Ecdysteroids
Ecdysteroids are steroid compounds found in insects and a number of plants (phytoecdysteroids). According to an extensive review, “the metabolic fate of ecdysteroids in mammals, including humans, is only poorly known.” They appear to be non-toxic and—according to Eastern European/Soviet research, may have modest growth-promoting effects in animals. Recent research suggests ecdysterones can increase protein synthesis in human and...
Dimethylxanthine
See Theophylline.
Borage Oil
A source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) used in supplements. Borage oil has a higher percentage of GLA than evening primrose oil (23% – 24%). High quality oil should be used, however, as it may contain traces of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine...
Evening Primrose Oil
A source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) used in supplements (evening primrose oil is approx. 10% GLA). It’s used therapeutically to treat eczema. Evening primrose oil is also touted as an alternative treatment for a number of other conditions, such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetic neuropathy, PMS and menopause – but evidence of its effectiveness for these conditions is mixed and...
Alpha-Linolenic Acid
An omega-3 essential fatty acid found in sources such as flax, hemp, perilla and chia seeds/oils. Alpha-linolenic acid is a precursor to the essential metabolites EPA and DHA, although conversion is often limited and inefficient, due to factors such as gender and competition with (omega-6) linoleic acid – which is often oversupplied in the...
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
An omega-3 fatty acid produced in the body from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) – a metabolite of the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid. Fatty fish, fish oil and microalgae are dietary sources of pre-formed DHA. DHA is the most abundant essential fatty acid in the brain and is a precursor for the docosanoids, a series of hormone-like signalling molecules. DHA and EPA play important roles in lipid metabolism, neurological...
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