Alsi (Linum Usitatissimum (Linn.): A potential multifaceted Unani drug

Abstract

Alsi or Katan popularly known as flax seed is one of the famous Unani drug used in a number of pathological conditions. It is also known a s Bazar-ul- Katan or Tukhm-e- Katan. Although entire plant has medicinal value but its seed and oil are more important and have wide medicinal application. The botanical name of katan is Linum usitatissimum Linn. (Family: Linaceae). Linum usitatissimum (Linn.) belongs to the family Linaceae. The flax plant is not a new crop and is native to West Asia and the Mediterranean. As the source of linen fiber, flax has been cultivated since at least 5000 BC. Traditionally, flaxseed has been grown for its oil. Flaxseed has been playing a major role in the field of diet and disease research due to its potential health benefits associated with high content of α-linolenic acid (ALA)(57%), which is an essential omega-3-fatty acid and al so because of a major lignan, namely secoisolaric iresinoldiglucoside (SDG).