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Details

Stereochemistry ACHIRAL
Molecular Formula C18H30O2
Molecular Weight 278.4296
Optical Activity NONE
Defined Stereocenters 0 / 0
E/Z Centers 3
Charge 0

SHOW SMILES / InChI
Structure of LINOLENIC ACID

SMILES

CC\C=C/C\C=C/C\C=C/CCCCCCCC(O)=O

InChI

InChIKey=DTOSIQBPPRVQHS-PDBXOOCHSA-N
InChI=1S/C18H30O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18(19)20/h3-4,6-7,9-10H,2,5,8,11-17H2,1H3,(H,19,20)/b4-3-,7-6-,10-9-

HIDE SMILES / InChI

Molecular Formula C18H30O2
Molecular Weight 278.4296
Charge 0
Count
MOL RATIO 1 MOL RATIO (average)
Stereochemistry ACHIRAL
Additional Stereochemistry No
Defined Stereocenters 0 / 0
E/Z Centers 3
Optical Activity NONE

Description

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an 18-carbon omega-3 essential fatty acid, is the precursor of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA cannot be synthesized by humans and therefore must be entirely acquired from exogenous sources. Evidence for the essentiality of ALA was first provided by a study showing that ALA supplementation reversed the abnormal neurologic signs observed in a 6-year-old girl who suffered from sensory loss and visual complications. Most of the ALA is catabolized via beta-oxidation for energy generation, and a small proportion of it undergoes conversion to produce another two potent members of omega-3 PUFA family: EPA and DHA. Delta 6 desaturase (D6D) enzyme is responsible the conversion of ALA to DHA. Although not conclusive, it was suggested, that the benefits associated with ALA seem to stem mainly from EPA and DHA, and as major consequence of ALA deficiency it appears that EPA and DHA are not adequately produced.

Originator

Approval Year

Targets

Primary TargetPharmacologyConditionPotency

Conditions

ConditionModalityTargetsHighest PhaseProduct
Curative
Intralipid

PubMed

Sample Use Guides

In Vivo Use Guide
It was examined the effect of the oral consumption of α-Linolenic acid (ALA) on blood levels of BDNF and Malondialdehyde (MDA) in healthy adult humans. 30 healthy volunteers, 15 men and 15 women, were selected randomly. During the experiment, each individual was given 3 oral capsules of flaxseed oil, containing 500mg of alpha linolenic acid, daily for one week. Then, plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) and MDA were tested.
Route of Administration: Oral
In Vitro Use Guide
It was examined the effects of omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) during in vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) in the presence of PSO on subsequent embryo development and quality, and the cellular mechanisms that might be involved. Bovine cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were supplemented during IVM with ALA (50 μM), PSO (425 μM), or PSO+ALA. Compared with FFA-free controls (P < 0.05), PSO increased embryo fragmentation and decreased good quality embryos on Day 2 post-fertilization. Day 7 blastocyst rate was also reduced. Day 8 blastocysts had lower cell counts and higher apoptosis but normal metabolic profile. It was found, that adding ALA in the presence of PSO normalised embryo fragmentation, cleavage, blastocyst rates and blastocyst quality compared to controls (P > 0.05). Combined treatment with ALA also reduced CC apoptosis, partially recovered CC expansion, abrogated the reduction in MMP in the CCs but not in the oocytes, and reduced BiP and HSP70 expression in CCs, compared with PSO only (P < 0.05). In conclusion, ALA supplementation protected oocyte developmental capacity under lipotoxic conditions mainly by protecting cumulus cell viability.
Substance Class Chemical
Record UNII
0RBV727H71
Record Status Validated (UNII)
Record Version