A systematic review on the pharmacological potential of Linum usitatissimum L.: a significant nutraceutical plant

Introduction: Linum usitatissimum L., often known as conventional flax or linseed, is a member of the Linnaceae family and has long been grown in many countries owing to its uses in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The current research attempts to gather virtually all known information on L.usitatissimum L., including its claimed pharmacological characteristics. Methods: We started searching databases like Google Scholar and PubMed for available literature using a combination of keywords such as L. usitatissimum, flaxseed, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-tumour, anti-pro-liferative, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic property, antidiabetic, wound healing, and protective property from 2011 to April 2023. Approximately 137 relevant articles relating to L. usitatissimum and its health-beneficial and therapeutic properties were chosen. Results and discussion: According to our study, L. usitatissimum was shown to have antioxidant, anti-in-flammatory, immunomodulatory, anticancer, anti-tumour, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-li-pidemic, wound healing, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and other protective activities. There were also numerous reports on the therapeutic abilities and disease prevention of flax. The application of L. usitatissimum in diet and dietary products, drug formulations, and nano-based approaches was also investigated. Conclusion: Although there have been many in vitro and in vivo investigations, there have not been adequate trials on the plant's (L. usitatissimum) potential pharmacological effects. As a result, this research may be re-garded as a brief and up-to-date summary for future simple investigations and trials on the important plant, L. usitatissimum.