Hormonal
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) supplementation reduces inflammation and joint symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis patients, acting as an NSAID-sparing agent by producing anti-inflammatory prostaglandins (PGE1) and leukotrienes (LTB4 inhibition).
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, GLA supplements may help reduce joint tenderness and morning stiffness over time, potentially allowing you to use fewer NSAIDs. However, do not expect immediate pain relief; it takes a long time to work. It works best when used alongside your standard medical treatment.
Several clinical trials have confirmed that GLA reduces inflammation, tender joint scores, morning stiffness [14,15,26-28] and reduces the requirement for NSAIDs [27].
Why this rating
The paper is a review citing multiple clinical trials, but notes that GLA alone is not sufficiently potent for acute relief and requires long administration.
Source
Gamma Linolenic Acid: An Antiinflammatory Omega-6 Fatty Acid
Rakesh Kapoor et al. · Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology · 2006
DOI 10.2174/138920106779116874
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