Observations on the Protective Effect of Linseed Oil Meal and Some Extracts Against Chronic Selenium Poisoning in Rats

Abstract

In rat studies the protective effect of linseed oil meal against selenium poisoning has been demonstrated under several conditions. The inclusion of 6 or 12% casein in the diets did not alter or mask the protective effect of the meal and meals prepared by different methods were all found active. The protective principle was effective against inorganic (selenite) selenium as well as against the form occurring in toxic corn. The protective principle has been extracted from linseed oil meal with hot 50% aqueous alcohol. It is water-soluble, and an excess of lead did not precipitate it from solution. The ash of active extract was not protective.