Evening primrose oil (EPO)

Evening Primrose Oil, what does it do?

Evening primrose oil (EPO), black currant seed oil, and borage oil contain gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid that the body converts to a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). PGE1 has anti-inflammatory properties and may also act as a blood thinner and blood vessel dilator.
The anti-inflammatory properties of EPO have been studied in double-blind research with people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Some, but not all, studies have reported that EPO supplementation provides significant benefit to these people.
GLA, the primary active ingredient in EPO, has anticancer activity in test tube studies2 and in some,but not all,animal studies. Injecting GLA into tumors has caused regression of cancer in people in preliminary research. Very preliminary evidence in people with cancer suggested “marked subjective improvement,” though not all studies find GLA helpful.
EPO supplementation has been shown to improve skin itching, redness and dryness associated with kidney dialysis.
Linoleic acid, a common fatty acid found in nuts and seeds and most vegetable oils (including EPO), should theoretically be converted to PGE1. But many things can interfere with this conversion, including disease, the aging process, saturated fat, hydrogenated oils, blood sugar problems, and inadequate vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins. provide GLA circumvent these conversion problems, leading to more predictable formation of PGE1

Where is Evening Primrose Oil found?
EPO is found primarily in supplements. Its presumed active ingredient, GLA, can also be found in black currant seed oil and borage oil supplements. Those with premenstrual syndrome,diabetes, scleroderma, Sjogren’s syndrome,tardive dyskinesia,eczema, and other skin conditions can have a metabolic block that interferes with the body’s ability to make GLA. In preliminary research, supplementation with EPO has helped people with these conditions.

Many people in Western
societies may be at least partially GLA-deficient as a result of aging, glucose intolerance, high dietary fat intake, and other problems. People with deficiencies would presumably benefit from supplemental GLA intake from EPO, black currant seed oil, or borage oil.

Although many people may have inadequate levels of GLA, the optimal intake for this nutrient remains unknown. Researchers often use 3,000–6,000 mg of EPO per day, which provides approximately 270–540 mg of GLA.

Are there any side effects or interactions of Evening Primrose Oil?
Consequently, some experts suggest that magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, niacin, and vitamin B6 should be taken along with EPO.

Are there any drug interactions?
Certain medications may interact with evening primrose oil.