Many people are starting to believe that linseed oil has great anti-cancer benefits associated with it. This is a result of the high ALA and lignan content. There are other sides that believe that the use of the oil to treat cancer in contradictory. The reason is some studies have shown an increase in the risk of cancer due to the intake of high amounts of ALA.

What ever school of thought people choose, there will always be those who continue to take linseed oil for the treatment of their cancer.
Add to this, fresh air, exercise and some time spent in the sun every day.

Linseed Oil Prostate Cancer

Against the Use

Despite the perceived benefits of using linseed oil to treat cancer, there are some schools of though that believe it should not be used, because it can lead to an increase in prostate cancer. There have been independent studies that were done that show a positive connection between ALA (in serum, adipose tissue, and red blood cell membranes) and prostate cancer. One of the main things found from the studies is the point that ALA is one of the most powerful growth stimulants for human prostate cancer cells.

It was recommended that men who have prostate cancer should refrain from using linseed oil. The reason behind this is the fact that the oil along with flaxseed oil is one of the richest sources of ALA.


For the Use

Interestingly, a study done with flax grain has shown that flax inhibits the growth of prostate cancer.6 Another study showed that prostatic alpha-linolenic acid was lower in cancerous prostate glands that exhibited perineural invasion, seminal vesicle involvement, and stage T3 tumors.7

In a review article on n-3 fatty acids and cancer, the author makes the observation that the effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on cancer depends on “background levels of n-6 PUFAs and antioxidants, and this could account for previously inconsistent results in experimental carcinogenesis.”

He also makes the observation that “n-3 PUFAs appear to be excellent substrates for lipid peroxidation in situations where an oxidative stress is involved, such as in the action of several cytotoxic agents in the treatment of cancer,”8

Other researchers found that the ratio of n-3/n-6 PUFAs decreased in the following order: normal, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and prostate cancer. This indicates that n-3 inhibit prostate problems. They conclude that the ratio of n-3/n-6 may have an important association with the benign and malignant statue of prostatic disease.9

Yet other researchers suggest that among fatty acids, the n-6 derivative arachidonic acid (AA), delivered in larger than normal quantities to prostate cancer cells in tissue culture by LDL cholesterol via over-expression of its receptor (LDLr), increases the activity of the cancer-related genes c-fos and cox-2.10

In 1994, one review suggested that for prostate cancer, fat consumption should be decreased to 15% of calories. The antioxidants selenium and vitamin E should be supplemented, and a soy product should be used.11

Another study shows that the same n-6 derivative AA, stimulates growth and division of prostate cancer cells (both hormone-sensitive and hormone-insensitive) by increasing lipoxygenase enzyme activity (increasing inflammation). The researchers show that if you block this enzyme, the prostate cells self-destruct (apoptose) very rapidly.12 This could be achieved by inhibitor molecules, by decrease of AA in the medium (or diet), and by increase of n-3 fatty acids that inhibit the production of AA.

 

Linseed Oil  & Breast Cancer

As stated earlier, linseed oil is rich with lingnans. These lingnans often act in a manner where they are weak estrogens or antiestrogens. This means they are very good at preventing and reducing the development of estrogen based cancers. Breast cancer is one that is estrogen based and the use of linseed oil can be very effective.  Lignans also have a role as being good antioxidants. It should be noted that it is also very good at slowing the growth of the cell, but more information and  research needs to be provided on this topic.

What is the evidence of Linseed Oil’s Cancer Fighting Properties?

The basis of linseed’s oil cancer fighting properties generally comes from the research that was done using laboratory animals or the use of cells grown in the laboratory. There have been studies that have been completed that used the two different components. In one study, the use of cells; it was shown that the lingnans contained in linseed oil was able to reduce the movement and stickiness of breast cancer cells. The reduction in these properties was able to help reduce the ability of the cancer to metastasize or spread.

Laboratory tests done with animals, such as mice, often used a diet that was supplemented with the use of linseed oil. It was shown that this type of diet was able to slow down and reduce the growth, formation and spread of skin cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer. It was shown that the linseed oil was able to reduce the formation of precancerous colon polyps in one study of rats. However it should be noted that another study was done and it showed that there was little to no effect on the formation of certain cancers in some mice.

Another study that was done showed that a group of men were chosen to eat a diet that was low in fat along with linseed oil. The result of this showed a reduction in their blood prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels and slowed the growth of benign prostate cells, suggesting that it might be useful in reducing risk of prostate cancer.

There needs to be more studies done in humans to really show the effectiveness of flaxseed oil in the overall treatment of cancer. The studies done on lab animal’s show that there is potential, however more studies need to be completed to show how effective it really is against cancer in humans