Gamma-linolenic acid (Radhika Patel , University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy

Radhika Patel, Student Pharmacist Spring 2022

Gamma-linolenic acid

Jaeger G. The Health Benefits of GLA. Nordic Naturals. https://www.nordic.com/ healthy-science/health-benefits-of-gla. Published June 23, 2021. Accessed March 29, 2022.

Scientific Name all-cis-6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid

Common Names: Gamma-linolenic acid, Gamolenic acid, GLA

Background/History

Gamma-linolenic acid is an omega-6, 18 carbon polyunsaturated fatty acid which is found in the human milk and several botanical seed oils, and it is typically used as a dietary supplement. Omega-6 fatty acids are essential fatty acids. They are essential fatty acids, but the human body cannot make them, so we have to consume them as a dietary supplement. Gamolenic acid is produced minimally in the body as the delta 6desaturase metabolite of linolenic acid. Then it is converted to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, which is a biosynthetic precursor of monoenoic prostaglandins such as PGE1. Gamolenic acid is also found in some fungal and it is naturally present in the form of triglyceride.

Common uses

Gamma-linolenic acid is used for following conditions and could also be used for rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, breast cancer, acne, mastalgia and premenstrual syndrome.

● Diabetic neuropathy: some studies show that taking GLA for six months can reduce nerve pain symptoms and people who have good control over blood sugar may find GLA more effective. ● Osteoporosis: studies suggest that people who do not take GLA supplements are more likely to have bone loss than those with normal levels of GLA.

● Menopausal symptoms: treats hot flashes and night sweats ● Breast cancer: study found that women who took tamoxifen and GLA had a better response vs the women who only took tamoxifen. ● ADHD: clinical study suggests that children with ADHD have lower levels of this fatty acid and this fatty acid is needed for the development of the brain, so taking this supplement helps reduce the symptoms of ADHD.

Pharmacology/mechanism of action: When gamma-linolenic acid is absorbed in the body it gets converted into dihomo-gamolenic acid. Then they are further converted into several lipid mediators with predominantly anti-inflammatory properties such as prostaglandin-E1 and 15-HETrE. PGE1 and 15- HETrE have been known to suppress inflammation, decrease blood pressure, promote vasodilation, inhibit platelet aggregation, and exert anti-neoplastic activities. GLA also increases calcium absorption, decreases excretion and increases calcium deposition in bone. It may also stop the growth of tumor in vivo by increasing the expression of E-cadherin. This molecule acts as a suppressor of metastasis.

Dosage forms: Dosage forms usually vary based on the conditions. GLA supplements are made from EPO, black currant seed and borage seed oil. Most supplements are capsules containing oil.

Typical dosing: Dosage usually varies based on the conditions. Should not take GLA greater than 3000 mg per day. Higher levels could cause inflammation. Infants can get enough essential fatty acids in the breast milk if the mother is eating a balanced diet, so supplements should not be given to infants unless prescribed by the physicians.

Route of elimination: it is eliminated via renal excretion.

Effectiveness: GLA and GLA/n-3 PUFA supplements help treat inflammation.

Safety: supplements of GLA have been safely administered in clinical trials at an oral dose of 2.8 grams per day or maybe less for a year and GLA rich oils have also been used in the USA for some time now and there have been no reports of serious adverse effects.

Adverse effects and toxicities: some adverse effects include soft stool, belching, and abdominal bloating.

Interactions: if you are taking any of the following medications, then you should talk to your doctor first about taking this supplement.

● Blood thinning medications like aspirin, Plavix and warfarin ● Chemotherapy ● Ceftazidime ● Cyclosporine ● phenothiazines

Precautions: Because of the side effects and interactions with other medications, you should always talk to your doctor first and take them under healthcare supervision. If you have a seizure disorder, then you should not take omega-6 fatty acids. Pregnant women should not take borage seed oil, and other sources of GLA, because they could harm the fetus and induce early labor.

Professional opinion: in my opinion I would recommend taking this supplement because it is essential and our body cannot make it, so we need it, but at the same time I recommend talking to your doctor first before you start taking this medication. ~ R. Patel

References ● Tasset-Cuevas I, Fernández-Bedmar Z, Lozano-Baena MD, et al. Protective effect of borage seed oil and gamma linolenic acid on DNA: in vivo and in vitro studies. PLoS One. 2013;8(2):e56986. doi:10.1371/ journal.pone.0056986 ● Sergeant S, Rahbar E, Chilton FH. Gamma-linolenic acid, Dihomo-gamma linolenic, Eicosanoids and

Inflammatory Processes. Eur J Pharmacol. 2016;785:77-86. doi:10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.04.020 ● https://www.sciencebasedhealth.com/GLA-A-Safe-Effective-Anti-Inflammatory-Omega6-Fatty-Acid-W57.aspx