Linseed, the multipurpose plant

•Diverse multipurpose application of whole linseed plant.•Biochemistry of linseed main products and identification of new valuable components.•Utilization of linseed by-products (seedcakes, fibers and shives).•Development of value-added linseed products for industry and promoting human health.•Revitalization of flax cultivation and prospects of its further improvement.

The oilseed flax (linseed) (Linum usitatissimum L.) is predominantly the source of valuable oil, in which the most appreciated are omega-3 fatty acids. The extensive biochemical analysis of linseed oil resulted in the identification of its other components with potential application in improvement of human health. The focus is now on them and they are of particular interest for human nutrition, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. Linseed plant also provides seedcakes (linseed expeller), fibers and shives as by-products. The recent development of analytical methods allowed to determine several valuable compounds in these materials have made them thereby more appealing to industry. Besides lignocellulose biomass, which is mainly used for components of polymer composites or liquid/gas fuel production, phenylpropanoids and terpenoids are the major constituents that contribute to bioactive properties of the linseed by-products. Antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities are assigned to these compounds. These findings led to the diversification of linseed plant application. This review outlines oil, seedcake, and fiber and shives biochemistry and describes their potential application. It is expected that the development of value-added products from linseed plant might greatly improve the economic viability of its cultivation. Moreover, the use of linseed plant as a whole to produce innovative industrial products would enhance the sustainability of natural resources.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide