Flixweed

Descurainia sophia is a member of the family Brassicaceae. Common names include flixweed, herb-Sophia and tansy mustard.

Flixweed is a bushy, much‐branched plant that grows up to 2 or more feet tall.

In Iran, the seeds are called khak-e shir (khakshir), and khak-e shir drinks are traditionally favored as thirst quencher during hot summer days. Khakshir is also considered a medicinal substance in traditional Iranian medicine, consumed in varying combinations with other herbs and substances to gain effects ranging from antidiuretic to aphrodisiac. Flixweed originally grew in on the steppes of Western Asia but it has followed people across Europe as far as Finland. The plant is self-fertile.

Khakshir is also considered a medicinal substance in traditional Iranian medicine, consumed in varying combinations with other herbs and substances to gain effects ranging from antidiuretic to aphrodisiac.

Medicinal uses

• Descurainia Sophia possess prominent cytotoxic activity against a number of human cancer-cell lines such as lung, liver, colon, prostate, ovary, skin, and stomach. Therefore, Descurainia Sophia herb appears to show potential for the development of an anticancer supplement.
• Descurainia Sophia is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat asthma and cough.
• Descurainia Sophia could prolong the latent period of cough. Descurainia Sophia could also decrease cough frequency.
• Descurainia Sophia is able to increase tracheobronchial mucus secretion and reduce mucus viscosity.
• Descurainia Sophia has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic and antioxidant effects.
• Decoction of Descurainia Sophia seeds was used as an antipyretic when treating smallpox and measles
• Descurainia Sophia can act via the bowel smooth-muscle relaxation and as a stool softener. Therefore, Descurainia Sophia is considered to offer an effective treatment for constipation and hemorrhoids. Descurainia Sophia is safe (no significant adverse effects being observed) and effective in treating chronic functional constipation.
• It is a cardiac glycoside and thus might have therapeutic effect in cardiac diseases. Descurainia Sophia could significantly increase the urinary output. It could decrease pleural effusion and pulmonary edema in critically ill patients.

Interactions

Since Descurainia Sophia is used extensively in herbal medicine, it is important to address its drug-metabolizing-enzyme (DME) activities. Assaying enzyme activity shows that EEDS is an inhibitor with a moderate effect on CYP1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19. Since CYP1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 are major enzymes to many vital processes, such as metabolism of endogenous compounds and elimination of environmental toxins, it is essential to consider the dosage, duration, and interactions when using Descurainia Sophia. Many nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are a substrate for CYP2C9, including celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, or naproxen. As Descurainia Sophia seeds are clinically used in the herbal formulation for anti-inflammation or treating respiratory diseases, Descurainia Sophia seeds and NSAID will compete to bind with CYP2C9. The substrates for CYP1A2 include amitriptyline and erlotinib. The substrates for CYP2C9 include ibuprofen, warfarin, and tamoxifen. The substrates for CYP2C19 include diazepam, mephenytoin, methadone and bortezomib. Clinically, the potential adverse effects of DS-drug interactions should be considered when using Descurainia Sophia in combination with drugs that are metabolized by CYP1A2, CYP2C9, or CYP2C19.

Composition

Figures in grams (g) or miligrams (mg) per 100g of food.

Seed (Dry weight)

• 0 Calories per 100g
• Water : 0%
• Protein: 27.5g; Fat: 33g; Carbohydrate: 0g; Fibre: 0g; Ash: 3.7g;
• Minerals - Calcium: 0mg; Phosphorus: 0mg; Iron: 0mg; Magnesium: 0mg; Sodium: 0mg; Potassium: 0mg; Zinc: 0mg;
• Vitamins - A: 0mg; Thiamine (B1): 0mg; Riboflavin (B2): 0mg; Niacin: 0mg; B6: 0mg; C: 0mg;