Evidence supporting the use of: Gamma Linolenic Acid
For the body system: Female Reproductive System

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid commonly found in plant oils such as evening primrose oil, borage oil, and black currant seed oil. Its use to support the female reproductive system has some scientific basis, particularly concerning menstrual health and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Several clinical studies have investigated GLA’s ability to alleviate PMS symptoms such as breast tenderness, mood swings, and irritability. The proposed mechanism is that GLA is a precursor to prostaglandin E1, a compound thought to have anti-inflammatory and hormone-modulating effects.

Meta-analyses and systematic reviews suggest modest benefits for PMS, though results are somewhat mixed and not universally conclusive. The evidence for using GLA to address other aspects of female reproductive health, such as fertility or menopausal symptoms, is weaker and largely anecdotal. GLA is not widely accepted as a first-line therapy, but it is used as an adjunct in some cases, particularly for women who prefer natural supplements.

In summary, while GLA is not a panacea for all female reproductive concerns, its use for PMS symptoms is supported by moderate-quality evidence and a plausible biological rationale. More large-scale, high-quality trials are needed to establish its efficacy definitively.

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Other ingredients that support Female Reproductive System

7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)
amino acids
ashwagandha
basil
black cohosh
borage oil
broccoli
chaste tree
turmeric
d-alpha tocopherol
damiana
dandelion
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fennel
fenugreek
flaxseed
folate
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
genistein
ginger
goldenseal
hibiscus
HMR lignan
Indian tinospora
indole-3-carbinol
inositol
jujube
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lignans
linoleic acid (LA)
maca
marine lipid
motherwort
nettle
omega-3 fatty acids
raspberry
rose oil
saffron
selenium
soybean
spearmint leaf
tribulus
vitamin B
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
red clover
squawvine
mugwort
anise
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
blessed thistle
peony
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
yarrow
yarrow
dioscorea
dodder
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
guelder rose
trace minerals
anemarrhena asphodeloides
shepherd's purse
wood betony
herbal blend (proprietary)
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
25-d-spirosta-3, 5-diene
8-Prenylnaringenin
Angelica
Anamu
AHCC
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Anemone
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Animal protein
Betony
Blue Cohosh
Bugbane
Bethroot
Barbasco
Belamcanda
Bird's nest
Calochortus
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Cramp Bark
Chinese Pond Turtle
Chlorophytum
Casticin
Ceylon Leadwort
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Daidzein
Dong Quai
Diosgenin
Date
Egg
Erythrina
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Folic Acid
Fo-Ti
Furostanols
formononetin
Fatty acids
False Unicorn Root
Ginsenosides
Goat's rue
Giant Trillium
Golden Ragwort
Isoflavones
jasmine
Pennyroyal
Rose
Soy Protein
Vervain

Products containing Gamma Linolenic Acid

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.