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Abstract: Objective: To evaluate an ethanolic extract of seeds of Linum usitatissimum (Linn.) (EELU) for its renoprotective role in rats through its antihypertensive effect and conservation of biological oxidation enzymes. Materials and methods: Male Wistar rats (200–250g) underwent uninephrectomy on day 0; after 2weeks of recovery, the nephrectomised rats were divided into four groups of eight each: (I) sham (II); renal ischaemia reperfusion (RIR); (III) RIR+EELU 200mg/kg; and (IV) RIR+EELU 400mg/kg. In group II, III and IV the renal artery was occluded for 45min and reperfused for 4weeks; the sham group did not undergo RIR. Results: EELU (400mg/kg) significantly decreased the haemodynamic changes after 4 weeks of RIR injury. EELU treatment significantly restored the levels of renal endogenous antioxidant enzymes and membrane-bound enzymes. EELU 400mg/kg restored the levels of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. EELU also decreased the levels of tumour necrosis factor-α and myeloperoxidase activity. A flow-cytometric study confirmed a significant decrease in cellular necrosis and increase in viability after RIR in EELU-treated rats. The anti-apoptotic role of EELU was evident from the decrease in DNA fragmentation. Renal tissue damage as assessed by histopathology was decreased in groups III and IV (200 and 400mg/kg EELU). Conclusion: We conclude that EELU protected the kidney against RIR-induced renal injury, probably by inhibiting reactive oxygen species that have a causal role in such cases. It also inhibits apoptotic cell death and inflammation, and improves haemodynamic changes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]