Effects of Flaxseed (Linum Usitatissimum L.) against Genotoxicity Induced by Cyclophosphamide on Human Blood Lymphocyte

Introduction: Medicinal plants, such as flaxseeds play an important role in the health of individuals and communities. Regarding the phytochemical properties of flaxseed, this study aimed to investigate the hydroalcoholic effects of this plant on the genetic toxicity of cyclophosphamide in peripheral blood lymphocytes.   Materials & Methods: The flaxseed extract was initially prepared by maceration using ethanol solvent in two rounds. After one hour of incubation with different concentrations, the blood samples were incubated with 750µ M in a bain-marie at 37° C for 24 h. To evaluate the production of micronucleus in dual nuclear lymphocytes suppressed in cytokines, the slides were prepared and evaluated using light microscopy. The data were analyzed in SPSS software and the mean values were compared using Tukey's test and. Ethics code: 30.96.3.1002   Findings: The incubation of blood samples with cyclophosphamide leads to induced additional genotoxicity in lymphocytes. Moreover, flaxseed extract pretreatment significantly reduced the micronucleus frequency (P<0.0001). In addition, the results showed the effective role of flaxseed extract as a protective agent in reducing the genotoxicity of the pesticide cyclophosphamide.   Discussion & Conclusions: According to the obtained results, flaxseed is a potent antigenotoxic agent against cyclophosphamide-induced DNA damage. Since the flaxseed extract does not have cytotoxic effects, it can be used as a protective agent against the toxic effects of cyclophosphamide.