Overview

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.

How does it work ?

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.

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.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • 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 for

  • 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.

Side Effects

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.

Special Precautions and Warnings

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. 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.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for LORENZO'S OIL overview.

Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

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.
View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.