input: [Herb/Spice] Flaxseed and flaxseed oil Linum usitatissimum Telba (A) Lina (T) Konfur (O) [Common Uses] Medicinal: purgative, diuretic, laxative [Mechanism] Flaxseed and oil decrease platelet aggregation, increase effects of lipid lowering and hypoglycemic agents Lignans (phyto-estrogens) from flaxseed (not oil) possess hormonal effects As a bulk forming laxative, flaxseed may bind to cardiac glycosides and other orally administered medications and prevent absorption Flaxseed enhances laxative effects of stool softeners [Consequences] *Increased risk of bleeding Reduced intestinal absorbance of oral medication; as any fiber source Increased risk of hypoglycemia Possible dehydration from increased laxative effects of flaxseed (Due to absorption of liquid by fiber. It is important for patient to drink enough water.) [Drugs Affected] 
output: Anti-coagulants Cardiac glycosides Laxatives Insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents Hormonal drugs Lipid lowering agents