Evening Primrose Oil Benefits

Hailed as one of the most remarkable discoveries of this decade, the experts are still adding to the long list of evening primrose oil benefits. Evening primrose oil is touted as a cure or preventative for everything from PMS to migraines and inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. Evening primrose oil (EPO) is a supplement extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. The official plant name is Oenothera Biennis. While scientific evidence is lacking to support the use of evening primrose oil for diseases other than eczema and arthritis, it continues to gain notoriety for other aliments.

You can grow your own evening primrose for its valuable oil, or you can buy supplements, lotions, creams and soaps made with the oil. For evening primrose oil benefits as a dietary supplement, you need to take the oil internally. It is available over the counter in most pharmacies or health food stores as a dietary supplement in pill form – usually gel caps. As a skin beautifier and softener, you may use the creams, lotions and soaps to harness the benefits.

• Since the 1930's, evening primrose oil has been a common treatment for eczema. Today, it is also a treatment for acne and psoriasis. Usage for eczema is well documented and recommended.
• Evening primrose oil is used by women for breast pain associated with the menstrual cycle, premenstrual syndrome, infertility and menopausal symptoms. There seems to be little evidence to support the use of the supplement for any of those problems.
• Used as an alternative therapy for cancer and diabetes, although there is no scientific evidence to date that suggests any benefit.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals, the seeds of the primrose also provide omega-6 fatty acids, which your body needs to complete functions such as insulin absorption, cell structure, regulate hormones, improve nerve function, promote skin elasticity, regulate the heart and regulate the mood. The body does not manufacture its own omega-6 fatty acids so it must derive it from a food source.
• Evening primrose oil also contains gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and linoleic acid. These acids are important to overall good health, including assisting the body in making insulin, regulating weight, and preventing heart disease and cancer. Evening primrose is one of the few plants to contain the important GLA, and it has the highest concentrations of any plant. Another plant seed that contains GLA is flax seed. The scientific community has only recently recognized the importance of GLA and fatty acids in the role of disease prevention, so studies to prove the veracity of many claims are lacking at this point, although trials and studies are underway.
• The high GLA content in evening primrose oil is what leads to the recommendations for inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation lists EPO as an arthritis supplement on its web site. According to Arthritis Today, "Several studies show GLA is an effective treatment for reducing inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis with few side effects."
• There may be some benefit for sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome, although there is little research to prove its effectiveness because so little is understood about this syndrome.
• Evening primrose oil contains phenylalanine, a pain-relieving compound, and some use it to treat chronic headaches or migraines.
• Other ailments for which research is ongoing for evening primrose oil use are:
  • Aging problems
  • Alcoholism
  • Carbohydrate cravings
  • Irritable bowel syndrome

Fever Plant, Oil of Evening Primrose (OEP), Sun Drop, Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)

Among evening primrose oil benefits are its properties as an anti-aggregatory, anti-atherogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-thrombotic, and as a vasodilator.

Evening primrose oil is indicated for a host of diseases and skin problems, although as previously mentioned, scientific evidence is lacking to prove such claims. These include:

• Acne
• Allergies
• Arteriosclerosis
• Asthma
• Cholesterol regulation
• Chronic headaches
• Diabetic nerve damage
• Female Infertility
• Heart Disease
• Lupus
• Male impotence
• Multiple sclerosis
• Prostate health
• Psoriasis
• Obesity
• Rosacea
• Scleroderma

The GLA and omega-6 fatty acids are used in beauty products to nourish nails, scalp, and hair. Even though women have used evening primrose oil for decades to relieve the discomforts of PMS (premenstrual syndrome), menstruation, endometriosis and fibrocystic breasts, studies do not support value for these uses at present.

The Mayo Clinic uses a rating scale of A to F for evidence relating to a drug's use, as shown by evidence in clinical trials. In their rating scale, "B" means that studies show it may be of benefit, while "C" means the evidence is still unclear and "D" means it probably does not work for this disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, EPO receives a "B" rating only for atopic dermatitis (or eczema). Usage for other diseases received either a "C" or "D" rating.

Usually taken internally in pill form, evening primrose oil may also be used externally in the form of creams and lotions. Common dosages are 320 to 500 milligrams. Larger doses are indicated in some cases. The gel caps generally contain at least 9 percent gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Evening primrose oil should be consumed in conjunction with Vitamin E, or some other antioxidant, to prevent oxidation of the fatty acids.

Please consult your health care professional before beginning any dietary supplement program, especially if you are taking any additional medications, have seizure disorders, are taking medications for mental illness, or if you are pregnant or nursing. There have been reported incidents of seizure associated with EPO for persons who had prior seizure disorders and / or were taking anesthesia. As a precaution, read about possible side effects before taking this supplement.

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