some more info
In the following studies, Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) and Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) were shown to be potent inhibitors of 5-alpha reductase and highly effective in decreasing the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone associated with miniaturization of the hair follicle and hair loss.
The study further suggests that these fatty acids can be useful in the treatment of disorders related to dihydrotestosterone including male pattern baldness, acne, and excessive female body hair (hirsuitism).
[]Studies on active ingredients of RevivogenGamma Linolenic Acid and Alpha Linolenic AcidGrowth suppression of hamster flank organs by topical application of gamma-linolenic and other fatty acid inhibitors of 5 alpha-reductase.Author: Liang T; Liao SJournal: Journal of Investigational Dermatology: 1997 Aug; 109 (2): 152-7Abstract: Certain unsaturated aliphatic fatty acids, such as gamma-linolenic acid, inhibit 5alpha-reductase activity in vitro and in vivo. Hamster flank organ growth, as measured by the increase in the area of pigmented macule, is dependent on androgen. When one of the paired flank organs of a castrated hamster was treated topically with testosterone, the treated organ, but not the contralateral flank organ, became larger and darker. Topical application of gamma-linolenic acid to the testosterone-treated flank organ suppressed this testosterone effect. Other fatty acids that were not inhibitors of 5alpha-reductase were not active. Topical treatment of hamster flank organs with 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone also stimulated the growth of the organ. This 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone-dependent activity, however, was not significantly affected by gamma-linolenic acid, suggesting that flank organ growth was dependent on 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone and that gamma-linolenic acid acted by inhibiting 5alpha-reductase. With intact male hamsters, the endogenous androgen-dependent growth of flank organs is also suppressed by topical treatment with gamma-linolenic acid. The effect of gamma-linolenic acid is localized at the site of its application; topical application of gamma-linolenic acid did not affect the androgen-dependent growth of other organs such as testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle, and prostate. gamma-Linolenic acid, with low toxicity and absence of systemic effect, therefore may be potentially useful for treatment of androgen-dependent skin disorders.
Journal: Journal of Formos Medical Association: 1994 Sep; 93 (9): 741-51Abstract:
Androgen action in many organs, such as prostate and skin, is dependent on the conversion of testosterone by 5 alpha-reductase to 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone. 5 alpha-Dihydrotestosterone then binds to the androgen receptor to regulate specific gene expression. Inhibitors of 5 alpha-reductase are useful for the selective treatment of prostatic cancer, benign prostate hyperplasia, acne, baldness and female hirsuitism, without affecting spermatogenesis, sexual behavior and smooth muscle growth, that do not require the conversion of testosterone to 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone. Certain unsaturated fatty acids, such as gamma-linolenic acid, are potent 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors, suggesting a linkage between unsaturated fatty acids and androgen action. Mutations in androgen receptor genes are responsible for many cases of androgen-insensitivity. In some prostate cancer cells, some antiandrogens may act like androgens in stimulating the proliferation of the cancer cells because these antiandrogens can bind to a mutated androgen receptor and transactivate target genes. Prostate cancers are usually androgen-dependent initially but can lose dependency and responsiveness. Tumor cells which are resistant to endocrine therapy ultimately proliferate. Androgen-independent or androgen-repressive cells can arise from androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cells by changes in specific gene expression over time in a clonal isolate. This change in androgen responsiveness was accompanied by a change in androgen receptor expression and transcriptional activity as well as expression of some oncogenes.
Human or rat microsomal 5 alpha-reductase activity, as measured by enzymatic conversion of testosterone into 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone or by binding of a competitive inhibitor, [3H]17 beta-NN-diethulcarbamoyl-4-methyl-4-aza-5 alpha-androstan-3-one ([3H]4-MA) to the reductase, is inhibited by low concentrations (less than 10 microM) of certain polyunsaturated fatty acids. The relative inhibitory potencies of unsaturated fatty acids are, in decreasing order: gamma-linolenic acid greater than cis-4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid = cis-6,9,12,15-octatetraenoic acid = arachidonic acid = alpha-linolenic acid greater than linoleic acid greater than palmitoleic acid greater than oleic acid greater than myristoleic acid. Other unsaturated fatty acids such as undecylenic acid, erucic acid and nervonic acid, are inactive. The methyl esters and alcohol analogues of these compounds, glycerols, phospholipids, saturated fatty acids, retinoids and carotenes were inactive even at 0.2 mM. The results of the binding assay and the enzymatic assay correlated well except for elaidic acid and linolelaidic acid, the trans isomers of oleic acid and linoleic acid respectively, which were much less active than their cis isomers in the binding assay but were as potent in the enzymatic assay. gamma-Linolenic acid had no effect on the activities of two other rat liver microsomal enzymes: NADH:menadione reductase and glucuronosyl transferase. gamma-Linolenic acid, the most potent inhibitor tested, decreased the Vmax. and increased Km values of substrates, NADPH and testosterone, and promoted dissociation of [3H]4-MA from the microsomal reductase. gamma-Linolenic acid, but not the corresponding saturated fatty acid (stearic acid), inhibited the 5 alpha-reductase activity, but not the 17 beta-dehydrogenase activity, of human prostate cancer cells in culture. These results suggest that unsaturated fatty acids may play an important role in regulating androgen action in target cells.
ChemistryGamma linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid found naturally in evening primrose oil and black currant oil. However, nature's most potent concentration of GLA comes in the form of borage seed oil. Omega 6 fatty acids are essential because your body can not make them on its own and therefore this nutrient has to be obtained through the diet. GLA is produced from linoleic acid (LA), another essential fatty acid. GLA is the result of the body’s first biochemical steps in the transformation of LA into important hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins. This is essential to the proper functioning of each cell. GLA can then be elongated into dihomo-GLA (DGLA). Mechanism of ActionGLA imparts a regulatory function on the body's fatty acid metabolism. Fat metabolism is as important, if not more critical, than our body's metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates. Fatty acids are an important part of every cell in the body and perform many vital functions. They compose cell membrane, provide energy, help maintain body temperature, insulate the nerves and cushion, and support tissues. Furthermore, the prostaglandins formed from GLA tend to support blood circulation. Research · Supports a healthy immune system. A double-blind placebo-controlled study showed that black currant seed oil had immune-supporting effects in healthy people. · Supports healthy joints. In a double-blind placebo-controlled study, 37 people took 1,400 milligrams of GLA in borage seed oil or took a placebo (a sugar pill) daily for 24 weeks. GLA was shown to support joint health and to increase the ability to do daily activities.[ii]· Supports healthy skin. A meta-analysis of nine clinical studies showed that evening primrose oil helped to support skin health.[iii]· Supports a healthy cardiovascular system. Clinical studies have shown that GLA may support good cardiovascular health.[iv],[v],[vi]· Decreases breast discomfort associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). In a clinical study, 3 grams a day of evening primrose oil was shown to be effective for decreasing breast discomfort associated with PMS.[vii] · May support nerve health. Animal studies have shown that that GLA supports a healthy nervous system.[viii],[ix],[x]SafetyLong-term human studies have shown that up to 2,800 milligrams of GLA a day is well tolerated.[xi] Little is known about herb-drug interactions. According to a review, evening primrose oil and borage seed oil may lower the seizure threshold, thus interfering with anticonvulsant medications. These oils should not be used together with other drugs known to lower the seizure threshold.[xii] ConclusionGLA is an omega-6 fatty acid. It is essential to the normal bodily function and must be obtained through diet because it cannot be produced in the body. Clinical studies have shown that GLA may support healthy immune and cardiovascular systems, decrease breast discomfort associated with PMS, and maintain healthy joints and skin. Animal studies suggest that GLA may help support nerve health. . Wu D, Meydani M, Leka LS, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999;70:536-543.
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[iv]. Boberg M, Vessby B, Selinus I. Acta Med Scand. 1986;220:153-160.
[v]. Deferne JL, Leeds AR. J Hum Hypertens. 1996;10:531-537.
[vi]. Sasaki S, Nakamura K, Uchida A, et al. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol Suppl. 1995;1:S306-307.
[vii]. Pye JK, Mansel RE, Hughes LE. <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Lancet. 1985;2:373-377.
[viii]. Horrobin DF. Diabetes. 1997;46:S90-S93.
[ix]. Julu PO. J Lipid Mediat Cell Signal. 1996;13:99-113.
[x]. Cameron NE, Cotter MA, Robertson S. Diabetes. 1991;40:532-539.
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[xii]. Miller LG. Arch Intern Med. 1998;158:2200-2211.
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