Lorenzo's oil
Scientific names: 13-Docosenoic acid (erucic acid), cis-9-Octadecenoic acid (oleic acid)
Alternate names: Aceite de Lorenzo, Acide Érucique, Acide Oléique, Glycerol Trierucate Oil, Glycerol Trioleate Oil, Huile de Lorenzo, Huile de Trioléate de Glycérol
Background
Lorenzo's oil is a combination of two chemicals called erucic acid and oleic acid. People use Lorenzo's oil as a medicine.
Lorenzo's oil is used to treat an inherited disorder that affects the nervous system and adrenal glands (adrenoleukodystrophy or ALD), and an inherited condition that affects the spinal cord (adrenomyeloneuropathy or AMN). ALD occurs in children, and AMN occurs in adults.
Lorenzo's oil is named after a child, Lorenzo Odone, who developed ALD. His parents discovered a mixture of fatty acids that seemed to slow progression of the disease. The mixture became known as "Lorenzo's oil."
In the US, Lorenzo's oil is only available to patients participating in a clinical trial.
Lorenzo's oil is used to treat an inherited disorder that affects the nervous system and adrenal glands (adrenoleukodystrophy or ALD), and an inherited condition that affects the spinal cord (adrenomyeloneuropathy or AMN). ALD occurs in children, and AMN occurs in adults.
Lorenzo's oil is named after a child, Lorenzo Odone, who developed ALD. His parents discovered a mixture of fatty acids that seemed to slow progression of the disease. The mixture became known as "Lorenzo's oil."
In the US, Lorenzo's oil is only available to patients participating in a clinical trial.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Lorenzo's oil is POSSIBLY SAFE when used under the care of healthcare professionals. Side effects of Lorenzo's oil can include bruising and bleeding.
Children: Lorenzo's oil is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth by children who are under the care of healthcare professionals.
Blood disorders that cause a decrease in blood white cells needed to fight infections (neutropenia): Lorenzo's oil might make this condition worse.
Blood disorders that cause a decrease in blood platelets needed for clotting (thrombocytopenia): Lorenzo's oil might make this condition worse.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information about the safety of Lorenzo's oil when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Children: Lorenzo's oil is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth by children who are under the care of healthcare professionals.
Blood disorders that cause a decrease in blood white cells needed to fight infections (neutropenia): Lorenzo's oil might make this condition worse.
Blood disorders that cause a decrease in blood platelets needed for clotting (thrombocytopenia): Lorenzo's oil might make this condition worse.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
- An inherited disorder that affects the nervous system and adrenal glands (adrenoleukodystrophy or ALD). Lorenzo's oil might help prevent nervous system problems in children who have ALD, but haven't yet shown any symptoms. Lorenzo's oil probably does not help children who already have symptoms of ALD.
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
- An inherited disorder that affects the spinal cord (adrenomyeloneuropathy or AMN). Taking Lorenzo's oil does not seem to improve symptoms or slow the progression of disease in patients with AMN.
Dosing & administration
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
BY MOUTH:
- For an inherited disorder that affects the nervous system and adrenal glands (adrenoleukodystrophy or ALD): Lorenzo's oil in a dose of 2-3 mL/kg has been used.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Lorenzo's Oil interacts with any medicines. Before taking Lorenzo's Oil, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
Two rare genetic disorders can cause a large build-up of certain chemicals called very long-chain fatty acids. The build-up of these fatty acids is thought to cause many serious problems throughout the brain and body. Lorenzo's oil might help prevent some of this build-up.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 27/01/2023 20:26:45. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
