Effect of Evening Primrose Oil on Korean Patients With Mild Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is related to a deficiency of delta-6-desaturase, an enzyme responsible for converting linoleic acid to gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Evening primrose oil (EPO) as a source of GLA has been of interest in the management of AD. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EPO in Korean patients with AD. METHODS: Fifty mild AD patients with an Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) score of 10 or less were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups. The first group received an oval unmarked capsule containing 450 mg of EPO (40 mg of GLA) per capsule, while placebo capsules identical in appearance and containing 450 mg of soybean oil were given to the other group. Treatment continued for a period of four months. EASI scores, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and skin hydration were evaluated in all the AD patients at the baseline, and in months 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the study. RESULTS: At the end of month 4, the patients of the EPO group showed a significant improvement in the EASI score (p=0.040), whereas the patients of the placebo group did not. There was a significant difference in the EASI score between the EPO and placebo groups (p=0.010). Although not statistically significant, the TEWL and skin hydration also slightly improved in the EPO patients group. CONCLUSION: We suggest that EPO is a safe and effective medicine for Korean patients with mild AD.

Borage oil attenuates progression of cardiac remodeling in rats after myocardial infarction

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of Borage oil on cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: Male Wistar rats underwent ligation of the left coronary artery and divided into three groups: MI (control), BO-18 (18 mg/kg of borage oil) and BO-180 (180 mg/kg of borage oil). After seven days, heart was arrested in diastole and processed for histological evaluation of: MI size, LV dilation, myocyte hypertrophy, inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis in MI region and in remote region. The relative weight of the lung was used as a marker of heart failure. The MI size was comparable among groups. RESULTS: Compared to control, BO treated groups showed lower weight of heart and lungs, reduced LV dilation and myocyte hypertrophy. Hemodynamic measurements were comparable. The treatment attenuated the inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis in remote myocardium. CONCLUSION: Borage oil attenuates progression of cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure.

The efficacy of evening primrose oil as a cervical ripening agent for gynecologic procedures: A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial / Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

BACKGROUND: Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) is one of the most commonly prescribed cervical ripening agents. Cervical ripening is the softening, effacement, and dilation of the cervix that occur prior to active labor, and is an intervention that is used for certain indications, such as postdates pregnancy. There are gynecologic cases wherein the cervix is closed and dilatation has not occurred making the procedure difficult. In studies, EPO works by softening and ripening the cervix in the pregnant woman. More likely it has the same effects in a non-pregnant patient with regards to softening and dilating the cervix during gynecologic procedures.METHODS: The study was conducted in a tertiary hospital. Patients scheduled for gynecologic procedures were randomly grouped under the control and study group. Both groups had an internal examination during admission. The study group, in addition, were given EPO 4 capsules intra-vaginally, 6 hours prior to the contemplated procedure. Cervical characteristics were assessed initially on admission and pre-proedure.Consistency were assessed using the Consistency Index (CI) and graded as firm=1, medium=2 and soft=3. Dilatation were assessed using the Dilatation Index (DI) and graded as closed=1, admits tip =2 , >1cm= 3. Pre-procedure, cervical characteristics and the CDI of both groups were assessed. Hegars dilators were used to assess the degree of dilatation, noting the diameter of dilator that can be introduced freely, and to what diameter the cervix can be maximally dilated.RESULTS: 80 patients were enrolled in the study; 39 patients were assigned in the control group and 38 patients were assigned in the study group (3 were excluded). In the study group, their DI improved by 36.2% (pre = 1.53+/-0.51 to post = 2.08+/-0.49) (pCONCLUSION: EPO 4 capsules punctured and administered intra-vaginally 6 hours prior to contemplated gynecologic procedure can promote cervical ripening as exhibited by the improvement of the CDI from initial assessment to pre-procedure assessment.

Effects of Gamma-Linolenic Acid for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris Treated with Isotretinoin / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Oral isotretinoin is an effective treatment modality for acne, but this agent may cause dryness of the skin and mucous membrane. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) has been known to improve skin moisture and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). It is also known to have anti-inflammatory effects and to inhibit 5-alpha reductase. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of GLA in the prevention of xerosis and improvement of acne lesions after concomitant administration of isotretinoin. METHODS: In this prospective study, 102 Korean acne patients were enrolled and randomized to receive isotretinoin either with or without GLA for 12 weeks. Comparing evaluations included skin hydration, TEWL, visual analogue scale (VAS) score for dryness of the lips and skin, number of acne lesions such as comedos, papules, and pustules, Korean acne grading system (KAGS) grade, and patient satisfaction regarding treatment. RESULTS: The decrease of skin hydration and increase of the TEWL of the lips and cheek were less definite in the experimental group than those of the control group. VAS score for dryness of the lips and skin was significantly lower in the experimental group compared with the control group. The number of acne lesions decreased in both groups; only the numbers of papules were different between the two groups. The decrease of the KAGS grade was more definite in the experimental group than that in the control group. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that GLA could be used effectively for the improvement of acne lesions as well as for the prevention of xerosis.

Dose-Dependent Effects of Evening Primrose Oil in Children and Adolescents with Atopic Dermatitis

BACKGROUND: Previous clinical trials with evening primrose oil in atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment have shown different results. In addition, the optimal dose and duration of treatment with evening primrose oil have not yet been determined. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the dose-response treatment effects of evening primrose oil on clinical symptoms of AD and serum concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids. METHODS: Forty AD patients were enrolled for the study and randomly divided into 2 groups: those who received evening primrose oil 160 mg daily for 8 weeks and those who received 320 mg of evening primrose oil twice daily for 8 weeks. We evaluated the Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) scores of all AD patients at weeks 0, 2, 4 and 8. In addition, we measured the levels of serum fatty acids, including C16 : 0 (palmitic), C18 : 2n (linoleic), C18 : 3n (linolenic) and C20 : 4 (arachidonic acid) using gas chromatography. RESULTS: The serum fatty acid levels C18 : 3n and C20 : 4 were higher in the 320 mg group than in the 160 mg group, with statistical significance. After evening primrose oil treatment, EASI scores were reduced in the 2 groups. The improvement in EASI scores was greater in the 320 mg group than in the 160 mg group. There were no side effects seen in either group during the study in the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the 320 mg and 160 mg groups may be equally effective in treating AD patients and show dose-dependent effects on serum fatty acid levels and EASI scores.

Dose-Dependent Effects of Evening Primrose Oil in Children and Adolescents with Atopic Dermatitis

BACKGROUND: Previous clinical trials with evening primrose oil in atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment have shown different results. In addition, the optimal dose and duration of treatment with evening primrose oil have not yet been determined. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the dose-response treatment effects of evening primrose oil on clinical symptoms of AD and serum concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids. METHODS: Forty AD patients were enrolled for the study and randomly divided into 2 groups: those who received evening primrose oil 160 mg daily for 8 weeks and those who received 320 mg of evening primrose oil twice daily for 8 weeks. We evaluated the Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) scores of all AD patients at weeks 0, 2, 4 and 8. In addition, we measured the levels of serum fatty acids, including C16 : 0 (palmitic), C18 : 2n (linoleic), C18 : 3n (linolenic) and C20 : 4 (arachidonic acid) using gas chromatography. RESULTS: The serum fatty acid levels C18 : 3n and C20 : 4 were higher in the 320 mg group than in the 160 mg group, with statistical significance. After evening primrose oil treatment, EASI scores were reduced in the 2 groups. The improvement in EASI scores was greater in the 320 mg group than in the 160 mg group. There were no side effects seen in either group during the study in the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the 320 mg and 160 mg groups may be equally effective in treating AD patients and show dose-dependent effects on serum fatty acid levels and EASI scores.

[Effects of dietary gamma-linolenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid with paclitaxel on the treatment of mice mammary carcinoma]

Breast cancer is one of the most important causes of death in women. One of the various gene expression involved in breast cancer is human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 [HER2/neu] gene expression increases. Factors of dietary affect on regulation of hormone secretion and the rate of breast cancer. One of these factors is amount and type of fats in diet. Gamma-linolenic acid [GLA] and Docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] are members of poly unsaturated fatty acids. In this study, effects of dietary GLA and DHA alone or together with paclitaxel on treatment of mice mammary carcinoma has been evaluated. Thirty female balb/c mice were divided in six groups randomly. Carcinomatous mass induced by tumor implantation method. Spontaneous breast adenocarcinoma of mice were used as tumor stock. The tumors of these mice were removed aseptically, dissected into 0.5 cm3 pieces. These pieces were transplanted subcutaneously into their right flank. GLA and DHA added to the mice diet two week prior to tumor implantation. At the end of intervention, tumors were removed and HER2 gene expression was measured. The weight of animal and tumor volume measured weekly. It was not significant change in the weight of animals that consumed DHA and DHA with taxol. Tumor volume in those groups that received corn oil with taxol [P<0.01], DHA [P<0.05] and DHA with taxol [P<0.001] showed significant decrease in comparison with control group. HER2 gene expression in DHA with taxol decreased significantly in comparison with control group [P<0.05]. Consumption of DHA oil with taxol causes decrease the volume of carcinoma mass. The future studies with large number of sample is needed to support this finding.

Nutritional supplements

A dietary supplement, also known as a food supplement or nutritional supplement, is a preparation intended to supplement the diet and provide nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, fatty acids, or amino acids. A health functional food is a food where one or more new ingredients have been added to a food and the new product has an additional function. Physicians and patients need information on current evidence on the efficacy and safety of selected dietary supplements that are commonly used. The current evidence on the efficacy and safety of selected dietary supplements (beta-carotene, vitamin C, D, E, calcium, selenium, omega 3, ginseng, glucosamine, chlorella, saw palmetto, gingko, gamma linolenic acid, echinacea) for specific conditions is assessed by an evidence-based approach. With an increase in income and the aging of the population, spending on dietary supplements is steadily increasing, but concern about the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements may be relatively low. Recently, many domestic and international clinical trials on nutritional supplements have been performed. As a result, the evidence on the efficacy and safety of dietary supplements may be changed or recommendations may also be changed. Greater efforts should be made to acquire the latest knowledge about dietary supplements.

Mastalgia cíclica: abordagem clínica / Cyclic mastalgia: clinical approach

A mastalgia é uma queixa comum nos consultórios de mastologia. Devido à intensidade da dorou pelo medo do câncer de mama, mulheres com mastalgia buscam orientação com o mastologista.Nesse sentido, o mastologista deve estar familiarizado com o tema. Considerando que aqueixa de dor mamária está entre as mais frequentes em mastologia, conduziu-se uma revisão daliteratura, enfatizando-se a abordagem terapêutica da mastalgia.

Mastalgia is a common complaint in mastology offices. Women who are experiencing mastalgia seekclarification with the breast cancer specialist due to the intensity of the pain or because they fear breastcancer. Therefore, the specialist shall understand such issue. Considering that the complaint concerningbreast pain is one of the most frequent complaints in mastology, a literature review was carried outemphasizing the therapeutic approach of mastalgia.

Estudo das mudanças quali e quantitativas da participação de ácidos graxos no sebo de pacientes com acne inflamatória, graus II ou III, em uso sistêmico de limeciclina e/ou suplementação oral à base de ácidos linoleico, gamalinolênico / Study of qualitative and quantitative changes of fatty acids in the sebum of patients with inflammatory acne, grade II or III, under systemic use of lymecycline and/or oral supplementation based on linoleic, gamma-linolenic, and oleic acids using gas

Introdução: Acne é uma dermatose que apresenta o padrão do sebo alterado, tanto quali, quanto quantitativamente. Objetivos: Estudar as possíveis alterações quali e quantitativas dos ácidos graxos encontrados no sebo de portadores de acne vulgar graus II ou III mediante ao uso diário de limeciclina e/ou suplemento oral a base de ácidos linoleico, gamalinolênico e oleico. Métodos: Quarenta e cinco sujeitos de pesquisa masculinos, de 12 a 40 anos de idade, portadores de acne vulgar graus II ou III, submeteram-se a 90 dias de uso de: Grupo A, 300mg/dia de limeciclina; Grupo B, 540mg de ácidos gamalinolênico, 1.200mg linoleico e 510mg oleico/dia; Grupo C: Grupos A+B. A cada 30 dias, eles tinham amostra de sebo da fronte coletada para análise cromatográfica dos ácidos graxos nele presentes. Resultados: Quarenta sujeitos de pesquisa (88,9 por cento) concluíram o estudo, os quais ingeriram todas as doses dos produtos, sem apresentarem eventos adversos em qualquer dos Grupos. O número de comedões, pústulas e cistos reduziu com o tempo (p<0,001, para todos), nos três Grupos. Com relação ao número total de lesões, houve uma maior quantidade de lesões em pacientes do Grupo B, quando comparados aos do Grupo A (p=0,033) e aos do Grupo C (p=0,030). Sete ácidos graxos apresentaram mudanças de seu padrão durante o estudo. De um modo geral, as mudanças que se tornaram mais evidentes foram: 1) a concentração de esqualeno no SB não reduziu em qualquer Grupo de estudo; 2) C12:0, C14:0 e C16:1 tiveram suas respectivas concentrações aumentadas nos três Grupos com o tempo de terapêuticas; 3) há indicativo de aumento de C18:1n9c+C18:1n9t na associação das duas classes terapêuticas estudadas; 4) limeciclina e/ou ingestão de ácido linoleico não aumentaram a participação do ácido linoleico no sebo; 5) ácido -linolênico teve sua concentração aumentada e, depois diminuída com o uso de LM e/ou com sua própria suplementação oral...

Introduction: Acne is a dermatosis that presents an altered sebum pattern, quantitatively and qualitatively. Objectives: To study the possible quantitative and qualitative changes of fatty acids found in the sebum of patients with acne vulgaris grade II or III, through the daily use of lymecycline and/or oral supplementation based on linoleic, gamma-linolenic, and oleic acids. Methods: Fortyfive male research subjects, ages 12 to 40, presenting acne vulgaris grade II or III, were submitted to a 90-day use of: Group 1, 300mg of lymecycline per day; Group 2, 540mg of gamma-linolenic acid, 1,200mg of linoleic acid, and e 510mg of oleic acid per day; Group 3: Groups A+B. Every 30 days, a sample of the sebum of their forehead was collected for chromatographic analysis of the fatty acids contained therein. Results: Forty research subjects (88.9 percent ) concluded the study. They ingested all dosages of the products, without presenting side effects in any of the Groups. The number of comedones, pustules, and cysts reduced with time (p<0.001, for all), in all the 3 Groups. With respect to the total number of lesions, Group B´s patients presented a larger quantity of lesions, as compared to those of Group A (p=0.033) and Group C (p=0.030). Seven fatty acids presented pattern changes during the study. In general, the changes that became more evident were: 1) the squalene concentration in the sebum did not diminish in any Group under study; 2) C12:0, C14:0, and C16:1 had their respective concentrations increased in the 3 Groups over the time of the treatments; 3) there is an indication for increasing of C18:1n9t+C18:1n9c when both of therapies are associated; 4) lymecycline and/or the ingestion of linoleic acid did not increase the participation of linoleic acid in the sebum; and 5) gama-linolenic acid had its concentration increased during the first 60-day and diminished during the last 30-day therapies period using lymecycline and/or with its own oral supplementation...

Cardiovascular Disease and Health Functional Foods / 가정의학회지

Functional foods are becoming increasingly available to consumers worldwide. The health effects of use of functional foods on cardiovascular diseases must be advised. Omega-3 fatty acid can play a role in primary prevention of deaths from coronary heart disease. It has also been reported to be promising treatment for prevention of deaths from cardiovascular diseases particularly in high-risk group. Vitamin E has no primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, but has high possibility of increasing the risk of heart failure and deaths from cardiovascular disease in high-risk group. Vitamin B complex reduces homocysteine, but don't reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Apart from them, gamma linolenic acid, chitosan, soy protein, and red yeast rice may reduce cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease, still, further studies are needed. To prevent cardiovascular diseases, it is the most important to main healthy lifestyle habits. Functional foods should only be supplementary.

Separation of gamma linolenic acid from evening primrose oil with urea inclusion--orthogonal experiment of optimizing technological parameters and observation of urea inclusion compound I / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The influence on the urea inclusion compound under different conditions (allocated proportion, time of inclusion, temperature of inclusion) were studied through the orthogonal test, and theoretical reference of urea inclusion process for further optimization wound be offered.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The orthogonal experiment was adopted, and microscope was used to observe the shape, aperture size of the urea inclusion compound under different technological parameters, the GC was employed to inspect the purity of GLA.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The results indicated that the ratio of fatty acids and urea, inclusion of temperature, time of inclusion had great effect on urea inclusion compound. The three factors and its interactions significantly affected the purity of GLA. The results also showed that the best process was that the ratio of fatty acids and urea was 1 : 3, temperature of inclusion was--15 degrees C, time of inclusion was 24 h.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Under the best condition, the purity of GLA reach up to 95.575 9%; and it is feasible to observe the shape and the amount of the urea inclusion compound to reflect and guide the urea inclusion technology.</p>

The Effect of Isoflavone and Gamma-linolenic Acid Supplementation on Serum Lipids and Menopausal Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women

This study was performed to examine the combined effects of gamma linolenic acid and isoflavone supplementation on menopausal symptoms and serum lipids in 73 postmenopausal women. A total subjects were randomly assigned to isoflavone (30 mg) + gamma-linolenic acid (110 mg) group or placebo group. We measured menopausal symptoms by modified Kupperman Index (KI) and oxidized LDL, lipid peroxides, blood components and anthropometric parameters before and after the 12 week intervention period. After the 12 weeks of supplementation, supplement group and placebo group showed a significant reduction of modified kupperman index (p < 0.001). Isoflavone (30 mg) + gamma-linolenic acid (110 mg) supplement group showed a significant reduction of oxidized LDL cholesterol concentration (p = 0.006) whereas placebo group did not show significant change. Isoflavone and gamma-linolenic acid consumption did not significantly affect plasma concentrations of total, LDL, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, apo A1, B and blood components. The result of present study demonstrated the supplementation of 30 mg isoflavone and 110 mg gamma-linolenic acid per day for 12 weeks may protect LDL cholesterol from oxidative stress.

Assessment of the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids in chronic kidney disease

Recent evidence suggests a relationship between abnormalities of polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFAs] and the development of chronic kidney disease [CKD].To assess plasma concentration levels of n-6 PUFAs in CKD patients to clarify their role in the development and progression of the kidney disease in an attempt to provide an early protective therapeutic strategy. Fifty eight CKD patients as well as thirty healthy controls were enrolled and subjected to thorough clinical assessment and laboratory investigations including kidney function tests [serum urea, creatinine, total proteins and albumin], lipid profile [total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-C], low density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL-C] and atherosclerotic risk ratio [T-Cholesterol/HDL-C]] in addition to analysis of PUFAs of the n-6 series which include linoleic, gamma-linolenic and arachidonic acids by high performance liquid chromatography [HPLC]. A highly significant decrease of gamma-linolenic and arachidonic acids was detected in CKD patients as compared to controls, while linoleic acid was elevated in CKD patients, however this elevation was statistically insignificant when compared to the control group. The correlation study showed that each of gamma-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid were significantly positively correlated with creatinine clearance and HDL-C and significantly negatively correlated with triglycerides, LDL-C and risk ratio. Meanwhile, linoleic acid showed a significant positive correlation with triglycerides and insignificant correlations with creatinine clearance, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C and risk ratio. The long chain n-6 fatty acids gamma-linolenic and arachidonic acids are present in insufficient amounts in plasma of CKD patients and such insufficiency increases with the severity of the kidney disease confirming the role of impaired n-6 PUFAs metabolism in the development and progression of CKD. Thus, high dietary intake of n-6 fatty acids [mainly gamma-linolenic acid] could be recommended as a new therapeutic strategy in CKD patients aiming at interrupting the irreversible process of renal fibrosis and ameliorating chronic renal injury and may also be protective against the development of cardiovascular disease among those patients

Screening of microbial lipases and evalutaion of their potential to produce glycerides with high gamma linolenic acid concentration

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, 18:3, cis- 6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid), an important compound in n-6 eicosanoid family biosynthesis, occurs in the lipids of a few plant and microbial sources. This study focused on the screening of microbial strains with suitable lipase activity for enrichment of GLA by selective hydrolysis of the borage oil (21.6 percent of GLA/total fatty acids). Firstly, 352 microrganisms were tested for their lipolytic capacity using screening techniques on agar plates containing borage oil, strains were then selected and screened for their activity (U/mg) using both submerged fermentation (SmF) and solid state fermentation (SSF). The rate of hydrolysis and the selective preference of these hydrolytic enzymes towards fatty acids, with a special focus on enrichment of GLA were studied and compared with those obtained by two commercially-available lipases. Only one of the lipases tested during this study displayed selectivity, discriminating the GLA during the hydrolysis reaction. Using the enzymatic extract from Geotrichum candidum as a biocatalyst of the reaction, it was possible to obtain a percentage of 41.7 percent of GLA in acylglycerols fraction when the borage oil was treated in a fixed-bed reactor for 24 hours at 30ºC.

Effects of the Mixture of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Pycnogenol and Evening Primrose Oil on the UV-Induced Pigmentation and Wrinkle Reductions in Human Skin

In this study, the effects of a mixture consisting of vitamin E, vitamin C, pycnogenol and evening primrose oil (mixture LGNC-5) on ultraviolet light (UV) induced pigmentation and wrinkle reductions of normal healthy volunteers were studied. In a double-blind placebo-controlled study, each of 54 subjects took daily either 4 capsules of the mixture LGNC-5 (Group ABC; 282.5 mg/capsule) or placebo (Group Ganada). We irradiated 2.5 MED UV on the upper arms and measured the whitening effect by colorimeter-based L value. The level of wrinkle reduction was determined by image analysis using skin replica around the crow' feet, and the level of serum vitamin E was determined at baseline and 12 weeks. After 12-week oral administration, the treated group showed a significant reduction in skin pigmentation and wrinkles compared with the placebo group (p = 0.011 and p = 0.000005 , respectively). Also, the level of serum vitamin E was significantly increased in the treated group after 12-week oral adminstration of the mixture compared with that in the placebo group (p = 0.0001). In conclusion, 12-week oral administration of LGNC-5 as a dietary supplement could be effective to reduce both UV induced pigmentation and skin wrinkle without side effects.

Assessment of anticoagulant effect of evening primrose oil

Effect of evening primrose oil [EPO] was assessed on coagulation parameters following 30 and 60 days administration of 90, 180 and 360 micro l/kg oil to healthy rabbits of either sex. There was significant increase in all assays except Fibrinogen time. These effects might be due to inactivation or inhibition of factors affecting coagulation. The intake of evening primrose oil also significantly decreased platelet count. Results of this study suggest that evening primrose oil shows considerable anti-anticoagulant and anti-platelet activity in animals and has potential to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality

Effects of gamma linolenic acid on atherosclerosis induced by cholesterol-rich diet in rats / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) on atherogenesis in rats.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Sixty healthy male rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: normal contro 1, fed by normal feed; atherogenesis mode 1, fed by high lipid diet; positive control group 0.9 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) of lovastatin and group IV 250 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) duoxikang; high dose of 375 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) GLA; low dose of 187.5 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) GLA. After the model group received atherogenic diet for six weeks, serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were detected by enzyme method to confirm the formation of atherogenic. After fed for another five weeks, morphologic atherosclerosis of aorta in rats was observed by HE staining methods. The blood samples were collected and serum TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, T-AOC, HL, LPL, NO, NOS, MDA and GSH were determined.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>GLA attenuated the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, inhibited the level of serum TC, TG, MDA, OX-LDL, NO, NOS, HL, LPL and LDL-C and increased the level of T-AOC.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>GLA might significantly attenuate the development of atherosclerosis in rats fed with high lipid diet through improving the antioxidation capacity of the body.</p>

Prepared evening primrose oil microspheres by spray drying / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the best technique parameters on preparing evening primrose oil microspheres by spray drying technique.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>GC and internal standard method were used to determine the content of gamma-linolenic acid methyl esters, the technological parameters were investigated by orthogonal experimental design with the yield and entrapment rate as indexes.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The charging rate as 3 mL x min(-1), atomizing pressure as 100 kPa and the temperature of inlet as 105 degrees C were the best technique parameters.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Evening primrose oil microspheres accorded with the expecting demand. The main influencing factor is the charging rate. Spray drying is reasonable and practical for preparing evening primrose oil microspheres.</p>

Evaluation of phytochemical and production potential of borage [Borago officinalis L.] during the growth cycle

Borage [Borago officinalis L.] is a valuable medicinal plant with a high content of gamma linolenic acid. It has an important place in Iranian traditional medicine. Although the aerial parts of this plant are extensively used in treatment of diseases, detailed knowledge of the active constituent changes in these parts is not readily available. In addition the most data that has been reported are about oil seed of borage and its properties. Thus, the study about changes in chemical composition/secondary metabolites at different growth stages is necessary. For this reason, in the present research the chemical composition including total phenol, total alkaloids, mucilage, total ash, acid-insoluble ash and tannins of the aerial parts were evaluated during different growth stages of borage. Results indicated that at each corresponding stage of development, starting from seedling stage until flowering stage the chemical compositions of borage aerial parts hadn't significantly differences. Only, there were significant differences [p < 0.01] in the total ash and acid-insoluble ash and these two parameters were significantly increased with the development of plants, from seedling until flowering stage. In general, at all stage, the aerial parts showed similar quality in respect of chemical compositions. Therefore the best harvesting time of the aerial parts is the flowering stage, because we achieved the highest fresh and dry weight at this stage