New Study Finds Ahiflower® Omega-3 Oil Comparable to Fish Oil for Cardiometabolic & Vascular Health

Data shows plant-based omegas may support for healthy blood lipids, vascular function and platelet health in experimental models

WINSTON-SALEM, NC, UNITED STATES, September 10, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- New research published in Journal of Functional Foods adds to the growing body of research exploring the potential heart and metabolic health benefits of Ahiflower^® oil, a plant-based omega-3 and GLA source derived from Buglossoides arvensis. In a 12-week dietary study, Ahiflower oil showed beneficial effects on blood lipids, blood vessel health, liver enzyme markers and platelet function in mouse models of high blood lipids and thrombosis.

The study is the first animal trial to specifically examine heart health-related effects of Ahiflower oil in comparison with fish oil. Researchers looked at a range of markers associated with a high-fat Western diet, including elevated blood lipids, inflammation and the body’s tendency to form blood clots.

“Ahiflower oil showed beneficial effects on blood lipid profiles, vascular health, and platelet function in experimental studies. Ahiflower oil reduced vascular inflammation and suppressed blood clot formation in animal models of high blood lipids. It effectively reduced triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol while increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol,” said Seon-Yong Jeong, Professor at Ajou University School of Medicine. “In addition, it reduced elevated levels of the liver enzymes ALT and AST, suggesting potential benefits for liver health. Across several experimental measures, Ahiflower oil showed beneficial effects comparable to those of fish oil. Overall, these findings suggest that Ahiflower oil may help support healthy blood lipid balance and vascular health.”

Broad Effects Across Multiple Measures of Cardiometabolic Health
Mice receiving Ahiflower oil alongside a high-fat diet experienced improvements in several measures of cardiometabolic health. These included lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, higher HDL cholesterol and improved liver enzyme levels compared with mice receiving the high-fat diet alone. Researchers also saw improvements in markers related to healthy blood vessel function. Ahiflower oil reduced signals associated with blood vessel inflammation and increased signals related to nitric oxide, which plays an important role in healthy circulation.

In models related to blood clot formation, Ahiflower oil reduced platelet aggregation, or the tendency of blood platelets to clump together. Notably, these beneficial effects on blood vessels and platelets were also seen in a model driven primarily by inflammation, even when blood lipid levels did not substantially change. This suggests that Ahiflower oil’s effects may extend beyond simply supporting healthy blood lipid levels.

Comparable Effects to Fish Oil
When fish oil was directly evaluated, both oils showed similar benefits across several measures, including blood vessel function, platelet aggregation and blood lipid levels. The study found that Ahiflower oil produced these effects despite containing no EPA or DHA. Instead, Ahiflower oil has a distinctive fatty acid profile naturally rich in ALA, SDA and GLA, offering a different approach to omega-3 nutrition.

The amount of Ahiflower oil used in the study was equivalent to approximately 1.0 to 2.5 grams per day for humans, a level that can readily be achieved through dietary supplements and certain foods and beverages.

“These findings reinforce the potential of Ahiflower oil to contribute to a broader understanding of plant-based omega nutrition,” said Greg Cumberford, Science Lead at Natures Crops International. “It highlights the potential of a plant-based ALA, SDA and GLA matrix to influence multiple pathways relevant to cardiovascular and vascular health and provide the basis for nutritional strategies to include these plant-based precursor fatty acids alongside preformed EPA and DHA.”

A Different Approach to Omega-3 Nutrition
Ahiflower oil, Nature’s richest source of omega-3, provides a unique combination of ALA, SDA and GLA, offering a different way to support omega-3 and omega-6 pathways than conventional fish oil. This study adds to previous controlled animal research comparing Ahiflower oil and fish oil and supports the idea that different omega-3 sources may offer complementary benefits.

About Natures Crops International
A manufacturer of specialty oils for dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, food, personal care and animal nutrition products, Natures Crops International (NCI) produces oils from the highest quality crops, produced by growers who follow strict management protocols for sustainability and identity preservation. NCI ensures the crops produced are grown, processed, packaged, and delivered in a safe, sustainable, traceable, and cost-competitive manner. The company has operations in Prince Edward Island, Canada and the United Kingdom, with headquarters in North Carolina. For more information, please write to info@naturescrops.com.

Alexa Krause
Natures Crops International
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