ABSTRACT
The impact of the two major components in flaxseed (α-linolenic acid and the lignan SDG) on human health has been addressed in the preceding chapters. This chapter will focus on the biological activity of the other components of flaxseed and related members of the genus Linum. Flaxseed is a rich source of dietary fiber, soluble fiber or gums which have been implicated in a number of beneficial health effects. Flax seed also contains a number of components (anti-nutrients) that have negative health implications including cyanogenic glycosides, phytic acid, a vitamin B6 antagonist, and antigenic carbohydrates. Heavy metals such as cadmium are also known to accumulate in flax, particularly in the seed. Within the genus Linum, there are species which accumulate a different class of lignans from those found in L. usitatissimum. These lignans have potential value as pharmaceutical precursors. Flax is also known to accumulate β-hydroxy-β-methylglutaric acid 1 (HMGA) (Klosterman and Smith, 1954) in the seed. Although HMGA may function as a competitive inhibitor for HMG-Coenzyme A, its contribution to the health benefits of flaxseed has not yet been demonstrated, and indeed it may be difficult to distinguish the effects of the HMGA from other components in flax.
