Comparative Study on the Pro-Inflammatory Activity of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and flaxseed (Linumusitatissimum)

Abstract

Background: A wide spectrum of therapeutic effects of curcumin and flaxseed has been shown by extensive scientific research as an anti-inflammatory. IL6 cytokines are produced in large quantities during inflammation and serve as mediators in chronic inflammatory conditions. Moreover, IL-10 is classified as strong immunosuppression and anti-inflammatory cytokine.

Objective: The purpose of our study to assess and compare the anti-inflammatory capacity of turmeric and flaxseed either alone or in combination in a healthy animal model.

 Method: We evaluate the serum level of IL-6 and IL-10 in healthy male swiss albino mice (n=72) after low dose oral intake of curcumin and flaxseed for six weeks by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. 

Results: Our results demonstrate that dietary turmeric as well as flaxseed had a non-significance decrease in serum IL-6 level and could induce the expression and production of IL-10 level significantly. Moreover, turmeric and flaxseed co-administration appear to be more positive health impacts to boost inhibition of IL 6 and improve IL 10 induction. 

Conclusion: Turmeric and flaxseed may modulate the level of IL-10. Moreover, their combination having a greater anti-inflammatory potential efficiency than each one separately.