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Evening primrose is an attractive herb that grows in mild climate
areas of North American and Europe as well as many other areas of
the world with similar climates. However, evening primrose is
cultivated and processed primarily in Canada and the United States.
Evening primrose plants may grow anywhere from 3 to 7 feet in
height. A unique characteristic of the evening primrose plant is
that it will bloom throughout the summer, but its flowers each last
only one day, opening as the sun goes down and then dying away in
sunlight (hence its name "Evening Primrose"). About 2 inches in
length, the seeds of the evening primrose are used to produce the
volatile oil that is used in medicines and cosmetics.
Evening
primrose oil contains substantial amounts of polysaturated omega-6
fatty acids, essential fatty acids (EFAs) which are needed by the
body to regulate a number of activities including insulin
utilization, heart function, and mood. Since the body does not
produce EFAs, they must be ingested through proper diet or
supplementation. In addition to omega-6 fatty acids, evening
primrose oil contains linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
Both linoleic acid and GLA are believed to have very positive health
and medicinal indications. Linoleic acid may affect how the body
utilizes insulin, maintains weight, and fights cancer and heart
disease. GLA may help to inhibit the body's production of chemicals
that cause inflammation. Consequently, evening primrose oil has been
used in connection with inflammatory conditions including both
rheumatoid arthritis and asthma. Some studies have also suggested
that evening primrose oil may be useful in treating chronic fatigue
syndrome, but more research is needed before evening primrose oil
can be recommended for that condition.
Evening primrose oil
may help to relieve pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), symptoms of
menopause, and breast pain due to hormonal changes during
menstruation. Supplementary GLA, such as is supplied by evening
primrose oil, appears to relieve some PMS symptoms. However, many of
the suggested uses of evening primrose seed oil have not been
substantiated by sound clinic studies and research.
Both oral
and topical forms of evening primrose oil have also been studied for
treating acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. When
used as a topical application on the skin, evening primrose oil has
moisturizing and softening effects.
Additional research
indicates that individuals suffering from diabetes, scleroderma,
Sjorgen's syndrome, and tardive dyskinesia may be deficient in GLA.
In preliminary studies, supplementation with Evening Primrose Oil
aided individuals with these
conditions.
Dosage
Most experts have
recommended 3000 to 6000 mg of Evening Primrose Oil per day, which,
when standardized, provides approximately 270-540 mg of
GLA.
EPO is usually standardized to contain 8%
gamma-linolenic acid.
Supporting
Literature
De La Cruz JP, Martin-Romero M,
Carmona JA, Villalobos MA, Sanches DC. Effect of evening primrose
oil on platelet aggregation in rabbits fed an atherogenic diet.
Thromb Res. 1997;87(1):141-149.
Keen H, Payan J, Allawi J, et al.
Treatment of diabetic neuropathy with gamma-linolenic acid. Diabetes
Care 1993;16:8–15.
Mansel RE, Pye JK, Hughes LE. Effects of
essential fatty acids on cyclical mastalgia and noncyclical breast
disorders. In Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids: Pathophysiology and
Roles in Clinical Medicine, ed. DF Horrobin. New York: Alan R Liss,
1990, 557–566.
Keen H, Payan J, Allawi J, et al. Treatment of
diabetic neuropathy with gamma-linolenic acid. Diabetes Care
1993;16:8–15.
Horrobin DF. Essential fatty acid metabolism in
diseases of connective tissue with special reference to scleroderma
and to Sjogren’s syndrome. Med Hypotheses
1984;14:233–247.
Leventhal LJ, Boyce EG, Zurier RB. Treatment of
rheumatoid arthritis with black currant seed oil. Br J Rheumatol.
1994;33(9):847-852.
Vaddadi KS, Gilleard CJ. Essential fatty
acids, tardive dyskinesia, and schizophrenia. In Omega-6 Essential
Fatty Acids: Pathophysiology and Roles in Clinical Medicine.
Horrobin DF (ed). New York: Alan R Liss, 1990,
333–343.
Schalin-Karrila M, Mattila L, Jansen CT, et al. Evening
primrose oil in the treatment of atopic eczema: effect on clinical
status, plasma phospholipid fatty acids and circulating blood
prostaglandins. Br J Dermatol
1987;117:11–19.
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