Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)

Alpha-linolenic acid (**ALA**) is an essential polyunsaturated omega‑3 fatty acid found abundantly in plant oils such as flaxseed oil, chia seeds, walnuts, hemp seed oil, canola oil and soybeans. Chemically designated all-cis‑9,12,15-octadecatrienoic-acid (C18H30O2), it cannot be synthesized de novo by humans and must be obtained from the diet. In the body it serves both structural roles—as part of membrane phospholipids—and functional ones—as precursor for longer-chain n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic-acid (**EPA**) and docosahexaenoic-acid (**DHA**) through limited enzymatic conversion pathways. Its biological activities include supporting cardiovascular health through anti-thrombotic actions; modulating inflammation via production of less pro-inflammatory eicosanoids compared to arachidonic-acid-derived mediators; contributing to neurodevelopment; exerting antioxidant effects; regulating metabolic processes; possibly reducing cancer risk; among others. However—unlike proteins such as receptors or enzymes—it does not function itself as a classical therapeutic “target” but rather exerts systemic benefits when present at adequate levels through nutrition or supplementation.[1][4][5][7]

Other names

α-Linolenic acidALA(9Z,12Z,15Z)-Octadeca-9,12,15-trienoic acidall-cis-9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acidLinolenic acid (ambiguous; can refer to other isomers)cis,cis,cis-9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid

Not applicable for drugs targeting this molecule directly. However: As an administered supplement or dietary component it acts by being incorporated into cell membranes and serving as precursor for eicosanoids and other lipid mediators with anti-inflammatory properties.