Ahiflower®

Overview

Ahiflower® is a proprietary, refined seed oil from the plant Buglossoides arvensis, in the Boraginaceae family. It contains the most biologically advanced omega fatty acids of any known natural plant source: it is the richest naturally occurring source of stearidonic acid (SDA) and also a strong source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).

With a 4:1 ratio of omega-3 to omega-6, it is a powerful single-plant source of non-GMO omegas. It is a preferred choice for formulations targeting cardiovascular, brain, skin, joint and immune support.

Ahiflower is a plant that was discovered growing wild in a hedgerow in the UK countryside. Today it is cultivated as a non-GMO agricultural crop exclusively by Natures Crops International (NCI). Each bloom produces up to four seeds; these seeds are freshly expeller-pressed to yield a complete and balanced oil with a higher quality and quantity of omega-3-6-9 fatty acids than any other seed oil discovered to date.

Applications

Ahiflower® delivers the benefits associated with fish oil, evening primrose oil, olive oil and flaxseed oil, all from a single plant.

It is suitable for liquid oil, softgel, gummy, powdered premix and water-soluble emulsion formats.

It can be used in dairy products, plant-based dairy alternatives, protein bars, dressings, spreads and dips. It does not have the taste and odor issues often encountered with conventional fish- and algae-derived omega-3s.

Key features

Ahiflower seed oil is one of the complete and balanced plant-based sources of omega 3+6 essential fatty acids. Unlike many other plant-based omega-3 sources, it contains SDA, the plant kingdom’s most potent omega-3, which provides a natural and efficient route for the body to make its own EPA and DHA.

Ahiflower oil is the richest combined source of SDA (20%) and ALA (45%) omega-3 and GLA (6%) omega-6.

SDA’s conversion efficiency to EPA is approximately 400% higher than that of ALA.

Unlike marine and many other plant-based omega-3 oils, it contains the omega-6 GLA, which is associated with skin health, hormonal balance and anti-inflammatory support.

It has a clean taste and formulates well with other oils, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from supplements and beverages to personal care and pet food.

Ahiflower oil is grown by a group of UK farmers who follow regenerative agricultural practices and traceability protocols. Carbon capture, soil health, pollinator activity and biodiversity are monitored throughout the entire growing season. One acre of Ahiflower produces as much omega-rich oil as 500,000 anchovies. NCI is B-Corp certified.