Evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis L.)

EVENING PRIMROSE OIL
Background

Evening primrose oil (EPO) contains an omega-6 essential fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is believed to be the active ingredient. EPO has been studied in a wide variety of
disorders, particularly those affected by metabolic products of essential fatty acids. Synonyms

Bronchipret TP FCT, Echte Nachtkerze, Evening primrose oil EPO, fever plant, gamma-linolenic acid, herbe aux anes, Huile D'Onagre, kaempe natlys, king's cureall, la belle de nuit, linoleic acid, nachtkerzenol, night willow-herb, Oenothera communis Leveill, Oenothera graveolens Gilib, omega-6 essential fatty acid, Onagra biennis Scop, Onogra vulgaris , onagre bisannuelle, primrose, primrose oil, scabish, Spach, stella di sera, sun drop, Teunisbloem.

Evidence
a qualified healthcare provider.

Uses based on scientific evidence

Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
There are several studies of evening primrose oil taken by mouth for eczema. Large well-designed studies are needed before a strong recommendation can be made. Evening primrose oil is approved for skin disorders in several countries
Breast cancer
Not enough information is available to advise the use of evening primrose oil for breast cancer. Breast cysts
The limited available research does not demonstrate that evening primrose oil has a significant effect on treating breast cysts.

Breast pain (mastalgia)
Although primrose oil is used for breast pain in several European countries, high-quality human studies using this treatment are lacking. Therefore, the available information does not allow recommendation for or against the use of primrose oil in this condition.

Bronchitis
There is evidence that primrose oil, in combination with thyme, may have some benefits in the treatment of acute bronchitis. More studies are needed to examine the effectiveness of primrose oil alone as a therapy for bronchitis.

Chronic fatigue syndrome/post-viral infection symptoms
Not enough information is available to advise the use of evening primrose oil for symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome or fatigue following a viral infection.

Diabetes
A small number of laboratory studies and theory suggests that evening primrose oil may be helpful in diabetes, but more information is needed before a firm recommendation can be
Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage)
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), one of the components of evening primrose oil, may be helpful in people with diabetic neuropathy. Additional studies are needed before a strong
It is theorized that primrose oil may be helpful in patients with MS based on laboratory studies. Limited evidence is available in humans.

Obesity/weight loss
Initial human study is unclear about the effects that evening primrose oil may have on weight loss.

Osteoporosis
Primrose oil has been suggested as a possible treatment for bone loss/osteoporosis. However, osteoporosis studies using primrose oil as a treatment are lacking. Well-designed human trials are needed before primrose oil can be recommended for osteoporosis therapy.

Pre-eclampsia/high blood pressure of pregnancy
Evening primrose oil is proposed to have effects on chemicals in the blood called prostaglandins, which may play a role in pre-eclampsia. conclusion can be drawn.

Raynaud's phenomenon
Not enough scientific information is available to advise the use of evening primrose oil for Raynaud's phenomenon.

Rheumatoid arthritis
Benefits of evening primrose oil in the treatment of arthritis have not clearly been shown. Scale-like dry skin (ichthyosis vulgaris)
Not enough scientific information is available to advise the use of evening primrose oil for dry skin.

Asthma
Available evidence does not support the use of evening primrose oil as a treatment for asthma. Further research is needed to confirm this conclusion.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Small human studies show a lack of benefit from evening primrose oil in ADHD. Cardiovascular health
Early study of evening primrose oil shows a lack of beneficial effects on cardiovascular function and health.

Menopause (flushing/bone metabolism)
Available studies do not show evening primrose oil to be helpful with these potential complications of menopause. More evidence of effectiveness is needed before primrose can be
Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)
Small human studies do not report that evening primrose oil is helpful for the symptoms of PMS.
Psoriasis
Initial research does not show a benefit from evening primrose oil in the treatment of psoriasis.

Schizophrenia
Results from studies of mixed quality do not support the use of evening primrose oil for schizophrenia. study is merited.

Dosing
Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Studies in the treatment of eczema have used doses of 4 to 8 grams of evening primrose oil (EPO) daily, taken by mouth, divided into several smaller doses throughout the day. Studies
treating breast pain have used doses of 3 grams EPO daily, taken by mouth, divided into several smaller doses throughout the day.

Studies in children treated for skin conditions have used 3 grams of evening primrose oil daily, taken by mouth, divided into several smaller doses throughout the day. Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. You should always read product labels. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

Allergy or hypersensitivity to evening primrose oil has not been widely reported. Side Effects and Warnings

Several reports describe seizures in individuals taking evening primrose oil (EPO). Some of these seizures developed in people with a previous seizure disorder, or in individuals taking EPO in combination with anesthetics. Based on these reports, people with seizure disorders should not take EPO. Other reports describe occasional headache, abdominal pain, nausea, and loose stools in people taking EPO. In animal studies, gamma-linolenic acid (an ingredient of evening primrose oil) is reported to decrease blood pressure. Early results in human studies do not show consistent changes in blood pressure.

There is not enough information to recommend the safe use of evening primrose oil during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Evening primrose oil
evening-primrose-oil-prevent-diabetes

Evening Primrose Oil- Prevent diabetes-associated nerve damage

Evening Primrose Oil- Prevent diabetes-associated nerve damage
Research indicates that the GLA in evening primrose oil can help prevent, and in some cases even reverse, the nerve damage (neuropathy) so commonly seen with diabetes. In a year-long study, such symptoms as numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation in participants with mild diabetic neuropathy were less marked in those who took evening primrose oil than in those who took a placebo.
evening-primrose-oil-help-treat-acne

Evening Primrose Oil Help treat acne and rosacea

Evening Primrose Oil Help treat acne and rosacea
By working to dilute sebum, a thick oily substance that is oversecreted in some people with acne, the essential fatty acids in evening primrose oil may reduce the risk of pores becoming clogged and lesions developing. The oil's EFAs help treat rosacea by reducing inflammation, controlling cells' use of nutrients and by producing prostaglandins, which stimulate the contraction of blood vessels.

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.

Evening Primrose Oil

What is Evening Primrose Oil?
Evening Primrose Oil, a natural source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), is well known for modifying the inflammatory response and maintaining hormonal balance. This versatile oil comes from the tiny seeds of a wildflower, Oenothera biennis L., native to North America, and has been studied for its positive influence on prostaglandin synthesis. GLA may also support the healthy growth and maintenance of skin, hair, and nails. Weil Evening Primrose Oil is encapsulated exclusively in vegetarian, liquid-filled capsules.

"Evening primrose oil is a natural source of a fatty acid called GLA (gamma-linolenic acid). Very hard to come by in the diet, GLA is an effective anti-inflammatory agent with none of the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs. It also promotes healthy growth of skin, hair, and nails. I frequently suggest evening primrose oil for skin conditions (including brittle nails and hair), arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and premenstrual syndrome. Andrew Weil, M.D.

Evening Primrose Oil- Counter impotence and female infertility

Evening Primrose Oil- Counter impotence and female infertility
By promoting blood flow, the GLA in evening primrose oil can help treat a primary cause of male impotence; compromised circulation leading to impaired penile blood flow. The oil is often taken with vitamin C and ginkgo biloba for this purpose. In addition, when the oil is taken long term, GLA can help prevent blood vessel narrowing, often a consequence of plaque buildup from high cholesterol. By improving uterine function, GLA may also help those who are unable to conceive.

Evening Primrose Oil for Atopic Dermatitis

 



Evening Primrose Oil for Atopic Dermatitis

Interest was fuelled because evening primrose oil extract (containing 8-10% of gamma linolenic acid (GLA)) appeared to cause few side effects and because there was a very plausible mechanism to explain why supplementation with this essential fatty acid might work in atopic dermatitis. Since then many studies have evaluated the efficacy of oral gamma linolenic acid supplementation for atopic dermatitis, with conflicting results. Fifteen studies (10 dealing with evening primrose oil, and five with borage oil, which contains even higher concentrations of GLA) were summarised in a systematic review of atopic dermatitis treatments that I and others

conducted for the NHS Health Technology Assessment programmes. Medicines Control Agency’s decision to withdraw the product licence, suggests that GLA supplementation for atopic dermatitis has had its day.

Yet many questions surrounding the story of evening primrose oil for eczema remain unanswered:

Unanswered questions

In 1989 Horrobin et al published a meta-analysis in the British Journal of Dermatology of the two earliest studies plus another seven small (14-47 participants) company sponsored studies of evening primrose oil (Epogam, Scotia Pharmaceuticals) for atopic dermatitis. They found that atopic dermatitis improvement scores for evening primrose oil were significantly better

seven company trials included in that study have never since appeared in the public domain, the other concern about that meta-analysis was its exclusion of the one other independent and relatively large study (123 participants) by Bamford .

The company authors of the meta-analysis suggested that active versus placebo treatments became mixed up in the Bamford study, based on an analysis done by the company of fatty acid levels in blood samples taken from study participants. After this meta-analysis was published,

others thought it odd that Bamford et al never published a response to the company’s serious

criticisms of their study.10 In fact Bamford immediately wrote a lengthy and clear explanation of the steps that were in place to avoid such purported contamination, but he was refused an opportunity to defend his study with a published response because the journal decided that Bamford’s response did not add anything to the understanding on the use of evening primrose oil as a supplemental treatment for atopic eczema (J Bamford, written communication 12 Nov 2003).

A year later, two British dermatologists wrote a detailed review article on evening primrose oil and atopic dermatitis. 27 November 2003).

Too little data in the public domain

The Health Technology Assessment systematic review published in 2000 provided an opportunity for the company to hand over its unpublished studies for inclusion in that report.5 Although Searle wrote back to tell us that they would be “compiling the data,” no data have

been forthcoming to date.We can only hope that it will be compiled in time for the current Cochrane review on GLA supplementation for atopic dermatitis. Finally, in the autumn of 2002 the Medicines Control Agency withdrew the marketing authorisations for evening primrose oil following a “review of all the relevant information, including new studies,” although which information and new studies is unclear from the very limited information available on the agency’s website.

In fairness to the innovators of evening primrose oil for atopic dermatitis, they evaluated their product more than many other products used in dermatology. Nobody would have been happier than myself if evening primrose oil had produced a clinically worthwhile benefit for eczema sufferers. But the history of its development has been marred by lack of data in the public domain. As we bid goodnight to the evening primrose oil story, perhaps we can awaken to a world where all clinical trial data, derived from people who are good enough to volunteer for such studies, reach the light of day, where they can be openly debated in the public domain