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GNC Laboratories
Black Currant Oil
Product Highlights
Black Currant Confers Immunity
Black
currant seed oil stimulates immune function in older people, according to a
new study by Dayong Wu, Ph.D.,
of
Tufts University in
Boston.
Lowered immunity plagues the elderly and may be partially caused by a potent
chemical signaler, prostaglandin PGE-2, which interferes with T-cell
function. T-cells stimulate other cellular components of the immune system
to kill or neutralize invading bacteria and viruses.
In
this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 29 people older than 65 , took
4.5 g daily of either black currant seed oil or soybean oil for two months.
Researchers evaluated subjects' cell-mediated immune function by measuring
skin response to an antigen called tetanus toxoid. Response to the toxin
generally declines with age. Subjects who took black currant seed oil showed
a 28 percent greater skin response after two months. The placebo group's
response was unchanged.
The
group taking black currant seed oil also showed a dramatic drop in PGE-2
production not seen in those taking placebo. Black currant seed oil is one
of the richest sources of gamma linolenic acid, which stimulates production
of beneficial prostaglandins such as PGE-1. Such prostaglandins act in
opposition to PGE-2 by reducing inflammation and possibly preventing diseases such as
atherosclerosis and arthritis. Older people produce less gamma linolenic
acid on their own and so may benefit from supplements. Black currant seed
oil also contains stearidonic acid, another possible
PGE-2 inhibitor.
There
was no difference between the two groups in other immune markers such as
production of interleukins and lymphocytes
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Black Currant Oil contains essential fatty acids that
provide dietary support for normal healthy blood lipids and helps to
support the cardiovascular system.
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Each capsule contains 500 mg of Black Currant Oil.
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Easy-to-swallow softgel capsules.
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