Scientists Find Flaxseed Can Lift Mood, Ease Anxiety, and Sharpen Memory in Rats

Most people know flaxseed for its fiber and omega-3 content, but few realize that these small brown seeds are loaded with biologically active compounds that could affect the brain. In a controlled animal study published in the FUUAST Journal of Biology, scientists explored whether regular flaxseed consumption could alter behavior related to depression and anxiety, enhance learning and memory, and improve metabolic health.

The findings were both consistent and compelling: flaxseed improved behavioral performance across multiple tests and lowered blood glucose and cholesterol. The results provide early experimental evidence that the brain and metabolism may respond to the bioactive components of flaxseed.

Why scientists are studying mood and metabolism together

Depression, anxiety, memory decline, diabetes, and high cholesterol are interlinked conditions that share underlying mechanisms, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and altered neurotransmission. Researchers have been looking for natural dietary compounds that might influence these processes without the side effects associated with synthetic drugs.

Flaxseed stood out because it is rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid, and lignans—antioxidant molecules known to modulate hormones and inflammation. The study set out to determine whether these compounds could yield measurable behavioral and biochemical changes.

How the experiment was done

Researchers administered ground flaxseed orally to rats for four weeks at a standardized dose of 200 mg per kilogram of body weight. Control animals received no flaxseed. At the end of the treatment period, both groups were evaluated using several well-established behavioral tests:

• Open Field Test: measured exploration and locomotion.
• Elevated Plus Maze: assessed anxiety by observing time spent in open versus closed arms.
• Forced Swim Test: measured depressive-like behavior by tracking periods of immobility.
• Water Maze Test: evaluated learning and memory through hidden platform location tasks.

Blood samples were also analyzed for glucose and cholesterol levels.

What the researchers found

After 28 days, flaxseed-treated rats showed significant improvements in behavior and biochemistry compared to controls:

• Reduced depression-like behavior: Rats spent less time immobile in the forced swim test (p < 0.01).
• Lower anxiety: They spent more time in the open arms of the elevated maze (p < 0.01).
• Improved learning and memory: In the water maze, treated rats located the hidden platform faster and remembered its position better after 24 hours (p < 0.01).
• Better metabolic profile: Glucose and cholesterol levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.01).

Together, these results indicate that flaxseed produced consistent improvements in both behavior and metabolic balance.

How flaxseed might work

The authors suggest several mechanisms that could explain the observed effects:

• Omega-3 conversion: Alpha-linolenic acid from flaxseed may partly convert to EPA and DHA, key fatty acids involved in brain cell signaling.
• Antioxidant protection: Lignans and phenolic compounds in flaxseed can neutralize oxidative stress, which contributes to both depression and cognitive decline.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Flaxseed compounds may suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines, helping to stabilize brain chemistry and glucose metabolism.
• Neurotransmitter modulation: Possible effects on serotonin and dopamine pathways could underlie the antidepressant and anxiolytic outcomes.

Why this research matters

The study adds to a growing body of evidence that diet and mental health are deeply connected. If these animal findings translate to humans, flaxseed could become a simple, affordable tool for supporting emotional and cognitive health while improving metabolic function.

In an era where mental health disorders and metabolic diseases often overlap, identifying natural compounds that influence both systems is an exciting step forward. Flaxseed’s accessibility and safety profile make it a particularly promising candidate for further exploration.

What’s next for flaxseed research

The authors emphasize that these are preclinical findings, and human studies are needed to verify the effects. Future work should explore:

• Dose optimization and formulation stability
• Direct measurements of neurotransmitter changes in the brain
• Sex-specific responses and larger sample sizes
• Controlled human trials examining mood, cognition, and metabolic outcomes

Until then, flaxseed remains an intriguing dietary component with potential neuroprotective and metabolic benefits.

The takeaway

Flaxseed is far more than a source of fiber. This study shows it can influence mood, anxiety, and memory in measurable ways—at least in rats—while simultaneously improving glucose and cholesterol balance. As researchers continue to explore its mechanisms, flaxseed could emerge as a natural ally for both brain and body health.

The research was published in the FUUAST Journal of Biology and is available on ResearchGate. The full text can be requested directly from the authors through the ResearchGate platform.