Phytochemical Evaluation and In-vitro Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Anti-diabetic Activity Assessment of Linum usitatissimum L. Seed Extract

Abstract

Objectives: Linum usitatisimum (L.), commonly known as flaxseed, is a rich source of different types of phytochemicals and possesses nutritive and therapeutic value. The study was carried out to evaluate phytochemicals, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic activity of flaxseed extract, targeting its potential use in managing oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. Methods: Flaxseed powder was defatted using hexane, and defatted powder was then extracted by maceration with 80% ethanol. Phytochemical evaluation was performed using preliminary standard screening methods and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-ciocalteu method. The antioxidant activity of the extract was determined by free radical scavenging activity using the 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by human RBC membrane stabilization assay, which mimics lysosomal membrane stabilization. The anti- diabetic activity of extract was determined by α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition assays to assess the extract’s ability to regulate carbohydrate metabolism. Results: Qualitative phytochemical analysis of ethanolic extract confirmed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, phytosterols, carbohydrates, and glycosides. FTIR analysis of the extract demonstrated the presence of the compounds phenols, flavonoids, and tannins. The total phenolic content was found to be 90.98 mg gallic acid equivalent / g of dry extract, indicative of its antioxidant capacity. The median inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of ethanol extract for antioxidant activity was found to be 297.39 µg/ml. The extract demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of RBC hemolysis, with an IC50 value of 197.312 µg/ml, highlighting its anti-inflammatory efficacy. The IC50 value of extract against alpha- amylase was found to be 8.54 mg/ml. The plant extract showed an inhibition of 31.52 % at concentration of 10 mg/ml against alpha-glucosidase. Conclusion: These results suggest that flaxseed has promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties, making it a valuable candidate for further research and therapeutic applications.