Flax is not a new food. It is actually one of the older and, perhaps, one of the origin foods," treasured because of its healing properties throughout the Roman Empire. The following study aims to assess the quantitative effects of linseed (flaxseed) (Linum usitatissimum) on hair growth in rabbits and also to study its safety. A trial has been conducted on adult New-Zealand rabbits according to the ingestion of ground flaxseed, animals were divided into control and test groups. Weekly, rabbits were weighed and each month hair was taken from a same delimited area on their backs, blood samples were also analyzed. Results showed a slight increase in mean live weight (+3%) and a significant decrease in glycemia (-9%) and cholesterolemia (-22%) in the group fed daily with ground linseed compared to control one. These findings are similar to those reported in the literature. However, our results related to the trichogen effects are original. An increase in hair length (+26%) was observed in the third month (2.04±1.23cm) with a slight positive effect (+7%) on hair diameter (40.25±22.1μm). Mechanisms of the beneficial effects of flaxseed on hair growth are yet to be determined, knowing that a study on rats showed that flaxseed chutney diet doesn’t affect γ-glutamyl transpeptidase load. This microsomal enzyme is an indicator of hair growth (associated to alkaline phosphatase).Along with investigating mechanisms of action more are needed to determine the right doses and frequency of use while taking into account the seasonal variations in hair growth.
