Gamma-Linolenic Acid May Help Relax Constricted Coronary Arteries

Recent research conducted by Toho University has uncovered potential cardiovascular benefits of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid abundantly found in plant oils like evening primrose and borage. The study indicates that GLA can directly induce relaxation in constricted coronary arteries by blocking a critical receptor involved in blood vessel contraction, mainly the prostanoid TP receptor. This receptor activation is typically responsible for vessel narrowing that can lead to chest pain (angina) and heighten the risk of heart attacks.

The scientists explored whether GLA could inhibit the contraction of coronary arteries caused by TP receptor activation. Their findings revealed that GLA effectively curbed contractions prompted by TP receptor agonists, acting as a competitive antagonist similar to omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA, which are already known for their cardiovascular benefits. Notably, GLA’s ability to inhibit these contractions was observed at concentrations achievable through dietary supplements, emphasizing its practical significance.

This discovery challenges the earlier belief that only omega-3 fatty acids possess such vascular effects, suggesting that non-omega-3 fatty acids like GLA may also play a protective role in heart health. GLA’s metabolic conversion into anti-inflammatory compounds further enhances its potential as a beneficial component for cardiovascular disease prevention.

The study, published in the Journal of Pharmacological Sciences, was led by Dr. Keisuke Obara, Dr. Kento Yoshioka, and Professor Yoshio Tanaka from the Department of Chemical Pharmacology. Their findings underscore the significance of dietary GLA in possibly reducing the risk of coronary spasms and related heart conditions by targeting and blocking TP receptors in coronary vessels.

While promising, further research is needed to determine GLA’s effects in humans and its long-term safety profile. Nonetheless, this study opens new avenues for dietary strategies aimed at cardiovascular health and highlights GLA as a compound of interest for future cardiovascular therapies.