Flaxseed prostate cancer

In contrast, enterodiol and enterolactone were believed to be partly responsible for the growth inhibition of three human prostate cancer cell lines (Lin et al., 2001). Morton et al. (1997) reported that higher enterolactone levels in prostatic fluid were associated with populations with a low risk of prostate cancer. In a small clinical study, prostate cancer cell proliferation decreased and apoptosis increased in men fed 30 g of flaxseed per day (Demark-Wahnefried et al., 2001). A significant factor which may have influenced this study was that the subjects were on a low-fat diet. A subsequent study by the authors further supported the role of flaxseed in combination with a low-fat diet as a means to control prostate growth (Demark-Wahnefried et al., 2004). In this study, prostate-specific antigen level and cell proliferation both decreased from baseline after only 6 months on the dietary regime. 

Cameron et al. (1989) reported that flax oil prevented tumor formation in mice whereas mice on the corn oil and safflower oil diets had the greatest number of tumors. A diet consisting of 10% flax oil was sufficient to reduce tumor growth and metastasis in mice compared with corn or fish oil diets (Fritsche and Johnston, 1990). Although flaxseed and flaxseed oil and lig-nans have been shown to be beneficial, additional studies are needed to identify the mechanisms by which flaxseed or its components function to reduce prostate cancer. 

Demark-Wahnefried, W., Price, D.T., Polascik, TJ., Robertson, C.N., Anderson, E.E., Paulson, D. F., Walther, P.J., Gannon, M., and Volbner, R.T. 2001. Pilot study of dietary fat restriction and flaxseed supplementation in men with prostate cancer before surgery Exploring the effects on hormonal levels, prostate-specific antigen, and histopathologic features. Urology 58, 47-52. 

Seed and oil used against colon, breast, and prostate cancers. Also called flaxseed and linseed. 

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