Identification

Summary

Gamolenic acidis an ingredient found in a variety of nutritional products.

Generic Name
Gamolenic acid
DrugBank Accession Number
DB13854
Background

Gamolenic acid, or gamma-linolenic acid (γ-Linolenic acid) or GLA, is an essential fatty acid (EFA) comprised of 18 carbon atoms with three double bonds8that is most commonly found in human milk and other botanical sources1. It is an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) also referred to as 18:3n-6; 6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid; and cis-6, cis-9, cis-12- octadecatrienoic acid8. Gamolenic acid is produced minimally in the body as the delta 6-desaturase metabolite ofLinolenic acid. It is converted toDihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, a biosynthetic precursor of monoenoic prostaglandins such as PGE1. While Gamolenic acid is found naturally in the fatty acid fractions of some plant seed oils8,Evening primrose oilandBorage oilare rich sources of gamolenic acid. Evening primrose oil has been investigated for clinical use in menopausal syndrome, diabetic neuropathy, and breast pain, where gamolenic acid is present at concentrations of 7-14%8. Gamolenic acid may be found in over-the-counter dietary supplements. Gamolenic acid is also found in some fungal sources and also present naturally in the form of triglycerides8. Various clinical indications of gamolenic acid have been studied, including rheumatoid arthritis, atopic eczema, acute respiratory distress syndrome, asthma, premenstrual syndrome, cardiovascular disease, ulcerative colitis, ADHD, cancer, osteoporosis, diabetic neuropathy, and insomnia.

Type
Small Molecule
Groups
Approved, Investigational
Structure
Weight
Average: 278.4296
Monoisotopic: 278.224580204
Chemical Formula
C18H30O2
Synonyms
  • (6,9,12)-linolenic acid
  • (6Z,9Z,12Z)-Octadecatrienoic acid
  • (Z, Z, Z) 6日,9日12-octadecatrienoiccid
  • 18:3 (n-6)
  • 6-cis,9-cis,12-cis-octadecatrienoic acid
  • 6,9,12-Octadecatrienoic acid
  • all-cis-6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid
  • gamma-Linolenic acid
  • gamoleic acid
  • Gamolenic acid
  • GLA
  • Octadeca-6,9,12-triensäure
  • γ-linolenic acid
  • γ-Linolensäure
External IDs
  • NDI 609

Pharmacology

Indication

Indicated as a dietary supplement for over-the-counter uses.

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Contraindications & Blackbox Warnings
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Pharmacodynamics

Gamolenic acid is converted to PGE1, which exhibits anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, antiproliferative, and lipid-lowering effects8. PGE1 also induces smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation. Gamolenic acid is an essential component of membrane phospholipids, including the mitochondrial membrane, where it enhances the the integrity and the fluidity of the membrane8.

Bone and joint health:In a pilot study of women with a mean age of 79.5 years and senile osteoporosis, the use of gamolenic acid in combination with calcium and eicosapentaenoic acid was associated with an increase in femoral bone density and lumbar spine density in comparison to placebo, where there were no observable changes6. In clinical studies of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, treatment with gamolenic acid-containing oils resulted in an improvement in symptoms, measured by joint tenderness counts and scores, joint swelling scores, physician global assessment, and pain8.

Inflammation:A study demonstrated that oral administration of gamolenic acid suppressed human T-cell proliferation and activation by interfering with early events in the TcR/CD3-receptor–mediated signal transduction cascade2.

Atherosclerosis:In ApoE genetic knock-out mice, dietary gamolenic acid was shown to reduce the average medial layer thickness of the vessel wall and reduces the size of atherosclerotic lesions2.

糖尿病的并发症:In a clinical trial of patients with mild diabetic neuropathy or distal diabetic neuropathy, treatment with gamolenic acid was associated with improved symptoms in hot and cold threshold, sensation, tendon reflexes, and muscle strength8. GLA ameliorated the inflammatory profile in diabetic nephropathy in rat studies3.

Cancer:In three human tumor cell lines (the neuroblastoma CHP-212, the tubal carcinoma TG, and the colon carcinoma SW-620), gamolenic acid elicited cytotoxic effects in tumours by blocking cell proliferation following incorporation into malignant cells5. In both clinical and animal studies of breast cancer, gamolenic acid, in combination with tamoxifen, down-regulated the expression of estrogen receptors8.

Skin disorders:In an open study of patients with atopic dermatitis, which is a disorder related to a deficiency of delta-6-desaturase and inefficient conversion of linoleic acid to gamolenic acid, daily administration of gamolenic acid was associated with a significant increase in plasma GLA and DGLA levels in combination with an improvement of clinical signs of atopic dermatitis7.

Respiratory disorders:In patients with acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome, gamolenic acid was shown to reduce cytokine production and neutrophil recruitment into the lung1. In patients with atopic asthma, gamolenic acid blockedex vivosynthesis of leukotrienes from whole blood and isolated neutrophils compared to the placebo group1.

Mechanism of action

Once gamolenic acid (GLA) is absorbed and converted to dihomo-gamolenic acid (DGLA), circulating DGLA fatty acids are converted to several lipid mediators with predominantly anti-inflammatory properties, such as prostaglandin-E1 (PGE1) and 15-HETrE. The anti-inflammatory effects of DGLA are attributed to both the anti-inflammatory properties of DGLA-derived metabolites and the ability of DGLA and its products to compete with arachidonic acid (AA) in the synthesis of pro-inflammatory potent eicosanoid products, such as prostaglandins, thromboxane and leukotrienes1. Both PGE1 and 15-HETrE are known to suppress inflammation, promote vasodilation, lower blood pressure, inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation, inhibit platelet aggregation, and exert anti-neoplastic activities1. PGE1 is a potent vasodilator that binds to surface receptors on smooth muscle cells, increasing intracellular cAMP8. PGE1 is binds to G protein coupled surface PGE (EP) receptors and prostacyclin (IP) receptors as a natural ligand2.

GLA is proposed to enhance calcium absorption, reduce excretion and increase calcium deposition in bone6. It is proposed that GLA may suppress tumor growthin vivoby increasing the expression of E-cadherin, a cell-to-cell adhesion molecule that acts as a suppressor of metastasis. Another possible mechanism of tumour suppression is that GLA also reduces tumor-endothelium adhesion, which is a key factor in the establishment of distant metastases, partly by improving gap junction communication within the endothelium2. By targeting the inflammatory process involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, GLA inhibits the expression of inflammatory mediators that tend be elevated in diabetes, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), thereby attenuates the recruitment and infiltration of monocytes or macrophages3.

Absorption

The findings from a pharmacokinetic study suggest that therapeutic levels of GLA can be achieved within a week. The fasting plasma GLA levels plateaued within seven days of beginning treatment, regardless of dose8.

Volume of distribution

No pharmacokinetic data available.

Protein binding

No pharmacokinetic data available.

Metabolism

Via elongation mediated by elongase (ELOVL5), gamolenic acid is rapidly converted to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), which is further cyclooxygenated to prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) via COX-1 or COX-2 enzymatic activity depending on the cell type1. PGE1 may be metabolized to smaller prostaglandin remnants, primarily dicarboxylic acids, which undergo renal excretion8. DGLA may be converted to 15-(S)-hydroxy-8,11,13-eicosatrienoic acid (15-HETrE) by 15-lipoxygenase enzyme1.

Although the enzymatic pathway is less predominant relative to ELOVL5 in most cells, DGLA may also be converted to arachidonic acid (AA) via delta-5-desaturate activity4,氢原子选择性删除create new double bonds F27]. Arachidonic acid is a precursor in the biosynthesis of prostaglandin E2, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes, which are potent inflammatory mediators and play an important role in inflammatory pathways.

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Route of elimination

The metabolites of gamolenic acid is expected to undergo renal excretion8.

Half-life

No pharmacokinetic data available.

Clearance

No pharmacokinetic data available.

Adverse Effects
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Toxicity

Oral TDLO reported in man is 3.14 mg/kg/42D (intermittent)MSDS. While limited cases of soft stool, belching, and abdominal bloating have been reported from dietary supplements containing gamolenic acid, daily doses up to 2.8 g were well tolerated8.

Pathways
Not Available
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Interactions

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This information should not be interpreted without the help of a healthcare provider. If you believe you are experiencing an interaction, contact a healthcare provider immediately. The absence of an interaction does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.
Drug Interaction
Acetazolamide The therapeutic efficacy of Acetazolamide can be decreased when used in combination with Gamolenic acid.
Amifampridine The risk or severity of seizure can be increased when Gamolenic acid is combined with Amifampridine.
Amobarbital The therapeutic efficacy of Amobarbital can be decreased when used in combination with Gamolenic acid.
Brexanolone The therapeutic efficacy of Brexanolone can be decreased when used in combination with Gamolenic acid.
Brivaracetam The therapeutic efficacy of Brivaracetam can be decreased when used in combination with Gamolenic acid.
Bupropion The risk or severity of seizure can be increased when Bupropion is combined with Gamolenic acid.
Butalbital The therapeutic efficacy of Butalbital can be decreased when used in combination with Gamolenic acid.
Cannabidiol The therapeutic efficacy of Cannabidiol can be decreased when used in combination with Gamolenic acid.
Carbamazepine The therapeutic efficacy of Carbamazepine can be decreased when used in combination with Gamolenic acid.
Cenobamate The therapeutic efficacy of Cenobamate can be decreased when used in combination with Gamolenic acid.
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Food Interactions
No interactions found.

Products

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Mixture Products
Name Ingredients Dosage Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image
Beta-carotene 10000I.U. With Borage Oil Cap Gamolenic acid(90 mg / cap)+Beta carotene(10000 unit / cap) Capsule Oral Jamieson Laboratories Ltd 1993-12-31 1997-08-13 Canada flag
Bio-efa Borage Gla 240 Cap Gamolenic acid(240 mg)+Linoleic acid(378 mg)+Vitamin E(10 unit) Capsule Oral Pge Canada (86) Inc. 1989-12-31 2006-06-19 Canada flag
Bio-efa Borage Gla 90 Cap Gamolenic acid(90 mg / cap)+Linoleic acid(216 mg / cap)+Vitamin E(10 unit / cap)+alpha-Linolenic acid(1 mg / cap) Capsule Oral Pge Canada (86) Inc. 1989-12-31 2006-06-19 Canada flag
Black Currant Seed Oil Cap Gamolenic acid(41 mg)+Linoleic acid(78 mg)+Vitamin E(10 unit) Capsule Oral Pure Life International Prods Inc. 1993-12-31 2001-08-07 Canada flag
Borage Oil Capsules Gamolenic acid(258 mg)+Linoleic acid(375 mg)+Oleic Acid(148 mg)+Palmitic Acid(96 mg) Capsule Oral General Nutrition Canada Inc. 2001-10-15 2009-08-05 Canada flag
Borage Oil Capsules Gamolenic acid(125 mg)+Borage oil(500 mg)+Linoleic acid(220 mg) Capsule Oral Bioforce Canada Inc. 1994-12-31 1999-10-14 Canada flag
Evening Primrose Oil + Vit E Cap Gamolenic acid(45 mg)+Linoleic acid(375 mg)+Vitamin E(15 unit) Capsule Oral Bioforce Canada Inc. 1993-12-31 2000-03-21 Canada flag
Evening Primrose Oil Cap Gamolenic acid(40 mg)+Linoleic acid(350 mg)+Vitamin E(14.9 unit) Capsule Oral Pure Life International Prods Inc. 1992-12-31 2001-08-07 Canada flag
Evening Primrose Oil Cap 500mg W Vit E Gamolenic acid(40 mg)+Linoleic acid(350 mg)+Vitamin E(14.9 unit) Capsule Oral Stanley Pharmaceuticals, A Division Of Vita Health Products Inc. 1990-12-31 2002-07-31 Canada flag
Gla 130 Primrose Oil Gamolenic acid(130 mg / cap)+Linoleic acid(900 mg / cap)+Oleic Acid(100 mg / cap) Capsule Oral Seroyal International Inc. 1996-01-31 2007-08-02 Canada flag

Categories

ATC Codes
D11AX02 — Gamolenic acid D11AX52 — Gamolenic acid, combinations
Drug Categories
Chemical TaxonomyProvided byClassyfire
Description
This compound belongs to the class of organic compounds known as lineolic acids and derivatives. These are derivatives of lineolic acid. Lineolic acid is a polyunsaturated omega-6 18 carbon long fatty acid, with two CC double bonds at the 9- and 12-positions.
Kingdom
Organic compounds
Super Class
Lipids and lipid-like molecules
Class
Fatty Acyls
Sub Class
Lineolic acids and derivatives
Direct Parent
Lineolic acids and derivatives
Alternative Parents
Long-chain fatty acids/Unsaturated fatty acids/Straight chain fatty acids/Monocarboxylic acids and derivatives/Carboxylic acids/Organic oxides/Hydrocarbon derivatives/Carbonyl compounds
Substituents
Aliphatic acyclic compound/Carbonyl group/Carboxylic acid/Carboxylic acid derivative/Fatty acid/Hydrocarbon derivative/Long-chain fatty acid/Monocarboxylic acid or derivatives/Octadecanoid/Organic oxide
Molecular Framework
Aliphatic acyclic compounds
External Descriptors
omega-6 fatty acid, linolenic acid (CHEBI:28661)/Unsaturated fatty acids, Polyunsaturated fatty acids (C06426)/Unsaturated fatty acids (LMFA01030141)
Affected organisms
Not Available

Chemical Identifiers

UNII
78YC2MAX4O
CAS number
506-26-3
InChI Key
VZCCETWTMQHEPK-QNEBEIHSSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C18H30O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18(19)20/h6-7,9-10,12-13H,2-5,8,11,14-17H2,1H3,(H,19,20)/b7-6-,10-9-,13-12-
IUPAC Name
(6Z,9Z,12Z)-octadeca-6,9,12-trienoic acid
SMILES
CCCCC\C=C/C\C=C/C\C=C/CCCCC(O)=O

References

General References
  1. 中士,拉赫巴尔E, Chilton FH: Gamma-linolenicacid, Dihommo-gamma linolenic, Eicosanoids and Inflammatory Processes. Eur J Pharmacol. 2016 Aug 15;785:77-86. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.04.020. Epub 2016 Apr 12. [Article]
  2. Fan YY, Chapkin RS: Importance of dietary gamma-linolenic acid in human health and nutrition. J Nutr. 1998 Sep;128(9):1411-4. doi: 10.1093/jn/128.9.1411. [Article]
  3. Kim DH, Yoo TH, Lee SH, Kang HY, Nam BY, Kwak SJ, Kim JK, Park JT, Han SH, Kang SW: Gamma linolenic acid exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in diabetic nephropathy. Yonsei Med J. 2012 Nov 1;53(6):1165-75. doi: 10.3349/ymj.2012.53.6.1165. [Article]
  4. Chamberlin AJ,鲍尔我:饮食gamma-linoleniccid supports arachidonic acid accretion and associated Delta-5 desaturase activity in feline uterine but not ovarian tissues. J Nutr Sci. 2014 Oct 13;3:e43. doi: 10.1017/jns.2014.41. eCollection 2014. [Article]
  5. Hrelia S, Bordoni A, Biagi P, Rossi CA, Bernardi L, Horrobin DF, Pession A: gamma-Linolenic acid supplementation can affect cancer cell proliferation via modification of fatty acid composition. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1996 Aug 14;225(2):441-7. doi: 10.1006/bbrc.1996.1192. [Article]
  6. Kruger MC, Coetzer H, de Winter R, Gericke G, van Papendorp DH: Calcium, gamma-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid supplementation in senile osteoporosis. Aging (Milano). 1998 Oct;10(5):385-94. [Article]
  7. Simon D, Eng PA, Borelli S, Kagi R, Zimmermann C, Zahner C, Drewe J, Hess L, Ferrari G, Lautenschlager S, Wuthrich B, Schmid-Grendelmeier P: Gamma-linolenic acid levels correlate with clinical efficacy of evening primrose oil in patients with atopic dermatitis. Adv Ther. 2014 Feb;31(2):180-8. doi: 10.1007/s12325-014-0093-0. Epub 2014 Jan 17. [Article]
  8. Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) Monograph - Semantic Scholar [File]
Human Metabolome Database
HMDB0003073
KEGG Drug
D07213
KEGG Compound
C06426
ChemSpider
4444436
BindingDB
50269532
RxNav
25605
ChEBI
28661
ChEMBL
CHEMBL464982
ZINC
ZINC000003777423
Wikipedia
Gamma-Linolenic_acid
MSDS
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Clinical Trials

Clinical TrialsLearn More" title="" id="clinical-trials-info" class="drug-info-popup" href="javascript:void(0);">
Phase Status Purpose Conditions Count
Not Available Completed Treatment Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile 1

Pharmacoeconomics

Manufacturers
Not Available
Packagers
Not Available
Dosage Forms
Form Route Strength
Liquid Oral
Capsule Oral
Prices
Not Available
Patents
Not Available

Properties

State
Liquid
Experimental Properties
Not Available
Predicted Properties
Property Value Source
Water Solubility 0.000254 mg/mL ALOGPS
logP 6.59 ALOGPS
logP 6.06 Chemaxon
logS -6 ALOGPS
pKa (Strongest Acidic) 4.92 Chemaxon
Physiological Charge -1 Chemaxon
Hydrogen Acceptor Count 2 Chemaxon
Hydrogen Donor Count 1 Chemaxon
Polar Surface Area 37.3 Å2 Chemaxon
Rotatable Bond Count 13 Chemaxon
Refractivity 89.64 m3·mol-1 Chemaxon
Polarizability 33.8 Å3 Chemaxon
Number of Rings 0 Chemaxon
Bioavailability 0 Chemaxon
Rule of Five No Chemaxon
Ghose Filter No Chemaxon
Veber's Rule No Chemaxon
MDDR-like Rule No Chemaxon
Predicted ADMET Features
Not Available

Spectra

Mass Spec (NIST)
Not Available
Spectra
Spectrum Spectrum Type Splash Key
GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (1 TMS) GC-MS splash10-005c-9800000000-7b6e7a36b048f5ed69bd
Predicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS Predicted GC-MS Not Available
GC-MS Spectrum - GC-EI-TOF GC-MS splash10-00b9-9300000000-254ecb989081fdc719d2
GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS GC-MS splash10-005c-9800000000-7b6e7a36b048f5ed69bd
Mass Spectrum (Electron Ionization) MS splash10-00nf-9200000000-cf911df79059a750cb2a
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Positive (Annotated) Predicted LC-MS/MS Not Available
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Positive (Annotated) Predicted LC-MS/MS Not Available
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Positive (Annotated) Predicted LC-MS/MS Not Available
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Negative (Annotated) Predicted LC-MS/MS Not Available
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Negative (Annotated) Predicted LC-MS/MS Not Available
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Negative (Annotated) Predicted LC-MS/MS Not Available
MS/MS Spectrum - ESI-TOF 20V, Negative LC-MS/MS Not Available
MS/MS Spectrum - ESI-TOF 30V, Negative LC-MS/MS Not Available
MS/MS Spectrum - ESI-TOF 10V, Negative LC-MS/MS Not Available
MS/MS Spectrum - ESI-TOF , Negative LC-MS/MS Not Available
MS/MS Spectrum - ESI-TOF 20V, Negative LC-MS/MS Not Available
MS/MS Spectrum - ESI-TOF 30V, Negative LC-MS/MS Not Available
MS/MS Spectrum - ESI-TOF 10V, Negative LC-MS/MS Not Available
MS/MS Spectrum - ESI-TOF 10V, Negative LC-MS/MS Not Available
MS/MS Spectrum - ESI-TOF , Negative LC-MS/MS Not Available
LC-MS/MS Spectrum - LC-ESI-QTOF , negative LC-MS/MS splash10-004i-0090000000-dcae4273443fd52bbb03
LC-MS/MS Spectrum - LC-ESI-TOF , negative LC-MS/MS splash10-004i-0090000000-143e6ddfa05656a4c4da
LC-MS/MS Spectrum - LC-ESI-TOF , negative LC-MS/MS splash10-004i-0090000000-0b9ba563ad074fe141e8
LC-MS/MS Spectrum - LC-ESI-TOF , negative LC-MS/MS splash10-004i-0090000000-63bf7d731625d5577978

Drug created at June 23, 2017 20:49 / Updated at May 29, 2021 18:12