WHAT IS EVENING PRIMROSE?

Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) also known as the night willow herb, is a flowering plant with a yellow blossom, native to North America but now widely naturalized elsewhere in temperate and subtropical regions. Most flowering plants open with the sunrise, but evening primrose opens its petals in the evening sunset and closes during the day, hence the name.

The oil, Evening Primrose Oil (EPO), that is extracted from the seeds is commonly used as a health supplement, topical treatment, and ingredient in beauty products.

Why is EPO beneficial to health?

Evening primrose oil is a rich source of polyunsaturated Omega-6 essential fatty acids. It contains 2–15% gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and 70% linolenic acid (LA), which your body makes into (GLA).

Linoleic Acid

Linoleic Acid is a component of many vegetable oils, which can be converted to GLA. However, many people can have difficulties with the conversion process. Factors inhibiting the conversion include viruses such as cold and flu, stress, alcohol, saturated fats, ageing and lacking certain nutrients in the diet.

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)

GLA, important for maintaining a joint’s cell structure and function, provides the building blocks for the manufacture of certain hormone like substances called prostaglandins. These can have beneficial regulatory effects on the immune system, circulation and the menstrual cycle.

GLA might also suppress inflammatory responses by directly acting on some inflammatory cells

What does evening primrose oil do to female hormones?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Evening Primrose Oil is one of the richest sources of Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that provides the building blocks for female hormones. It plays a key role in female metabolism by maintaining hormonal balance, healthy skin and supple joints.

Many women find that Evening Primrose Oil supplements taken before and during menstruation, as well as during the menopause, can be of benefit in helping to alleviate the associated negative symptoms of PMS. Studies suggest that the symptoms which improve the most are breast tenderness and feelings of depression, as well as irritability, swelling, and bloating from fluid retention.

Menopause

Evening primrose oil has long been used to treat hot flushes during the transition to menopause. These sudden feelings of extreme warmth in the upper body are a form of flushing caused by hormonal changes that may be due to reduced levels of the hormone estradiol.

A recent study published in the Archives of Gynaecology and Obstetrics found that a daily, 500-milligram (mg) dose of evening primrose oil provided significant relief of hot flushes after six weeks.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of autoimmune disease, meaning one in which the immune system attacks its own cells and tissues. With RA, the body primarily attacks its own joints.

Some studies have suggested that GLA can reduce pain and improve function in people with mild to moderate rheumatoid arthritis. A 2011 review of studies from Australia concluded that GLA found in evening primrose, borage seed, or blackcurrant seed oil provided some relief of pain and disability in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

The Arthritis and Rheumatism Council (UK) acknowledge that Evening Primrose Oil and fish oil may be helpful, when incorporated as part of a healthy diet.

Evening Primrose Oil – other benefits

• Helps enhance hair lustre.

• Helps maintain smooth supple skin.

• Those suffering from brittle or split nails have found that EPO strengthens nails.

In addition, research shows that taking evening primrose oil daily for 6-12 months improves symptoms of nerve damage caused by diabetes.

Blood-thinning medications: People taking blood-thinning medications should not take omega-6 fatty acid supplements without consulting a doctor.

Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding. These medications include Aspirin , Clopidogrel (Plavix) and Warfarin (Coumadin)

Diabetic Neuropathy

In 1993, evening primrose oil was first proposed as a possible treatment of diabetic neuropathy, an often debilitating type of nerve pain that mainly affects the feet and legs.

A recent study from India involving 80 people with severe diabetic neuropathy looked into the treatment. It concluded that a daily 500- to 1,000-mg dose of evening primrose oil combined with 400 mg of vitamin E achieved pain relief in 88% of the participants.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is bone mineral loss that causes bones to become weak and brittle. This condition especially affects women after menopause.

Recent studies suggest that people who do not get enough essential fatty acids (particularly EPA and GLA) are more likely to have bone loss than those with normal levels of these fatty acids.

It has been shown that taking evening primrose oil with fish oil and calcium can decrease bone loss and increase bone density in elderly people with osteoporosis. An increased intake of unsaturated fat is associated with a reduced risk of osteoporosis.

In a study of women over 65 with osteoporosis, those who took EPA and GLA supplements had less bone loss over 3 years than those who took placebo. Many of these women also experienced an increase in bone density.

A word of caution

Always consult your Healthcare Professional before taking EPO.

Evening primrose oil can interact with some medications, such as blood thinners and NSAIDs. It can also be dangerous for those with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders.

It is also not advisable to take EPO if you have oestrogen-dominance or oestrogen related health issues.