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

EVENING PRIMROSE OIL - ORAL

EVENING PRIMROSE OIL - ORAL

USES: Evening primrose oil has been used for decreasing the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol and by decreasing the risk of blood clots (decreased platelet aggregation). It has also been used for controlling symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), to reduce breast pain, to decrease symptoms of cystic breast disease as well as for skin conditions (eczema). Some herbal/diet supplement products have been found to contain possibly harmful impurities/additives. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

HOW TO USE EVENING PRIMROSE OIL: Take this product by mouth as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

SIDE EFFECTS OF EVENING PRIMROSE OIL: Indigestion, nausea, soft stools, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor promptly. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Liquid preparations of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of this product. Consult your doctor before using this product. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Evening Primrose Oil-Ease the joint pain and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis

Evening Primrose Oil-Ease the joint pain and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis
Supplementation with evening primrose oil and other sources of GLA has been shown to lessen the joint pain and swelling of this crippling disease. A six-month study reported fewer signs of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers taking capsules containing GLA than in those taking a placebo. In another trial, the number of tender joints and swollen joints dropped significantly with GLA but not with a placebo.

Evening Primrose Oil-Relieve the discomforts of PMS, menstruation, endometriosis and fibrocystic breasts

Evening Primrose Oil-Relieve the discomforts of PMS, menstruation, endometriosis and fibrocystic breasts

By interfering with the production of inflammatory prostaglandins released during menstruation, the GLA in evening primrose oil can help to lessen menstrual cramps. It may also minimise premenstrual breast tenderness, irritable bowel flare-ups, and carbohydrate cravings, and help to control endometriosis-associated inflammation. Many PMS sufferers are found to have unusually low levels of GLA in their systems, which is why supplements might help so much. In women with fibrocystic breasts, the oil's essential fatty acids can minimise breast inflammation and promote the absorption of iodine, a mineral that can be present in abnormally low levels in women with this condition.