Flaxseed, the richest source of lignans, is harvested from the flax plant, a medicinal plant widely used in alternative medicine for the treatment of a number of pathologies. Many researchers believe that flaxseed supplements may reduce risk of certain forms of skin cancer, although more research is needed to confirm these findings. If you want to use flaxseed supplements, talk to your doctor first.
Apoptosis
A study published in "Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety" in May 2010 concluded that flaxseed lignans, particularly enterodiol and entero-lactone, reduce skin cancer proliferation through the regulation of the number and status of skin epithelial stem cells localized in the hair follicles. The researchers involved in this study further determined that the anti-cancer effects of flaxseed against skin cancer are mediated through the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.
Anticarcinogenic Property
According to the New York University Langone Medical Center, dietary supplementation of flaxseed may produce significant inhibitory effects against melanoma skin cancer. Researchers showed that flaxseed regulates the growth of cancer cells by controlling the genes that cause melanoma cancer. However, more research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms of action by which flaxseed exerts its anti-proliferatory effects.
Skin Cancer Metastasis
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, people who consume more lignan-containing foods, including flaxseeds, show a reduced incidence of melanoma skin cancer, a type of skin cancer that spreads very quickly to other tissues or organs in the body. In one study, flaxseed remarkably inhibited metastatic growth of melanoma cells, reports Steven D. Ehrlich, a naturopathic doctor at the UMMC.
Safety Issues
Flaxseed can interfere with the absorption of other supplements and oral medications. Therefore, flaxseed should not be consumed at the same time as other nutrients and drugs. If you have diabetes or hormonally related cancers, do not use flaxseed supplements. In addition, flaxseed has blood-thinning properties, which can make anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin, less effective.
References
- "Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety": Flaxseed Lignans: Source, Biosynthesis, Metabolism, Antioxidant Activity, Bio-Active Components, and Health Benefits; Alhassane and Touré, Xu Xueming; May 2010
- New York University Langone Medical Center: Lignans
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Flaxseed; Steven D. Ehrlich; Oct. 11, 2008
