Gamolenic acid API Manufacturers

General Description:

Gamolenic acid, identified by CAS number 506-26-3, is a notable compound with significant therapeutic applications. Gamolenic acid, or gamma-linolenic acid (γ-Linolenic acid) or GLA, is an essential fatty acid (EFA) comprised of 18 carbon atoms with three double bonds that is most commonly found in human milk and other botanical sources . It is an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) also referred to as 18:3n-6; 6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid; and cis-6, cis-9, cis-12- octadecatrienoic acid . Gamolenic acid is produced minimally in the body as the delta 6-desaturase metabolite of . It is converted to , a biosynthetic precursor of monoenoic prostaglandins such as PGE1. While Gamolenic acid is found naturally in the fatty acid fractions of some plant seed oils , and are rich sources of gamolenic acid. Evening primrose oil has been investigated for clinical use in menopausal syndrome, diabetic neuropathy, and breast pain, where gamolenic acid is present at concentrations of 7-14% . Gamolenic acid may be found in over-the-counter dietary supplements. Gamolenic acid is also found in some fungal sources and also present naturally in the form of triglycerides . Various clinical indications of gamolenic acid have been studied, including rheumatoid arthritis, atopic eczema, acute respiratory distress syndrome, asthma, premenstrual syndrome, cardiovascular disease, ulcerative colitis, ADHD, cancer, osteoporosis, diabetic neuropathy, and insomnia.

Indications:

This drug is primarily indicated for: Indicated as a dietary supplement for over-the-counter uses. Its use in specific medical scenarios underscores its importance in the therapeutic landscape.

Metabolism:

Gamolenic acid undergoes metabolic processing primarily in: Via elongation mediated by elongase (ELOVL5), gamolenic acid is rapidly converted to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), which is further cyclooxygenated to prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) via COX-1 or COX-2 enzymatic activity depending on the cell type . PGE1 may be metabolized to smaller prostaglandin remnants, primarily dicarboxylic acids, which undergo renal excretion . DGLA may be converted to 15-(S)-hydroxy-8,11,13-eicosatrienoic acid (15-HETrE) by 15-lipoxygenase enzyme . Although the enzymatic pathway is less predominant relative to ELOVL5 in most cells, DGLA may also be converted to arachidonic acid (AA) via delta-5-desaturate activity , where hydrogen atoms are selectively removed to create new double bonds F27]. Arachidonic acid is a precursor in the biosynthesis of prostaglandin E2, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes, which are potent inflammatory mediators and play an important role in inflammatory pathways. This metabolic pathway ensures efficient processing of the drug, helping to minimize potential toxicity and side effects.

Absorption:

The absorption characteristics of Gamolenic acid are crucial for its therapeutic efficacy: The findings from a pharmacokinetic study suggest that therapeutic levels of GLA can be achieved within a week. The fasting plasma GLA levels plateaued within seven days of beginning treatment, regardless of dose . The drug's ability to rapidly penetrate into cells ensures quick onset of action.

Half-life:

The half-life of Gamolenic acid is an important consideration for its dosing schedule: No pharmacokinetic data available. This determines the duration of action and helps in formulating effective dosing regimens.

Protein Binding:

Gamolenic acid exhibits a strong affinity for binding with plasma proteins: No pharmacokinetic data available. This property plays a key role in the drug's pharmacokinetics and distribution within the body.

Route of Elimination:

The elimination of Gamolenic acid from the body primarily occurs through: The metabolites of gamolenic acid is expected to undergo renal excretion . Understanding this pathway is essential for assessing potential drug accumulation and toxicity risks.

Volume of Distribution:

Gamolenic acid is distributed throughout the body with a volume of distribution of: No pharmacokinetic data available. This metric indicates how extensively the drug permeates into body tissues.

Clearance:

The clearance rate of Gamolenic acid is a critical factor in determining its safe and effective dosage: No pharmacokinetic data available. It reflects the efficiency with which the drug is removed from the systemic circulation.

Pharmacodynamics:

Gamolenic acid exerts its therapeutic effects through: Gamolenic acid is converted to PGE1, which exhibits anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, antiproliferative, and lipid-lowering effects . PGE1 also induces smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation. Gamolenic acid is an essential component of membrane phospholipids, including the mitochondrial membrane, where it enhances the the integrity and the fluidity of the membrane . Bone and joint health: In a pilot study of women with a mean age of 79.5 years and senile osteoporosis, the use of gamolenic acid in combination with calcium and eicosapentaenoic acid was associated with an increase in femoral bone density and lumbar spine density in comparison to placebo, where there were no observable changes . In clinical studies of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, treatment with gamolenic acid-containing oils resulted in an improvement in symptoms, measured by joint tenderness counts and scores, joint swelling scores, physician global assessment, and pain . Inflammation: A study demonstrated that oral administration of gamolenic acid suppressed human T-cell proliferation and activation by interfering with early events in the TcR/CD3-receptor–mediated signal transduction cascade . Atherosclerosis: In ApoE genetic knock-out mice, dietary gamolenic acid was shown to reduce the average medial layer thickness of the vessel wall and reduces the size of atherosclerotic lesions . Diabetic complications: In a clinical trial of patients with mild diabetic neuropathy or distal diabetic neuropathy, treatment with gamolenic acid was associated with improved symptoms in hot and cold threshold, sensation, tendon reflexes, and muscle strength . GLA ameliorated the inflammatory profile in diabetic nephropathy in rat studies . Cancer: In three human tumor cell lines (the neuroblastoma CHP-212, the tubal carcinoma TG, and the colon carcinoma SW-620), gamolenic acid elicited cytotoxic effects in tumours by blocking cell proliferation following incorporation into malignant cells . In both clinical and animal studies of breast cancer, gamolenic acid, in combination with tamoxifen, down-regulated the expression of estrogen receptors . Skin disorders: In an open study of patients with atopic dermatitis, which is a disorder related to a deficiency of delta-6-desaturase and inefficient conversion of linoleic acid to gamolenic acid, daily administration of gamolenic acid was associated with a significant increase in plasma GLA and DGLA levels in combination with an improvement of clinical signs of atopic dermatitis . Respiratory disorders: In patients with acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome, gamolenic acid was shown to reduce cytokine production and neutrophil recruitment into the lung . In patients with atopic asthma, gamolenic acid blocked _ex vivo_ synthesis of leukotrienes from whole blood and isolated neutrophils compared to the placebo group . The drug's ability to modulate various physiological processes underscores its efficacy in treating specific conditions.

Mechanism of Action:

Gamolenic acid functions by: Once gamolenic acid (GLA) is absorbed and converted to dihomo-gamolenic acid (DGLA), circulating DGLA fatty acids are converted to several lipid mediators with predominantly anti-inflammatory properties, such as prostaglandin-E1 (PGE1) and 15-HETrE. The anti-inflammatory effects of DGLA are attributed to both the anti-inflammatory properties of DGLA-derived metabolites and the ability of DGLA and its products to compete with arachidonic acid (AA) in the synthesis of pro-inflammatory potent eicosanoid products, such as prostaglandins, thromboxane and leukotrienes . Both PGE1 and 15-HETrE are known to suppress inflammation, promote vasodilation, lower blood pressure, inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation, inhibit platelet aggregation, and exert anti-neoplastic activities . PGE1 is a potent vasodilator that binds to surface receptors on smooth muscle cells, increasing intracellular cAMP . PGE1 is binds to G protein coupled surface PGE (EP) receptors and prostacyclin (IP) receptors as a natural ligand . GLA is proposed to enhance calcium absorption, reduce excretion and increase calcium deposition in bone . It is proposed that GLA may suppress tumor growth _in vivo_ by increasing the expression of E-cadherin, a cell-to-cell adhesion molecule that acts as a suppressor of metastasis. Another possible mechanism of tumour suppression is that GLA also reduces tumor-endothelium adhesion, which is a key factor in the establishment of distant metastases, partly by improving gap junction communication within the endothelium . By targeting the inflammatory process involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, GLA inhibits the expression of inflammatory mediators that tend be elevated in diabetes, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), thereby attenuates the recruitment and infiltration of monocytes or macrophages . This mechanism highlights the drug's role in inhibiting or promoting specific biological pathways, contributing to its therapeutic effects.

Toxicity:

Classification:

Gamolenic acid belongs to the class of organic compounds known as lineolic acids and derivatives. These are derivatives of lineolic acid. Lineolic acid is a polyunsaturated omega-6 18 carbon long fatty acid, with two CC double bonds at the 9- and 12-positions, classified under the direct parent group Lineolic acids and derivatives. This compound is a part of the Organic compounds, falling under the Lipids and lipid-like molecules superclass, and categorized within the Fatty Acyls class, specifically within the Lineolic acids and derivatives subclass.

Categories:

Gamolenic acid is categorized under the following therapeutic classes: Agents that reduce seizure threshold, Dermatologicals, Fatty Acids, Fatty Acids, Essential, Fatty Acids, Omega-6, Fatty Acids, Unsaturated, Linolenic Acids, Lipids. These classifications highlight the drug's diverse therapeutic applications and its importance in treating various conditions.