Buglossoides arvensis

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Buglossoides arvensis (corn gromwell, marketed as 'Ahiflower') is a flowering plant whose seed oil is rich in stearidonic acid (SDA), an omega-3 fatty acid that the body converts more efficiently than ALA to EPA.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Plant-based omega-3 (EPA precursor)

Good Evidence

Human trials show Ahiflower oil raises EPA levels more efficiently than ALA-only oils like flax, though less than fish oil. DHA effects are minimal.

How it works

Ahiflower oil typically contains around 18-20% SDA along with ALA and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). SDA bypasses the rate-limiting delta-6 desaturase step in the omega-3 pathway, leading to a more efficient conversion to EPA than from flax-based ALA. Human studies show modest increases in red blood cell EPA, but minimal increases in DHA. Ahiflower is a plant-based option for raising tissue EPA in people who do not consume fish or fish oil.

Dosage

There is no RDA. Studies typically use 5-15 mL/day of Ahiflower oil, providing roughly 1-3 g of SDA. DSLD does not provide a median dose for this entry.

When and how to take it

Take with a meal containing fat to support absorption. Daily consistent use is needed to raise tissue omega-3 levels; effects build over weeks.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Buglossoides arvensis (Ahiflower) seed oil

Refined seed oils are the standard supplement form.

Fat-soluble; take with food.

Safety

Well tolerated in trials at typical food/supplement doses. Mild GI upset and fish-like burps can occur.

Who should be cautious

Caution at high doses if taking blood thinners. Pregnancy/breastfeeding: food-dose intake likely fine; high-dose extracts have less data. Avoid use in people with severe fat malabsorption without medical guidance.

Interactions

Potential additive effects with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs at high doses; clinical risk appears low at typical intakes.

Food sources

Buglossoides arvensis seed oil

Amount
10 mL
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is Ahiflower as good as fish oil?⌄

It raises EPA better than flax oil, but yields little DHA. For DHA, fish or algal oil is more effective.

Is it vegan?⌄

Yes, it is a plant-based seed oil and a vegan source of usable omega-3 building blocks.

References

Buglossoides arvensis on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Buglossoides arvensis on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Buglossoides arvensis (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.