Black Currant Seed Oil contains the essential fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
- Encourages proper eicosanoid synthesis
- Supports the body's normal tissue repair process
- Supports normal blood flow
- Supports healthy immune system function*
How does GLA support the normal tissue repair process?
In the human body, GLA is produced from alpha-linoleic acid by the delta-6 desaturase (D-6-D) enzyme.1, 2 GLA is a precursor of eicosanoids, signaling molecules (prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrines) involved in the body’s natural inflammatory response function.3 Supplementing with GLA ingredients sourced from whole foods, like black currant seed oil, supports healthy inflammatory response function.4, 5, 6
How does GLA support healthy skin?
GLA maintains a healthy level of moisture in the skin, thereby supporting its function as a water-loss barrier. Low levels of GLA have been linked to dry skin in both animals and humans and may be due to lack of support for the D-6-D enzyme system.7*
How does Black Currant Seed Oil support a healthy immune system response?
In older adults, supplementation with black currant seed oil has a moderate immune system-enhancing effect, attributable to its ability to reduce prostaglandin E2 production.8*
This product contains less than 20 parts per million per the suggested use listed on each product label.
1. Horrobin DF. 1993. Fatty acid metabolism in health and disease: the role of delta-6-desaturase. Am J Clin Nutr. 732S-737S.
2. Chen Q, Nimal J, Li W, Liu X, Cao W. 2011. Delta-6 desaturase from borage converts linoleic acid to gamma-linolenic acid in HEK293 cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 410(3):484-8.
3. Wu D, Meydani M, Leka LS, Nightingale Z, Handelman GJ, Blumberg JB, Meydani SN. 1999. Effect of dietary supplementation with black currant seed oil on the immune response of healthy elderly subjects. Am Soc Clin Nutrit. 70:536-543.
4. Ibid.
5. Dobson G, Shrestha M, Hilz H, Karjalainen R, McDougall G, Stewart D. 2012. Eur J Lipid Sci Technol. 114:575-582.
6. Linnamaa P, Nieminen K, Koulu L, Tuomasjukka S, Kallio H, Yang B, Tahvonen R, Savolainen J. 2013. Black currant seed oil supplementation of mothers enhances IFN-γ and suppresses IL-4 production in breast milk. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 24(6):562-6.
7. Broad J, et al. 1988. Evolution of lipid composition in skin treated with blackcurrant seed oil. Int J Cosmetic Sci. 10:149-159.
8. See note 3 above.