Evening Primrose Oil
Also indexed as: Black Currant Seed Oil, EPO, Oenothera biennis
What is it?
Evening primrose oil (EPO) is derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. EPO is composed of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), like black currant seed oil and borage oil, which is a a fatty acid and the body converts it to a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin E1 (PGE1).
PGE1 has several properties. It not only have anti-inflammatory properties but it also acts as blood thinner and blood vessel dilator. According to a double-blind research performed with people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, the anti-inflammatory properties of EPO have been studied . According to these studies ,it has been concluded that EPO supplementation provides significant benefit to these people.1
In test tube studies,2 and in some,3 but not all,4 animal studies, GLA, which is an the primary active ingredient in EPO, has proven to have anticancer activity . Some people got regression in their development of cancer when injected with GLA into tumors in a preliminary research.5 Preliminary evidence in people with cancer suggested "marked subjective improvement,"6 though not all studies find GLA helpful.7
It has been shown to have effect on lowering the level of cholesterol in people in some,8 but not all,9 research.
When it is taken as a supplement, it is shown to give improved results in various problems like skin itching, redness, and dryness associated with kidney dialysis.10 11
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. Supplements that provide GLA circumvent these conversion problems, leading to more predictable formation of PGE1.12
Where is it 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. However, it is not known whether the effects of these three oils in the body are the same.
Evening primrose oil has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Who is likely to be deficient?
If the people are suffering from any of the problems like premenstrual syndrome,13 diabetes,14 scleroderma,15 Sjogren’s syndrome,16 tardive dyskinesia,17 eczema,18 and other skin conditions19 they may have a metabolic block that interferes with the body’s ability to make GLA. Supplementation with EPO helps in improving the conditions.20 21 22 23 24
There is evidence that alcoholics may be deficient in GLA, and a double-blind study suggested that alcohol withdrawal may be facilitated with EPO supplementation.25 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.
How much is usually taken?
It is still not known that what should be the appropriate level of EPO intake. 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?
It has been reported to exacerbate symptoms of temporal lobe epilepsy, which can sometimes be mistaken for schizophrenia.26 27
Consequently, some experts suggest that magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, niacin, and vitamin B6 should be taken along with EPO as there is requirement of these nutrients also for making PGE1.
Are there any drug
interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with evening primrose oil. Refer to drug
interactions for a list of those medicines.