biodiversity and the relevance of indigenous plants like flaxseed in regional health research and preparations.
13) Anna:
Anna refers to Anna Nagar, a locality in Chennai where this study's affiliated institution, Valliammal College for Women, is situated. The specific reference aids in providing context to the study's origins and highlights collaborative efforts in local scientific research and education.
14) Tamilnadu (Tamil-nadu):
Tamil Nadu is the Indian state where the research is conducted, recognized for its agricultural diversity. Mentioning Tamil Nadu contextualizes the study, emphasizing local resources like flaxseed and underscoring the significance of regional cultivation practices in the exploration of health benefits from local flora.
15) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds found in plants known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The study reveals that flaxseed contains flavonoids, contributing to its overall health benefits and supporting the claims of its role in preventing diseases, including cancer, through dietary intake.
16) Disease:
Disease refers to disturbances in normal bodily function, often requiring medical attention. The study explores the potential of flaxseed to prevent or manage certain diseases, particularly cancer and microbial infections, highlighting the therapeutic avenues offered by natural substances in healthcare.
17) Surface:
Surface pertains to the outer layer of a material or biological structure. In microbiological studies, surface interactions can influence bacterial adherence and biofilm formation, emphasizing the importance of studying extracts in relation to their effectiveness at the cellular or bacterial surface level.
18) India:
India is the country where the study was conducted, known for its rich tradition in medicinal plants and natural remedies. This context reinforces the significance of exploring local flora like flaxseed, which may contribute to improved health outcomes in the Indian population.
19) Tamil:
Tamil refers to the native language spoken in Tamil Nadu, reflecting the cultural and linguistic context of the research. This connection emphasizes the importance of local knowledge systems in understanding the use of traditional plant remedies and enhancing community health practices.
20) Nadu:
Nadu is part of Tamil Nadu, the state name, and signifies the land or territory. It enriches the cultural significance of the research, providing a geographical reference that connects the study with the local traditions and environmental context of flaxseed usage in the region.
21) Rich (Rch):
Rich indicates abundance, often referring to nutrient content in the context of flaxseed being a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants. This characteristic underlines the importance of consuming nutrient-dense foods for better health outcomes and disease prevention.
22) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds in plants that contribute to various health benefits. The study emphasizes the presence of phytochemicals in flaxseed, supporting its antimicrobial and anticancer properties and highlighting the importance of these compounds in the development of functional foods and natural therapies.
23) Measurement:
Measurement refers to the quantification of an attribute, often foundational in scientific research. Precise measurements in this study, whether in terms of antibacterial effectiveness or antioxidant capacity, underscore the importance of data collection techniques in establishing the efficacy of flaxseed extracts.
24) Substance:
Substance refers to a specific material or compound in the field of science. In the context of this research, it pertains to flaxseed extracts, which are being evaluated for their biological activities, emphasizing the significance of identifying and studying various substances for health applications.
25) Science (Scientific):
Science represents the systematic study of the natural world. This research embodies scientific inquiry by evaluating the properties of flaxseed through controlled experimentation and data analysis, contributing to the wider body of knowledge in fields like pharmacology and nutrition.
26) Medium:
Medium refers to the environment or substrate in which biological studies are conducted. In microbiology, the medium serves as a growth area for microorganisms, making it crucial for testing the antibacterial activity of extracts, thereby highlighting the conditions under which the efficacy can be evaluated.
27) Cotton:
Cotton may reference the material used in laboratory settings, such as in the preparation of filter paper for clarifying extracts. The mention of cotton underscores the practical aspects of laboratory work where standard tools and materials are employed for biological analyses.
28) Study (Studying):
Study refers to the systematic investigation aimed at understanding specific phenomena. This research evaluates the biological effects of flaxseed extracts, highlighting the methodology, results, and discussions that form the foundation for conclusions drawn about the health benefits of flaxseed.
29) Pune:
Pune is the city mentioned in connection to the National Centre for Cell Sciences, which provided cell lines for the research. Mentioning Pune emphasizes collaboration in scientific endeavors and locations integral to advancing research in health and biomedical science.
30) Food:
Food is essential for nutrition and sustenance and in this study, it pertains to the role of flaxseed as a functional food. The implications of incorporating flaxseed into diets are explored for their antioxidative and anticancer effects, highlighting its value in health promotion.
31) Civilization:
Civilization refers to the advanced stages of human societal development. The study notes the ancient usage of flaxseed dating back to early civilization, illustrating the historical significance and continued relevance of flaxseed in human health and nutrition through time.
32) Calculation:
Calculation pertains to the mathematical processes used in data analysis. Correct calculations are pivotal in determining concentrations, inhibitory effects, and percentages in the study, showcasing the importance of statistical and analytical skills in interpreting research findings accurately.
33) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the section of a study where findings are interpreted and implications are drawn. This part critically examines the results obtained in the research, linking flaxseed's properties to broader health contexts and emphasizing the relevance of the findings in existing literature.
34) Sindhuja (Sindhu-ja, Simdhuja):
Sindhuja is the name of one of the authors involved in the study. Mentioning authors helps credit scientific contributions and supports collaborative work in research, highlighting individual roles in collectively advancing knowledge in the fields of microbiology and pharmacology.
35) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the science of healing and treatment, which encompasses pharmaceutical studies. The research addresses the potential medical applications of flaxseed extracts, emphasizing the role of natural products in developing alternative treatments for diseases and improving health outcomes.
36) Lakshmi (Laksmi):
Lakshmi, as part of the acknowledgment, refers to Dr. I. Seetha Lakshmi, who supported the project. Acknowledging individuals highlights the importance of mentorship and collaboration in research, as well as the shared contributions within academic and scientific communities.
37) Muslin:
Muslin is a fabric used in laboratory settings for filtering purposes. The study notes its use in the extraction process of flaxseed compounds, emphasizing practical laboratory techniques that ensure purity in samples while preparing extracts for further analysis.
38) Family:
Family in the biological context refers to a group of related plants or organisms. The study classifies flaxseed under the Linaceae family, situating it within a broader botanical context and providing insights into its related species and potential applications based on familial traits.
39) Reason:
Reason pertains to the underlying justifications or causes for pursuing the research. The study highlights several reasons for investigating flaxseed, including its rich nutrient profile and potential health benefits, underscoring the importance of exploring natural remedies in addressing modern health concerns.
40) Powder:
Powder refers to the ground form of flaxseed used in the study for extracting active components. The preparation of flaxseed powder emphasizes the importance of physical form in extraction efficiency, reflecting the practical aspects of preparing natural products for scientific investigation.
41) Glass:
Glass refers to the containers used to store and handle samples in laboratory settings. The study mentions sterile glass bottles for storing flaxseed extracts, underscoring the importance of proper containment and environmental factors in preserving the integrity of biological samples.
42) Sugar:
Sugar may refer to a type of carbohydrate present in food, which plays various roles in human biology. The study emphasizes the nutritional components of flaxseed and their health benefits, which can be enhanced by understanding the interactions of sugars and other compounds in dietary contexts.
43) Crop:
Crop refers to agricultural products cultivated for consumption. This study focuses on flaxseed as a crop with historical significance and health benefits, emphasizing the importance of agricultural practices in ensuring the availability of nutrient-rich foods that support public health initiatives.
44) Wall:
Wall could refer to the structural barrier of cells or chambers in biological research. In microbiology, understanding cell walls is crucial for studying interactions between bacteria and antibiotic substances, highlighting the need to investigate structural components when evaluating antibacterial properties.
45) Pain:
Pain refers to an unpleasant sensory experience often linked to abnormal biological processes. The study indirectly relates to pain in the context of identifying natural substances, such as flaxseed, that may alleviate discomfort or serve as therapeutic agents in managing pain-related conditions.
46) Post:
Post can refer to the author's designation (Post Graduate Student). It exemplifies the academic status associated with research presentations, indicating the level of education when conducting experiments and contributing to emerging scientific literature.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticaner activity of flaxseed’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Antioxidant activity, Phytochemical analysis, Antimicrobial activity, Anticancer activity, DPPH assay, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Agar disc diffusion method, Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), FRAP assay, Nutraceutical effect, Salmonella Typhi, Aqueous Extraction, Probiotic properties, HeLa cell line, Vero cell line, Alternative medicine (CAM).