Application of Nutritional Enhancer γ-Linolenic Acid Nutrient Functional Composition

γ-linolenic acid (GLA) naturally exists in plants and microorganisms. It is currently known that there are more than 80 species of higher plants that contain GLA in the seeds of the world, such as Salicaceae, Saxifragaceae, and Scrophulariaceae. , Brassica, Maple and Comfrey. There are about 32 species of plants whose GLA content exceeds 5%.

Chemical structure and physicochemical properties of γ-linolenic acid

Gamma-linolenic acid is a new fatty acid found in the seed oil of evening primrose, which belongs to all-cis polyunsaturated fatty acids and is an isomer of α-linolenic acid.

The chemical name is 6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid, the molecular formula is C18H30O2, the molecular weight is 278, and the CAS number is 506-26-3.

GLA is a colorless oily liquid, insoluble in water but easily soluble in non-polar solvents such as ether. It is unstable in the air, especially easy to be oxidized under high temperature conditions, and prone to isomerization reaction of double bond position configuration under alkaline conditions to form conjugated polyenoic acid.

Physiological function and function of γ-linolenic acid

2.1 Bactericidal and anti-inflammatory

GLA has inhibitory effects on a variety of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. GLA inhibits bacterial growth by increasing peroxidation levels and altering membrane permeability, and can be used in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases involving oxidative stress, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, nephritis, bronchial asthma and coronary Arterial disease, etc.

2.2 Lowering blood lipids

After GLA is converted to AA in the body, it can enhance insulin sensitivity, reduce adipogenesis, and increase fat oxidation. GLA can reduce the rebound of the population after weight loss, and maintain it for a long time.

GLA inhibits platelet aggregation and thromboxane (TXA) synthesis in vivo. GLA can directly produce prostaglandins to inhibit platelet aggregation, and then reduce AA production by derivatizing into DGLA, inhibit the activity of platelet TXA synthase, and adjust the ratio of TXA to prostaglandins to improve vascular conditions.

2.3 Others

GLA can enhance the body's immune function, inhibit gastric ulcers and gastric bleeding, relieve menopausal syndrome, and reduce the severity of dermatitis.

It can be used for the treatment of schizophrenia, common psoriasis, women's menstrual syndrome, periodic breast pain, Huntington's disease, phenylketonuria, Parkinson's disease, asthma, eczema, hyperparathyroidism and other diseases.

Common eating methods and recommended intake

3.1 Common usage

3.1.1 Food

As a food additive or a nutritional supplement, long-term use can correct lipid metabolism disorders and enhance the body's immunity. Gamma-linolenic acid can be used to modulate milk powder, vegetable oil and beverages, and the dosage is 20~50g/kg.

3.1.2 Health food

Evening primrose oil rich in gamma-linolenic acid is used as a health care product in the United States, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Japan.

3.1.3 Others

As a medicine, it is used clinically as a hypolipidemic drug in the form of evening primrose capsules to treat hypertension, cerebral thrombosis, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, atopic eczema and breast disease.

As a cosmetic, a small amount can be absorbed through the skin to produce effects. From the blood circulation to the phospholipids in the cell wall, it can delay skin aging. It reacts with kojic acid to form kojic acid monolinolenic acid, which can be used as an inhibitor of tyrosinase and has anti-pigmentation properties. It can be used as an active ingredient in whitening cosmetics and can also be used for anti-pigmentation in the form of ointment.

3.2 Recommended intake

FAO/WHO recommends that the total polyunsaturated fatty acids should be 6%~11%E, and the n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids represented by LA should be 2.5%~9%E. EAR is 2%E. According to the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of the Chinese Nutrition Society: 100 mg/kg per day for infants; 36 mg/kg per day for adults.

Other

Gamma-linolenic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is easily oxidized, so care should be taken to avoid light, air, high temperature and the mixing of metal ions during storage.

The oxidized γ-linolenic acid has a stimulating effect on the digestive organs of animals, causing intestinal inflammation, damage to the stomach and intestinal mucosa, and even ulcers. Gamma-linolenic acid is fresh, and certain antioxidants such as vitamin E can also be added.

Gamma-linolenic acid has the functions of bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, improving diabetes and diabetic neuropathy. No toxic effects of gamma-linolenic acid were found in the safety study data. A typical product of gamma-linolenic acid is evening primrose oil, which has been evaluated or approved for use in many countries. Gamma-linolenic acid is also included in my country's GB14880 list.