On 25/11/02 10:58 PM, "Automatic digest processor"
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> I would like more information on the effects these herbs have on the body
> and the direct mechanism for relief from symptoms.  Does anyone have this
> infor, or know where I can research for this?

Mechanisms of action will be specififc for each individual condition being
treated. Eg in mastalgia women have been found to have reduced plasma levels
of gammalinolenic acid, dihomogammalinolenic acid and arachidonic acid -
suggesting a block in the metabolic pathway between linoleic acid and
gammlinolenic acid. Evening primrose oil is a rich source of gammalinolenic
acid.

Gately, CA. 1993. Gammalinolenic acid: possible modes of action in the
treatment of mastalgia. Breast. 2:67-69.

Effects on the immune system are complicated and varied. If you have a
scientific interest, I recommend:

Miles, EA & Calder, PC. 1998. Modulation of immune function by dietary fatty
acids. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 57: 277-292.

Regards
Cathy Fetherston

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