Flax lignans showing early promise in U of S clinical trials
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 23, 2013 SASKATOON - A group of researchers in the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition at the University of Saskatchewan are about to move into a second clinical trial to confirm the health benefits of lignans, a flax-derived supplement that shows promise in helping seniors stay mentally sharp and physically healthy.
By University Communications
A clinical trial for a single oral dose has already been completed, with favourable results. The next trial requires participants to take a daily oral dose of the flax supplement, but doctoral student Ahmed Almousa said first, the researchers need people to participate in the study.
'We need to recruit enough people to confirm what may potentially be important health effects of flax seed extract," he said. "We hope to provide evidence that these benefits are real, and may improve the health and well-being of older adults who are seeking ways to live and age well."
Flax lignans have been extensively studied, and those studies have uncovered benefits like reducing cholesterol, regulating insulin, modulating the immune system and treating inflammation which is thought to be behind a wide range of health ailments, including many associated with aging.
"There is a desire for more natural products," Almousa said. "While there are drugs available that treat inflammation, the purpose of this study is to scientifically confirm these flax-based natural health products are effective."
The research is being conducted in two stages lab work and clinical trial. In the lab, the researchers are using cell culture and animal models of diseases to understand how well the lignans work and exactly how they deliver benefits.
For the clinical trial, the researchers are recruiting people over 60 years of age to test the effects of the flax lignans on overall well-being and quality of life with advancing age.
Those interested in participating in the trial can call the university at 306-966-2138 or email Pui Chi Cheng at mailto:puc853@mail.usask.ca
-30-
For more information, contact:
Jennifer Thoma, Media Relations Specialist
Advancement and Community Engagement
306-966-1851
mailto:jennifer.thoma@usask.ca
'We need to recruit enough people to confirm what may potentially be important health effects of flax seed extract," he said. "We hope to provide evidence that these benefits are real, and may improve the health and well-being of older adults who are seeking ways to live and age well."
Flax lignans have been extensively studied, and those studies have uncovered benefits like reducing cholesterol, regulating insulin, modulating the immune system and treating inflammation which is thought to be behind a wide range of health ailments, including many associated with aging.
"There is a desire for more natural products," Almousa said. "While there are drugs available that treat inflammation, the purpose of this study is to scientifically confirm these flax-based natural health products are effective."
The research is being conducted in two stages lab work and clinical trial. In the lab, the researchers are using cell culture and animal models of diseases to understand how well the lignans work and exactly how they deliver benefits.
For the clinical trial, the researchers are recruiting people over 60 years of age to test the effects of the flax lignans on overall well-being and quality of life with advancing age.
Those interested in participating in the trial can call the university at 306-966-2138 or email Pui Chi Cheng at mailto:puc853@mail.usask.ca
-30-
For more information, contact:
Jennifer Thoma, Media Relations Specialist
Advancement and Community Engagement
306-966-1851
mailto:jennifer.thoma@usask.ca