Efficacy of dietary hempseed oil in patients with atopic dermatitis

Background: Hempseed oil is a rich and balanced source of omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Anecdotal evidence indicated that dietary hempseed oil might be useful in treating symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Patients and methods: Dietary hempseed oil and olive oil were compared...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of dermatological treatment 2005-04, Vol.16 (2), p.87-94
Main Authors: Callaway, James, Schwab, Ursula, Harvima, Ilkka, Halonen, Pirjo, Mykkänen, Otto, Hyvönen, Pekka, Järvinen, Tomi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Biological and medical sciences
Cannabis
Cross-Over Studies
Dermatitis, Atopic - diet therapy
Dermatitis, Atopic - metabolism
desaturase
Dietary Fats, Unsaturated - administration & dosage
eczema
Fatty Acids, Essential - blood
Female
General pharmacology
hemp
Humans
Lipids - blood
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Olive Oil
Pharmacognosy. Homeopathy. Health food
Pharmacology. Drug treatments
Plant Oils - administration & dosage
SDA
Single-Blind Method
stearidonic acid
Water Loss, Insensible - physiology
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Summary:Background: Hempseed oil is a rich and balanced source of omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Anecdotal evidence indicated that dietary hempseed oil might be useful in treating symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Patients and methods: Dietary hempseed oil and olive oil were compared in a 20-week randomized, single-blind crossover study with atopic patients. Fatty acid profiles were measured in plasma triglyceride, cholesteryl and phospholipid fractions. A patient questionnaire provided additional information on skin dryness, itchiness and usage of dermal medications. Skin transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was also measured. Results: Levels of both essential fatty acids (EFAs), linoleic acid (18:2n6) and alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n3), and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA; 18:3n6) increased in all lipid fractions after hempseed oil, with no significant increases of arachidonic acid (20:4n6) in any lipid fractions after either oil. Intra-group TEWL values decreased (p = 0.074), qualities of both skin dryness and itchiness improved (p = 0.027) and dermal medication usage decreased (p = 0.024) after hempseed oil intervention. Conclusions: Dietary hempseed oil caused significant changes in plasma fatty acid profiles and improved clinical symptoms of atopic dermatitis. It is suggested that these improvements resulted from the balanced and abundant supply of PUFAs in this hempseed oil.
ISSN:0954-6634
1471-1753
DOI:10.1080/09546630510035832