Journal of Drug Discovery and Therapeutics

Nutritional Composition, Bioactive Compounds and Functional Properties of Flaxseed: A Comprehensive Review

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Flaxseed is one of the first cultivated oilseed crops and is known globally as one of the healthiest foods because of its high level of nutrients and many biologically active compounds in it. Nutritional properties of flaxseed range in ALA omega 3 fatty acid content, lignans, soluble and insoluble fibres, protein, vitamins, minerals, phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids and phytosterols have been included in this summary of flaxseed's functions and healthy attributes. Flaxseed contains approximately 35 to 45 percent oil, 20 to 30 percent protein and 28 percent of the recommended daily allowance of dietary fiber; therefore, flaxseeds can be used as foods and/or nutraceuticals. The primary lignan of flaxseed is called secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) which has shown some degree of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective (heart-protecting), anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer effects. The proteins found in flaxseed have well functional and therapeutic effects. The Omega-3 fatty acids act as regulating agents of the inflammatory and metabolic function of the body. Some micronutrients that are present in flaxseed are Ca, Mg, P, K, Zn and Vit E. Some antinutrients like cyanogenic glycosides and phytic acid present in flaxseed can be eliminated by different treatment techniques such as roasting, fermentation, extrusion and enzymatic treatment and thus enhance nutrient bioavailabity. The review, in its totality concludes that flaxseed is a unique functional food with promising applications in prevention of diseases and health promotion. Additional, large-scale human clinical studies are required to further validate its claimed health benefits for long-term treatment.

Keywords: Flaxseed, Omega-3 fatty acids, Lignans, Functional foods, Antioxidant activity

A Comprehensive Review of Phytochemistry and Ethnopharmacology of Ziziphus xylopyrus and Berberis aristata and Immunomodulatory

Poonam Kanwar, Jai Singh Vaghela — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In particular, in the context of multi-target immunomodulatory therapies, Ziziphus xylopyrus and Berberis aristata demonstrate significant potential for the development of standardised treatments that integrate traditional ethnobotanical knowledge with modern evidence-based pharmacology

Antidiabetic Activity of Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles from Ziziphus mucronata Leaves Extract

1Ukwuani-Kwaja, A. N, Muhammad, M, Fakai, I. M — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) offer sustainable, cost-effective therapeutic potential in nanomedicine due to their unique physicochemical properties. This study explores Ziziphus mucronata (Z. mucronata) leaf extract-synthesized AgNPs (ZM-AgNPs) for in vitro antidiabetic activity via in vitro assay. Phytochemical composition was analyzed using qualitative method and GC-MS, ZM-AgNPs were synthesized using methanol extract and confirmed via UV-vis spectroscopy and characterized using SEM, FT-IR, and XRD. Antidiabetic activity was assessed through α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition assays at varying concentrations (20–100 μg/mL). The result of phytochemical analysis reveals the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin, anthraquinone, phenols, tannins, steroid, glycoside and phlobatannins. UV-vis spectra showed highest surface plasmon resonance peak at 412 nm, confirming AgNPs formation. FT-IR identified bioactive compounds (phenolics, and flavonoids) involved in reduction and stabilization. XRD and SEM revealed crystalline, spherical nanoparticles (20–50 nm). ZM-AgNPs exhibited dose-dependent inhibition, with maximal α-glucosidase (88.05%, IC₅o: 1.56 mg/mL) and α-amylase (68.09 %, IC₅₀: 61.31mg/mL) activity, surpassing both crude extract (80.59 %, 44.34 %) and Acarbose (83.32 %, 52.24 %) respectively. ZM-AgNPs demonstrate superior antidiabetic potential attributed to enhanced bioavailability and synergistic phytochemical interactions. This underscores their promise as a natural alternative for diabetes management.