Gamma Linolenic Acid

It belongs to the n-6 series of polyunsaturated fatty acids and is a colorless oily liquid that is easily oxidized in air. Generally, 

the content of linolenic acid in plants is relatively low, and it often contains high concentrations of α- Linolenic acid, 

this substance is γ- Isomers of linolenic acid, in γ- The purification process of linolenic acid is difficult to separate.

Gamma Linolenic Acid exists in human milk and the oil of some seed plants and spore plants, s

uch as evening primrose of Salicaceae, and its seed oil contains 7% to 10% of this product. 

It is also found in the oils of borage and black currant from the comfrey family.

- Chemical formula:  C18H30O2 

- Molecular weight:  278.432 g/mol 

- IUPAC name:  (Z,Z,Z)-Octadeca-6,9,12-trienoic acid 

- CAS number:  506-26-3 

- Melting point:  -11.0 °C 

- Boiling point:  228.0 °C 

- Density:  0.916 g/cm3 

- Solubility:  Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and chloroform 

- Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid with three double bonds located at the sixth, ninth, 

and twelfth carbons from the omega end. It is classified as an essential fatty acid as the human body cannot synthesize it 

and therefore must be obtained from the diet or through supplementation. 

- GLA is mainly found in plant oils, such as evening primrose oil, borage oil, and black currant seed oil. 

It can also be found in smaller amounts in several other edible oils, nuts, and seeds.

 - GLA has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, 

and anti-cancer properties. It has also been investigated for its role in managing conditions such as eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetic neuropathy.