# Atasi

> Atasi (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Linaceae family. WHO monograph exists for Semen Lini (flaxseed); European Medicines Agency (EMA) monograph established; German Commission E approved for chronic constipation and irritable bowel.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Linum usitatissimum L.
- **Family:** Linaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** WHO monograph exists for Semen Lini (flaxseed); European Medicines Agency (EMA) monograph established; German Commission E approved for chronic constipation and irritable bowel

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Atasi |
| Latin/Botanical | *Linum usitatissimum L.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, omega-3 fatty acid, ~55% of seed oil)
- Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG - phytoestrogen lignan)
- Dietary fiber (both soluble [mucilage](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#mucilage) and insoluble)
- Cyclolinopeptides (cyclic [peptides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#peptides))
- [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) ([herbacetin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#herbacetin) diglucoside)
- Cyanogenic [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) (linamarin, linustatin)

## How does it work?

- [Cardioprotective](/reference/cardioprotective/) effects via ALA omega-3 fatty acid-mediated reduction of inflammatory eicosanoids and improvement of lipid profile
- Anti-cancer activity through SDG lignan conversion to enterolactone/enterodiol by gut microbiota, modulating estrogen receptor signaling
- Anti-inflammatory mechanism via inhibition of NF-kB pathway and reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6)
- Hypoglycemic effect through soluble fiber-mediated delayed [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose) absorption and improved insulin sensitivity

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- [Laxative](/reference/laxative/) and digestive (Bhedana) - validated as bulk-forming laxative through mucilage fiber action; approved by German Commission E
- Skin and hair health (Tvachya, Keshya) - supported by ALA omega-3 anti-inflammatory effects on skin conditions including eczema
- Anti-inflammatory (Shothaghna) - validated through multiple preclinical and clinical studies showing reduction in inflammatory markers
- Cardiovascular health (Hridya) - confirmed through clinical trials showing reduction in blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Akter Y, Junaid M, Afrose SS and others 2021. [A Comprehensive Review on Linum usitatissimum Medicinal Plant: Its Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Ethnomedicinal Uses](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33535948/). *Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry*. PMID [33535948](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33535948/) · [doi:10.2174/1389557521666210203153436](https://doi.org/10.2174/1389557521666210203153436)  
  Confirmed [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/), renoprotective, and immunosuppressive activities of pure compounds and crude extracts from flaxseed in multiple animal models.

*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Generally safe at recommended doses (1-2 tablespoons/day); contains cyanogenic glycosides which are destroyed by cooking; raw flaxseed in large quantities may cause cyanide toxicity
- May interact with blood-thinning medications, diabetes drugs, and hormonal therapies due to phytoestrogenic and anticoagulant effects; not recommended in high doses during pregnancy
- Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea; adequate water intake is necessary to prevent intestinal obstruction from mucilage

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Mucilage
- Peptides
- Flavonoids
- Herbacetin
- Glycosides
- Alpha-linolenic acid 
- Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside 
- Dietary fiber 

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Beeja churna (seed powder), Taila (linseed oil), Capsule (oil-filled softgel), Tablet (seed meal), Mucilage preparation

**Standard Dosage:** 5-10g ground seed daily (in divided doses); 5-15ml oil daily; 1-2 softgel capsules (1000mg each); seed meal 10-20g

**Bioavailability:** ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) from flaxseed oil has good absorption (~96%) but limited conversion to EPA (5-10%) and DHA (<1%). SDG (secoisolariciresinol diglucoside) is converted by gut bacteria to enterolactone and enterodiol (mammalian [lignans](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#lignans)) — bioavailability depends on microbiome composition. Ground seed releases ALA and lignans much better than whole seeds (which may pass undigested). Mucilage (soluble fiber) slows gastric emptying and provides prebiotic effects.

**Optimal Timing:** Ground seed with meals (morning) for constipation and lipid management. Oil with food for omega-3 supplementation. Mucilage soaked overnight, consumed morning for prebiotic/laxative effect.

**Standardized Extract:** Seed oil: minimum 50% ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). Lignan extract standardized to minimum 20% SDG (secoisolariciresinol diglucoside). Defatted flaxseed meal with minimum 2% SDG.

**Shelf Life:** 1 year (whole seeds); 1 week (ground seed, room temperature); 6 months (oil, sealed); 2 years (softgels with [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/)); 2 years (lignan extract capsules)

**Storage:** Whole seeds: cool, dry place at room temperature. Oil: refrigerated after opening, amber glass or opaque containers, nitrogen-flushed headspace. Ground seed: refrigerate or freeze, use quickly.

**Marker Compounds:** Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), Linoleic acid, Oleic acid, Linamarin (below safety threshold), Cyanogenic glycosides (HCN < 150mg/kg post-processing)

### Extraction Methods

- Cold pressing for oil (yield 35-45%)
- Supercritical CO2 for ALA-enriched oil
- Aqueous extraction for mucilage fraction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (80:20) for lignan enrichment
- Enzymatic hydrolysis for SDG extraction

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Isabgol](/herb/isabgol/) (psyllium) for constipation and lipid management
- With [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) for anti-inflammatory synergy
- With [Tila](/herb/tila/) (sesame) for balanced omega fatty acid supplementation
- With [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/) for digestive regularity

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/atasi/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.