-- High Levels of GLA Show Promise For Cost-Effective and Convenient Supply of Health-Promoting Supplement --
Davis, Calif. (April 20, 2006) – Arcadia Biosciences, Inc. today announced research results demonstrating 65 percent gamma linolenic acid (GLA) in the oil from safflower seeds. Through further development, these high levels of GLA hold promise of providing consumers with a more cost-effective and convenient source of the health-promoting omega-6 fatty acid.
Use of GLA supplements is currently constrained by high cost and the need to consume 10 or more capsules of existing GLA supplements per day of evening primrose oil or borage oil to receive optimal health benefits. The achievement of 65 percent GLA in safflower, a commonly grown agricultural crop, represents a breakthrough relative to both evening primrose oil and borage oil, which contain significantly less GLA and are difficult to cultivate.
"Higher levels of GLA in seed oils will offer significant opportunities for consumers who want the health benefits of GLA without the cost, inconvenience and calories associated with consuming large numbers of capsules every day," said Eric Rey, president and CEO of Arcadia. "For example, if an individual consumes seven capsules per day of evening primrose oil with 10 percent GLA, in the future they may be able to get the same dose of GLA with as few as one or two capsules per day. Between our technological achievements and our commercial production partnership with Cal/West Seed Company, we remain on track to expand the use of GLA and create new markets for safflower growers."
In June 2004, Arcadia announced that it had entered into a funded agreement with SemBioSys Genetics, Inc. (TSX: SBS) under which SemBioSys would transform safflower plants using proprietary genes from Arcadia to create improved seed oils with high levels of gamma linolenic acid. In November 2005, Arcadia announced the initial development of safflower plants containing more than 35 percent GLA in the seed oil. The announcement of 65 percent GLA in safflower seed oil represents a further development from the research program.
Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid with health benefits that are similar and complementary to the benefits of the fish oil derived omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. GLA is a natural anti-inflammatory with benefits for cardiac, joint, skin, and neurological health. Areas where GLA may be beneficial include infant nutrition, atopic eczema, dermatitis, diabetic neuropathy, breast pain, premenstrual syndrome symptoms, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure, skin health and general inflammation.
About Arcadia Biosciences, Inc.
Based in Davis, Calif., with additional facilities in Seattle, Wash. and Phoenix, Ariz., Arcadia Biosciences is an agricultural biotechnology company focused on the development of agricultural products that improve the environment and enhance human health. For more information visit www.arcadiabio.com.
