Evening Primrose Oil
DEFINITION
Evening Primrose is a herb with the botanical name Oenothera
biennis. It is also known as King’s Cureall.
biennis. It is also known as King’s Cureall.
DESCRIPTION
Oenothera biennis is native to the temperate regions of North
America and generally grows in dry areas. The plant is a perennial
herb that has a tall, straight, hairy stem and rough, hairy,
lance-shaped leaves. Yellow flowers bloom from June to October and
the fruit is an oblong-shaped, hairy capsule.
America and generally grows in dry areas. The plant is a perennial
herb that has a tall, straight, hairy stem and rough, hairy,
lance-shaped leaves. Yellow flowers bloom from June to October and
the fruit is an oblong-shaped, hairy capsule.
Traditionally, it was the leaves of the Evening Primrose which
were used medicinally, but it is now the seeds of Evening Primrose
that are harvested and pressed for the oil. The oil contains
linolenic acid and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which are essential
fatty acids. The body converts GLA into special chemicals called
prostaglandins, which have a number of important actions in the
body, such as regulating inflammation. Essential fatty acids are
fats that cannot be produced by the body, so are required in the
diet. Essential fatty acids are very important for maintaining cell
membranes, regulating inflammation and maintaining a number of
metabolic processes. See the Fats or Lipids topic on the
Healthpoint for further information about essential fatty
acids.
were used medicinally, but it is now the seeds of Evening Primrose
that are harvested and pressed for the oil. The oil contains
linolenic acid and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which are essential
fatty acids. The body converts GLA into special chemicals called
prostaglandins, which have a number of important actions in the
body, such as regulating inflammation. Essential fatty acids are
fats that cannot be produced by the body, so are required in the
diet. Essential fatty acids are very important for maintaining cell
membranes, regulating inflammation and maintaining a number of
metabolic processes. See the Fats or Lipids topic on the
Healthpoint for further information about essential fatty
acids.
INTERACTIONS
Herbal supplements can alter the effects of certain drugs,
including prescription medications. Always tell your Doctor about
any prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbs
or other dietary supplements you are taking.
including prescription medications. Always tell your Doctor about
any prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbs
or other dietary supplements you are taking.
- Evening Primrose Oil should not be used by patients taking
anticonvulsants or medication for schizophrenia as Evening Primrose
Oil contains gamolenic acid (GLA) that can reduce the ‘threshold’
level at which seizures occur. - Evening Primrose Oil can lower blood pressure so may increase
the effects of anti-hypertensive medications (i.e. those that
reduce blood pressure) and reduce the effectiveness of hypertensive
drugs (i.e. those that increase blood pressure).
MEDICAL USE
Always consult your Health Professional to advise you on
dosages and any possible medical interactions.
dosages and any possible medical interactions.
PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME
Evening Primrose Oil has been found to relieve symptoms of
premenstrual syndrome, such as swollen abdomen (fluid retention),
tenderness in the breasts, irritability, depression, swollen
fingers and ankles. Evening Primrose Oil may block the effects of
the hormone prolactin that causes many of the symptoms of
premenstrual syndrome.
premenstrual syndrome, such as swollen abdomen (fluid retention),
tenderness in the breasts, irritability, depression, swollen
fingers and ankles. Evening Primrose Oil may block the effects of
the hormone prolactin that causes many of the symptoms of
premenstrual syndrome.
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Evening Primrose Oil has an anti-inflammatory effect and can
reduce pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
In some cases, patients have even been able to reduce their dosage
of prescription anti-inflammatory medications.
reduce pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
In some cases, patients have even been able to reduce their dosage
of prescription anti-inflammatory medications.
ECZEMA, ACNE AND PSORIASIS
Inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, acne and psoriasis
may respond to Evening Primrose Oil supplements, although it may
take up to 3 months before there is significant improvement.
may respond to Evening Primrose Oil supplements, although it may
take up to 3 months before there is significant improvement.
CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
Evening Primrose Oil reduces cholesterol levels in patients
with hypercholesterolaemia (high serum cholesterol). It also
decreases the formation of blood clots by reducing the ‘stickiness’
of the platelets that are responsible for forming the clots.
Evening Primrose Oil reduces blood pressure in patients with
hypertension (elevated blood pressure).
with hypercholesterolaemia (high serum cholesterol). It also
decreases the formation of blood clots by reducing the ‘stickiness’
of the platelets that are responsible for forming the clots.
Evening Primrose Oil reduces blood pressure in patients with
hypertension (elevated blood pressure).
DRY SKIN OR Mucous membranes
Essential fatty acid deficiency may lead to dry skin, dry eyes
or Mucous membranes. If dietary intake is inadequate,
supplementation with Evening Primrose Oil may be beneficial.
or Mucous membranes. If dietary intake is inadequate,
supplementation with Evening Primrose Oil may be beneficial.
ALCOHOLISM
Evening Primrose Oil can improve brain and liver function more
quickly in people who have stopped drinking.
quickly in people who have stopped drinking.
PROPERTIES
Anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombolytic (reduces the formation of
blood clots), antioxidant, hypotensive (reduces high blood
pressure), hypocholesterolemic (cholesterol-lowering).
blood clots), antioxidant, hypotensive (reduces high blood
pressure), hypocholesterolemic (cholesterol-lowering).
NOTES
- The long-term effects of consuming large quantities of Evening
Primrose Oil have not been studied, but it appears there are few
toxic effects from short-term use.
