Flixweed (Khakshir): Benefits, Uses, Nutrition & Side Effects

History and Origin

Flixweed is an annual (rarely biennial) herbaceous plant. ⁽¹⁾ This herb belongs to the Cruciferae (Brassicaceae) family. ⁽²⁾ Flixweed is native to South America, South Africa, southern Europe, Asia, and New Zealand. ⁽³⁾ This plant grows in a wide range of environments, including dry environments ⁽¹⁾, and is widely distributed in different parts of the world. ⁽⁴⁾

Its current distribution includes East Asia, southern Africa, South America, Australia, and New Zealand. It is also present in Northern Mexico and most of the USA and Canada. ⁽¹⁾ Also, it grows wild in most regions of Iran, particularly in the northeast. ⁽³⁾

Flixweed produces a lot of seeds that can remain viable in the soil for long periods of time. ⁽¹⁾ It is known as a weed with high germination, especially in late autumn and early spring. ⁽⁴⁾   These seeds, commonly known as Flixweed Seeds or Khakshir, are widely used in traditional herbal beverages and natural wellness preparations...

Flixweed commonly grows in roadsides, pastures, cultivated areas, old fields ⁽⁵⁾, mountain slopes, canyon bottoms, and stream banks. ⁽¹⁾

The scientific name of this herb has undergone multiple revisions; it was first described by Linnaeus (a Swedish botanist) in 1753 under the binomial Sisymbrium sophia L. ⁽¹⁾ Eventually, in 1892, Philip Barker Webb designated it as Descurainia sophia, and it was published by Karl Prantl. ⁽⁶⁾ The Greek epithet Sophia (wisdom) alludes to this species’ reputed medicinal properties. ⁽¹⁾

Flixweed Plant Structure

Flixweed grows up to 90 cm. ⁽¹⁾ Star-shaped hairs on the leaves and stems give the plant a grayish-green color. ⁽⁵⁾ Stems are erect, unbranched or distally branched. ⁽¹⁾ Stems are often branched above, and light yellow flowers are placed in terminal clusters. Leaves are alternate, stalked, 2.5 to 10 cm long, and divided into narrow segments; ⁽⁵⁾ the leaves are fern-like. ⁽⁶⁾

Fruits are erect, narrow pods ^{(1, 5)} with 13-38 mm long and long pedicels. ⁽⁵⁾ Seeds are 10 to 20 in one row in each half of the silique. ⁽⁶⁾

Flixweed seed is very tiny ⁽³⁾ (approximately 0.8 mm long ⁽⁶⁾), dark yellow ⁽³⁾ or reddish brown ⁽¹⁾, and has an uneven surface in a stretched oval form, one end of which is cut and maintains a transparent yellowish ring. ⁽³⁾

The flixweed seed is very tiny (approximately 0.8 mm long), dark yellow or reddish brown, and stretched oval-shaped with an uneven surface. One end of the seed is cut and still has a translucent yellowish ring around it.

Flixweed Seed Health Benefits

1. Improving Digestive System Function

In 2013, the effects of the aqueous extract of flixweed seeds on diarrhea were studied in rats. According to the findings, the extract has the same effect on diarrhea symptoms as diphenoxylate, an antidiarrheal, and also reduces the fecal water content. ^{(4, 7)}

2. Relieving Constipation

In 2013, the effects of flixweed seeds on the prevention of constipation, especially among travellers, were studied. The participants received 10-15 g of flixweed seeds mixed in 250 ml of boiling water for 30 minutes, and consumed it before lunch and dinner for three weeks. According to the findings, the seeds can improve the feeling of fullness, ease of defecation, and frequency of bowel movements. ⁽⁸⁾

Also, in a 2015 clinical trial, the beneficial effects of oral administration of flixweed seeds on the treatment of constipation were investigated in children between 2 and 12 years old with constipation. Children received flixweed seeds, 2 grams (for 2-4-years-old children) and 3 grams (for 4–12-year-old children) per day for 8 weeks. According to the findings, the seeds decreased the symptoms of constipation, including hard stool frequency, stool retention, and painful defecation. The researchers suggest that flixweed seeds soften the stool by absorbing water from the bowel lumen. Also, the compound allyl disulfide in these seeds may have a relaxant effect on the smooth muscles and facilitate defecation. ⁽⁹⁾  Therefore, flixweed seeds are considered an effective treatment for hemorrhoids and constipation. ⁽¹⁰⁾

3. Relieving Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms

In a 2019 clinical trial, the beneficial effects of flixweed seed consumption on irritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation (IBS-C) symptoms were investigated. 30 grams of flixweed seeds were to be drenched in one glass of water for half an hour before consumption. The participants consumed it before lunch and dinner for four months (total consumption of flixweed seeds: 60g/d). According to the findings, the seeds can improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, such as distention, frequency of defecation, frequency of pain, and hard stool, significantly. Also, the findings showed a significant increase in the quality of life of patients with IBS-C. ⁽¹¹⁾

The results show that the seeds can greatly lessen the frequency of pain, distention, frequency of urination, and firm stool associated with IBS.

4. Improving Respiratory Tract Function

Researchers believe that flixweed seeds can be effective in the management of allergic reactions and inflammatory lung disorders. A 2018 study on a mouse model of asthma showed flixweed seeds have anti-asthmatic effects. ⁽¹²⁾

Also, a 2022 study on a mouse model demonstrated that a decoction of flixweed seeds can improve airway inflammation in asthma patients. ⁽¹³⁾

Also, another 2015 study proved the anti-tussive and expectorant effects of the flixweed seed oil fraction, which strongly supports the anti-asthmatic effect of the seeds and their use in the treatment of respiratory diseases. ⁽¹⁴⁾

5. Improving Cardiovascular System Function

In 2018, the effects of the aqueous extract of flixweed seeds on cardiac function were studied in chronic heart failure rats. According to the findings, the extract improves cardiac function, decreases heart tissue damage, and has a protective effect. ^{(10, 15)}  

6. Improving Urinary Tract Function

• Kidney toxicity and inflammation: Increasing the concentration of serum urea, creatinine, and uric acid can lead to renal toxicity. In 2021, the effect of an alcoholic extract of flixweed seeds on renal toxicity was studied in mice. According to the findings, the extract decreased the serum levels of blood urea, creatinine, and uric acid significantly, and therefore the extract had positive effects on preventing kidney damage and renal inflammation. ⁽¹⁶⁾
• Hemodialysis patients: In 2022, researchers suggested the hydroalcoholic extract of flixweed seeds as a complementary therapy for patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). The findings of this study demonstrated a significant reduction in thirst sensation, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels, and an improvement in the inflammatory state in HD patients who received flixweed seeds. ⁽¹⁷⁾
• Kidney stone (nephrolithiasis): In 2018, the effects of aqueous extracts of flixweed seeds on the prevention and treatment of calcium oxalate stones in the kidney were evaluated in rats. According to the results, the extract can decrease tissue damage and can be used to prevent the formation, crushing, and removal of kidney stones. The researchers suggested that these effects can be due to the presence of compounds such as mucilage, fatty acids, flavonoids, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in this plant. ⁽¹⁸⁾

7. Improving Liver Function

In 2018, the effects of the alcoholic extract of flixweed seeds on hepatic damage were studied in mice. According to the findings, the administration of the extract inhibited the elevation in the levels of serum liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP) and total bilirubin and had a protective effect against hepatic damage and hepatotoxicity in mice. ⁽¹⁹⁾

8. Regulating Blood Glucose Levels

In 2014, the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of flixweed seeds on blood glucose levels was studied in diabetic rats. According to the findings, this extract can be useful in preventing diabetes by reducing blood glucose levels. ⁽²⁰⁾

9. Increasing Fertility

In 2014, the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of flixweed seeds on serum testosterone concentration, testis tissue, and sperm parameters was investigated in diabetic male rats. The results of this study demonstrated that flixweed seeds have positive effects on the improvement of the destruction effects of diabetes on testis tissue. Also, the seeds increase testosterone levels, which increases sperm count. Therefore, it seems that flixweed seeds can increase fertility in diabetic patients. ⁽²¹⁾

10. Anti-Inflammatory

In Persian Traditional Medicine (PTM), flixweed seeds, popularly known as “Khaksheer”, have been used to treat fever and inflammation and relieve various types of pain, such as headaches and migraines. In a 2022 study, the anti-nociceptive effects of flixweed seed essential oil and its main constituent, linolenic acid (LA, ω-6-fatty acid), were investigated in rats. According to the findings, the essential oil and LA exert antinociceptive activity, possibly via inhibition of inflammation. Thus, these findings confirm PTM's claim on the efficacy of flixweed seeds on pain. ⁽²²⁾

11. Anti-cancer

Antioxidants can significantly reduce cancer incidence and progression. ⁽²³⁾ According to a 2020 study, flixweed seeds contain polyphenols, which are known as plant-derived antioxidants. ⁽²⁴⁾ Also, several studies demonstrated the cytotoxicity of essential oil and extracts of flixweed seeds against cancer cells. ^(25-27)

12. Improving Thyroid Gland Function

According to a study on rats, orally administered ethereal extract of flixweed seeds decreased the serum concentration of the two thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), and the extract had an antithyroid effect. Therefore, the consumption of flixweed seeds can be useful for patients with hyperthyroidism. ⁽²⁸⁾  

What Are Flixweed Seed Side Effects?

• When taken by mouth: Excessive consumption of flixweed seeds can cause diarrhea in humans. ⁽²⁹⁾

* The most common undesirable effect traditionally reported from flixweed seeds was headache. Thus, it was recommended that tragacantha be accompanied by flixweed seed to prevent that effect. ⁽⁴⁾

• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Please discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider before taking flixweed seeds. It is necessary to know that excessive consumption of flixweed seeds can cause bloating during breastfeeding for the mother and her baby. ⁽²⁹⁾
• Gastritis and stomach ulcers: People suffering from gastritis or stomach ulcers should limit the consumption of flixweed seeds.
• Generally, every person may be allergic to certain herbs and spices. This sensitivity must first be diagnosed by the person and secondarily by the physician. However, these allergic reactions do not cause chronic or acute side effects, and after identifying the allergenic plant and removing it from the diet, allergy-related complications will be eliminated. No company or product can be aware of the allergic reactions of different bodies in advance. The body's incompatibility with one or more specific herbs rarely occurs, but consumers may encounter it anyway.

Nutritional Information

Flixweed seeds contain protein, oil (69% PUFA, 22% monounsaturated fatty acids, 9% saturated fatty acids), various essential minerals ⁽³⁰⁾ (including sulfur, phosphorus, iron, potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium) ⁽³¹⁾, and vitamins (C, E). ⁽³²⁾

Flixweed Seed Daily Dosage

According to Iranian herbal pharmacopoeia, 4 to 8 grams three times per day. ⁽³¹⁾

* For some people, the dosage may need to be adjusted.

Bioactive Compounds

- Fatty acids: The oil made from flixweed seeds contains essential unsaturated fatty acids, including oleic and erucic acids (omega-9), linolenic acid (omega-3), and linoleic acid (omega-6), as well as saturated fatty acids, including palmitic acid and stearic acid. ⁽⁴⁾

This oil contains unsaturated fatty acids (91.1%), with α-linolenic acid being predominant (48.5%), with a ω3/ω6 ratio of 2.7, and an erucic acid content of 6.2%. ⁽³³⁾

- Essential oil: The essential oils of flixweed seed contain benzyl, allyl, propenyl-isothiocyanate, and allyl disulfide constituents. ⁽⁴⁾

- Amino acids: The amino acid profile of flixweed seed includes essential amino acids (threonine, phenylalanine, histidine, lysine, valine, isoleucine, and leucine) and nonessential amino acids (arginine, alanine, serine, glutamic acid, proline, glycine, tyrosine, and aspartic acid). ⁽³⁴⁾

*  Essential amino acid: The body cannot produce essential amino acids. As a result, they must come from food.

- Also, some cardiac glycosides, lactones, flavonoids ⁽⁴⁾ (kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin derivatives ⁽²⁾), and phenols ⁽⁴⁾ (mainly sinapic acid ⁽³³⁾) are also isolated from flixweed seeds.

Best Time to Consume

Generally, you can consume flixweed seeds (khakshir) at any time of the day. However, in many instructions, it is recommended to consume the seeds on an empty stomach.

• For relieving constipation: Before lunch and dinner. ⁽⁸⁾
• For relieving irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms: Before lunch and dinner. ⁽¹¹⁾

Possible Drug Interactions

Medications changed by the liver: Flixweed seeds may interfere with the way the body processes many drugs using the liver's "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. Flixweed seeds might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. Taking it with some of these medications can increase their effects and side effects. So, if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver, talk to your healthcare provider before taking flixweed seeds. Some medications changed by the liver include amitriptyline (Elavil), erlotinib, dasatinib, gefitinib, warfarin, tamoxifen, diazepam, mephenytoin, methadone, bortezomib, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) like celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, or naproxen. ⁽³⁵⁾

Traditional Use

In traditional Persian manuscripts, this herb is cited as Khaksheer, Khakshee, Todri, Khobbah, and Bazr-al-khomkhom. ⁽⁴⁾ According to Persian Traditional Medicine (PTM), flixweed is of a warm and moist nature. ⁽³⁾

- In PTM, the cold syrup of flixweed seeds with sugar and chicory is used for cooling, and the hot syrup of the seeds with sugar is administered as a laxative.

- Flixweed seed was traditionally considered an effective remedy for the evacuation of the morbid soada (black bile) from the body in PTM. Accordingly, it was used in diseases resulting from the abundance of black bile in the body. These disorders include varicocele, varicose veins, palpitation, hematologic diseases, dyspepsia, constipation, and hemorrhoids. ⁽⁴⁾  Also, it is believed that the secretion of soada (black bile) can cause a feeling of hunger. In the presence of an abundance of soada or a disturbance in the function of the pancreas, the secretion of soada increases abnormally, and the patient feels heartburn and likes to eat more frequently to relieve the pain. For these patients, a maceration of flixweed seed in water was highly recommended for the relief of heartburn as it can evacuate the soada out of the body. ⁽¹⁷⁾

- In PTM, the seed is also prescribed for skin darkness, urticaria, eruptions of measles, hoarseness, and impotence. ⁽⁴⁾

-  In traditional Chinese medicine, flixweed seed is used as an herbal remedy to prevent asthma and manage coughs. It's also been used for centuries as a cardiotonic plant. It is considered as an expectorant, febrifuge, antihelmintic, astringent, antipruritic, and litholytic agent. ⁽⁴⁾

- Also, flixweed seeds have been traditionally prescribed as a treatment for chest congestion, inflammation, relieving diarrhea, treating vitamin C deficiency, detoxifying the liver and spleen, and having disinfectant properties. ⁽³⁶⁾

Some Questions about Flixweed Seed

What is khakshir called in English?

The seeds of the Descurainia sophia plant are known as Khakshir or Khak-e shir in Iran. The plant is commonly known by the English names flixweed or flixweed seed.

What are Flixweed seeds? / What are Sophia seeds?

As previously stated, the seeds of the Descurainia sophia plant are referred to as flixweed seeds or sophia seeds.

Can I eat Flixweed seed? How do I use Flixweed seed?

- Yes.  You can make a beverage by mixing flixweed seed with basil seed, damask rose water, saffron, and cool water.

Also, you can grind the seeds and mix them with cornmeal to make bread or add them to soup.

The seed sprout is added to salads.

What is Flixweed seeds good for? What is the Benefit of Khakshir?

According to scientific studies or traditional medicine prescriptions, the following are the most important health benefits of flixweed seeds:

• Improving Digestive System Function: Flixweed seeds are good for diarrhea, constipation in adults and children, hemorrhoids, intestinal worms, and irritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation (IBS-C) symptoms. Also, flixweed seeds mixed with warm water have long been used as a laxative for people with constipation. Consuming the seeds with cold water is beneficial for diarrhea.
• Improving Respiratory Tract Function: Flixweed seeds can be used to treat asthma and other inflammatory lung diseases as well as allergic reactions. Flixweed seed has been used to treat chest congestion, coughs, and asthma attacks. Because of their ability to detoxify the body and help remove mucus from the respiratory system, they can eliminate bad breath.
• Improving Cardiovascular System Function: Flixweed is a cardiotonic herb. The seeds of this herb can improve cardiac function and decrease heart tissue damage.
• Improving Urinary Tract Function: Flixweed seeds can decrease the serum levels of blood urea, creatinine, and uric acid, which are signs of renal toxicity. Flixweed can be used to prevent the formation, crushing, and removal of gallstones and kidney stones.

* The seed can also reduce thirst sensation in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

• Improving Liver Function: Flixweed seeds can lower blood ALT, AST, ALP, and total bilirubin levels. As a result, it protects against hepatic damage and fatty liver. In traditional medicine, the seed is also used to detoxify the liver and spleen.
• Increasing Fertility in Men: Flixweed seeds increase testosterone concentration in the blood, increasing sperm count. Also, the seed has a protective effect on testis tissue, particularly in diabetic patients. It is traditionally used for varicocele and impotence.
• Alleviating Inflammation and Pain: Flixweed seeds have been utilized in Persian Traditional Medicine to cure inflammation and relieve pain, including headaches and migraines. Furthermore, scientific evidence supports PTM's claim that flixweed seeds have anti-inflammatory and anti-pain properties.
• Preventing and Treating Hyperthyroidism: Flixweed seed decreases the serum concentration of the two thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Therefore, it is useful for patients with hyperthyroidism.
• Treating acne, skin blemishes, and dandruff: Flixweed seed is recommended in PTM for urticaria, skin dark spots, and eruptions in measles. It also enhances liver function and helps treat dandruff.

For acne, drink flixweed seed with fumitory and chicory water!

For skin dark spots, drink flixweed seed with hedysarum!

• Quenching thirst and a natural antipyretic: Flixweed seed syrup is an excellent beverage for satisfying thirst and providing needed water to the human body. Additionally, a decoction of the seeds is utilized to treat fever.
• A Healthy Way for Both Slimming and Gaining Weight:

For slimming and weight loss, mix a tablespoon of flixweed seeds, a tablespoon of lemon juice, and two tablespoons of damask rose water in a glass of lukewarm water. Drink this beverage every morning for breakfast.

For weight gain, mix flixweed seeds in a glass of milk and drink it every morning for breakfast.

• Useful for women: According to a study, the vaginal product of flixweed-honey can be used in the treatment of cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix).

Note: Consumption of flixweed seed during the last month of pregnancy can ease vaginal delivery.

Is khakshir good for constipation?

Yes. According to a study, you can prepare flixweed seed for constipation according to the following method: Mix 10–15 g of flixweed seeds in 250 ml of boiling water for 30 minutes and consume it before lunch and dinner for three weeks.

What are the nutrition facts of Flixweed seeds?

The seeds contain protein, oil (Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, saturated fatty acids), essential minerals (including sulfur, phosphorus, iron, potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium), gum and mucilage, and vitamins (C, E).

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