Evidence supporting the use of: Gamma Linolenic Acid
For the health condition: Eczema
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid found in evening primrose oil, borage oil, and black currant seed oil, has been explored as a treatment for eczema (atopic dermatitis) due to its role in the biosynthesis of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. Early studies and some traditional use suggested that GLA supplementation could help alleviate symptoms such as itching, redness, and inflammation in eczema patients, especially given that some individuals with atopic dermatitis may have impaired conversion of linoleic acid to GLA. However, the scientific evidence supporting GLA’s effectiveness is mixed and overall relatively weak. Some small randomized controlled trials and early meta-analyses indicated modest improvements in eczema symptoms with GLA supplementation. However, larger and more rigorous reviews, including a 2013 Cochrane review, concluded that there is little or no clinically meaningful benefit of oral GLA (from evening primrose oil or borage oil) over placebo in treating eczema. These reviews found that while GLA is generally safe, its clinical efficacy is not substantiated by high-quality evidence. In summary, while the use of GLA for eczema has a scientific rationale and some early supportive data, high-quality systematic reviews do not confirm a significant benefit. Thus, its evidence rating for this indication is low (2/5), and GLA is not considered a reliably effective therapy for eczema according to current scientific consensus.
Other ingredients used for Eczema
aloe veraalpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
bacillus coagulans
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bio ecolian (proprietary)
bisabolol
black cumin
borage oil
burdock
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
coating
coconut milk
colostrum
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
evening primrose oil
forsythia
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gotu kola
heartwood
hemp oil
Indian tinospora
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactoferrin
lauric acid
licorice root
linoleic acid (LA)
luteolin
marine lipid
marshmallow
oat
omega-3 fatty acids
oregano
oregon grape
perilla
phellodendron amurense
plantain
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
sphaeranthus indicus
streptococcus thermophilus
thyme
triphala
vitamin D3
vitamin E
zinc
chickweed
typhonium
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
neem tree
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
peony
dodder
fern
sweetgums
morinda
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
birch
polyphenols
fulvic acid
menthol oil
aster root
paw paw
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
Ash
Avens
Ardisia
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Albizia
Ajuga
Aucubin
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Allantoin
Asteracea
Argan nut oil
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Banyan
Bifidobacterium animalis
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Bacteria
Borage
Bifidobacteria
Boerhavia diffusa
Borneol
Coconut
Centella triterpenes
Caryophyllene
Calendula
Cinnamomum
Calotropis gigantea
Colloid
Cocoa Butter
Curcumen
Centipeda
Curcuma
Castile Soap
Costus
Castor Oil
Copaiba Oil
Celosia
Dianthus
Epidermal Growth Factor
European Elder
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Emu Oil
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Evening Primrose Oil
Ethyl Linoleate
European-Five Finger Grass
Embelia
Goldthread
Little ironweed
Mallow
Orchid
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
Sumac
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Gamma Linolenic Acid
ArthritisEczema
Inflammation
PMS (general)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Skin (dry and/or flaky)