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.
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.
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.
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.
Evening Primrose Oil Beneficial
Evening Primrose Oil Beneficial
Research has also shown GLA
in evening primrose oil to be beneficial for a number of other
conditions including:
* arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis, where studies with GLA in evening primrose oil show significant improvement in joint stiffness, swelling, and overall discomfort
* cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension and high blood cholesterol
* diabetic neuropathy
* improved immune function
Supplementing with GLA in evening primrose oil can help restore the youthfulness of skin and hair as well as help improve general well-being.
* asthma
* allergies
* obesity
* multiple sclerosis
* hyperactivity
* premenstrual syndrome
In some studies, evening primrose oil has been shown to:
* increase the desirable anti-inflammatory prostaglandin E1 series
* help restore the gastrointestinal lining & heal ulcerations (improving nutrient absorption & food intolerance)
* help with autoimmune diseases (including Lupus and Crohn's disease)
* benefit fibrocystic breast disease
* benefit diabetic neuropathy
* reduce symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and help prevent liver & central nervous system damage from alcohol
* potentiate insulin effects
* increase feelings of well-being
Overall, evening primrose oil is an extremely valuable natural health supplement with many health benefits.
Is-evening-primrose-oil-effective.
* arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis, where studies with GLA in evening primrose oil show significant improvement in joint stiffness, swelling, and overall discomfort
* cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension and high blood cholesterol
* diabetic neuropathy
* improved immune function
Supplementing with GLA in evening primrose oil can help restore the youthfulness of skin and hair as well as help improve general well-being.
* asthma
* allergies
* obesity
* multiple sclerosis
* hyperactivity
* premenstrual syndrome
In some studies, evening primrose oil has been shown to:
* increase the desirable anti-inflammatory prostaglandin E1 series
* help restore the gastrointestinal lining & heal ulcerations (improving nutrient absorption & food intolerance)
* help with autoimmune diseases (including Lupus and Crohn's disease)
* benefit fibrocystic breast disease
* benefit diabetic neuropathy
* reduce symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and help prevent liver & central nervous system damage from alcohol
* potentiate insulin effects
* increase feelings of well-being
Overall, evening primrose oil is an extremely valuable natural health supplement with many health benefits.
Is-evening-primrose-oil-effective.
Why evening primrose oil works
Why evening primrose oil works
Evening primrose oil provides a pure dose of gamma
linoleic acid (GLA), which has few sources in nature. So here is the tale of
the brambly thicket in the Hormone Jungle known as "prostaglandins,"
hormone-like chemicals that have very short lives and very large local effects.
To make prostaglandins, you need essential fatty acids--"essential" because our bodies don't make them so we have to eat them. There are two kinds of essential fatty acids that are important here--omega 6 fatty acids and omega 3 fatty acids. We need both kinds to be healthy. A lot has been written lately about omega 3 fatty acids, which come from fish, but omega 6's are even more important. The essential fatty acid in the omega 6 family is linoleic acid (LA). After we eat LA, an enzyme (delta 6 desaturase, for you biochemistry groupies) shows up and changes LA into a new form, GLA. That evolves into DGLA, which hovers in indecision, sniffing the bloodstream for omega 3 fatty acids. If it finds omega 3's, it becomes our hero, prostaglandin 1. If DGLA finds no omega 3's, it becomes arachidonic acid (AA), which becomes the villain--prostaglandin 2, which clots the blood, creates inflammation, makes stress reactions worse, and plays a role in causing endometriosis.(7, 10)
So, prostaglandin 1 is good because it prevents inflammation, stops cells from multiplying (as in endometriosis and cancer), and blocks prostaglandin 2 production(44). It also prevents blood clots, lowers cholesterol, reduces blood pressure, fixes defective T-lymphocyte immune cells (important for cancer , allergies, and infections), and maintains salt and water balance, nerve conduction, and gastrointestinal function.(3, 5)
Doctors have thought this was interesting as biochemistry but irrelevant for patients because an average American eats 10 times more LA than needed.(44) We couldn't possibly be deficient.
Prostaglandin 1 constantly breaks down so it has to be replaced all the time.(4). Some people are born with limited ability to make the enzyme, some people don't give it the right kinds of fat to use, and some have a wide range of medical conditions that block it. evening primrose oil
To make prostaglandins, you need essential fatty acids--"essential" because our bodies don't make them so we have to eat them. There are two kinds of essential fatty acids that are important here--omega 6 fatty acids and omega 3 fatty acids. We need both kinds to be healthy. A lot has been written lately about omega 3 fatty acids, which come from fish, but omega 6's are even more important. The essential fatty acid in the omega 6 family is linoleic acid (LA). After we eat LA, an enzyme (delta 6 desaturase, for you biochemistry groupies) shows up and changes LA into a new form, GLA. That evolves into DGLA, which hovers in indecision, sniffing the bloodstream for omega 3 fatty acids. If it finds omega 3's, it becomes our hero, prostaglandin 1. If DGLA finds no omega 3's, it becomes arachidonic acid (AA), which becomes the villain--prostaglandin 2, which clots the blood, creates inflammation, makes stress reactions worse, and plays a role in causing endometriosis.(7, 10)
So, prostaglandin 1 is good because it prevents inflammation, stops cells from multiplying (as in endometriosis and cancer), and blocks prostaglandin 2 production(44). It also prevents blood clots, lowers cholesterol, reduces blood pressure, fixes defective T-lymphocyte immune cells (important for cancer , allergies, and infections), and maintains salt and water balance, nerve conduction, and gastrointestinal function.(3, 5)
Doctors have thought this was interesting as biochemistry but irrelevant for patients because an average American eats 10 times more LA than needed.(44) We couldn't possibly be deficient.
Prostaglandin 1 constantly breaks down so it has to be replaced all the time.(4). Some people are born with limited ability to make the enzyme, some people don't give it the right kinds of fat to use, and some have a wide range of medical conditions that block it. evening primrose oil
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