Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha-Linolenic Acid
For the health condition: Psoriasis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 1
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) is an omega-3 fatty acid found in plant sources like flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts. While there is some scientific interest in the role of omega-3 fatty acids in inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, the specific evidence for ALA is limited and generally weak. Most of the research on omega-3 fatty acids and psoriasis has focused on eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are primarily found in fish oils, and have shown some modest benefits in reducing the severity of psoriasis in certain studies.
ALA itself must first be converted in the body to EPA and DHA, but this conversion is inefficient in humans. A few small studies and reviews have suggested that increased intake of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids (such as ALA) may have a mild anti-inflammatory effect, which could theoretically benefit psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease. However, direct clinical trials evaluating ALA supplementation specifically for psoriasis are lacking or inconclusive.
Overall, while the biological plausibility exists due to the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids, the current level of evidence specifically supporting the use of ALA for psoriasis is minimal. Larger, well-designed clinical trials would be needed to justify its use. Thus, the support is scientific in nature but the quality and amount of evidence are quite limited.
Other ingredients used for Psoriasis
alfalfaalgal oil
aloe vera
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
Beta-Glucan
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium longum
black currant
black walnut
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
butyrate triglyceride
Chinese salvia root
turmeric
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fish protein
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gooseberry
gotu kola
green tea
hyaluronic acid
knotweed
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
linoleic acid (LA)
luteolin
magnesium
marshmallow
mixed carotenoids
nettle
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
oleanolic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
perilla
phospholipids
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spirulina
vitamin A
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
wheat grass
mulberry
zinc
sarsaparilla
rubia cordifolia
lingzhi
morus
sunflower
ferulic acid
birch
melaleuca alternifolia
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apigenin
Andrographolide
Avocado
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Aureobasidium pullulans
Andrographis
Agrimonia pilosa
Argan nut oil
Astragalin
Bee Propolis
Baikal Skullcap
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Boswellic Acid
Barleria
Baicalein
Boswellia
Banyan
Borassus aethiopum
Baicalin
Caffeic Acid
Centella triterpenes
Cod Liver Oil
Cnidium
Centella asiatica
Cistus
Chirata
Cannabidiol
Copaiba Oil
Docosahexaenoic Acid
European Elder
Emu Oil
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Ethyl Linoleate
Fumaric Acid
Ficus religiosa
Frankincense
Gallic Acid
Glycolic acid
Glucosylceramide
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Glycyrrhizin
vegetable oil
walnut
Other health conditions supported by Alpha-Linolenic Acid
Aging (prevention)Alzheimer's Disease
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Cancer (prevention)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Depression
Diabetes
Eczema
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatty Liver Disease
Hypertension
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Lupus
Memory and Brain Function
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Osteoporosis
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Triglycerides (high)