Linum usitatissimum
Common flax
Linum usitatissimum, commonly known as flax, is a versatile medicinal plant celebrated for its exceptional nutritional profile. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lignans, it supports cardiovascular health, aids digestion, and offers potent antioxidant properties. This ancient botanical remains a cornerstone in holistic wellness and modern functional nutrition.
- Scientific name: Linum usitatissimum
- Family: Linaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Linum usitatissimum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Malpighiales and the family Linaceae. Finally, it is situated within the genus Linum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Linaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Linum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Linum usitatissimum, is recognized by various names across different languages and cultures. In Chinese, it is referred to as 亚麻 (yàmá), while in Polish, it is commonly called len zwyczajny. The Basque language uses the name liho, and in Quechua, it is known as Linu. Additionally, in Tamil, the plant is identified as ஆளி (āḷi).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 亚麻 | Wikidata |
| pl | len zwyczajny | Wikidata |
| eu | liho | Wikidata |
| qu | Linu | Wikidata |
| ta | ஆளி | Wikidata |
| ltg | Siejamais lyns | Wikidata |
| hu | házi len | Wikidata |
| pdc | Flax | Wikidata |
| et | harilik lina | Wikidata |
| bn | তিসি | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad presence across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its range extends to include both Great Britain and Ireland. Moving toward Middle Europe, the species can be found within the borders of Belgium. It also maintains a significant distribution throughout Germany. Finally, its geographical reach encompasses the territories of Czechia and Slovakia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Linum usitatissimum, commonly known as flax, offers a variety of therapeutic components derived from its different structures. The small, oval-shaped seeds are highly valued for their nutritional density and ability to support digestive health. When these seeds are processed, they yield linseed oil, a potent source of alpha-linolenic acid that provides essential omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular wellness. Furthermore, the concentrated seeds extract is frequently utilized in medicinal formulations to harness the plant's full bioactive potential, offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 5
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seeds | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| linseed oil | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Seeds Extract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Linum usitatissimum has 76 reported phytochemicals identified across 113 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include omega-3 fatty acids, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, lignans, flavonoids, linoleic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 76
- Scientific sources
- 113
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| omega-3 fatty acids | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| secoisolariciresinol diglucoside | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| lignans | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| linoleic acid | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| phytoestrogens | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| alpha-linolenic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antioxidants | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| linustatin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| methionine | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Linum usitatissimum has 13 reported activities identified across 18 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Bacteriostatic, Analgesic, Antiarrhythmic.
- Total activities
- 13
- Scientific sources
- 18
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Bacteriostatic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiarrhythmic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimitotic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antispasmodic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Galactagogue | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Linum usitatissimum has 63 reported medicinal uses identified across 80 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, breast cancer, insulin resistance.
- Total uses
- 63
- Scientific sources
- 80
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| cardiovascular diseases | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| breast cancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| insulin resistance | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| obesity | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polycystic ovary syndrome | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| type 2 diabetes | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wound healing | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Bacillus cereus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |