Flaxseed oil is often promoted for its potential anti-inflammatory effects, primarily due to its high content of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid. There is some scientific support for its use in reducing inflammation, but the evidence is mixed and generally not as strong as for marine-derived omega-3s (EPA and DHA from fish oil).

Several small clinical trials and animal studies have suggested that ALA from flaxseed oil may reduce markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and certain cytokines. However, other studies have found minimal or no effect. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses note that while flaxseed oil supplementation can modestly lower inflammatory markers in some individuals, the overall impact is less pronounced than that observed with fish oil supplements. This may be because the human body converts ALA to EPA and DHA inefficiently.

In summary, there is some scientific rationale and limited clinical evidence that flaxseed oil can help with inflammation, but the strength of this evidence is moderate to weak. The use of flaxseed oil for inflammation is not primarily based on traditional use, but rather on its nutrient composition and extrapolation from omega-3 research. More high-quality, large-scale clinical trials are needed to establish its efficacy definitively.