Evening Primrose Oil provides the body with the essential fatty acids needed for energy and healthy heart and arteries. Oil from the seeds of the Evening Primrose plant contains Omega 6 gamma linolenic essential fatty acids.

Each capsule contains 500 mg with 9.6% Omega 6 GLA.

About Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)

Nutrina's Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) provides the body with essential fatty acids. The body cannot make these acids on its own, yet it needs them to produce hormones and other vital substances.

Evening Primrose Oil, (EPO), Oenothera biennis, is extracted from the seeds of Oenothera biennis, which is not actually a member of the Primrose family, but is part of the Willow herb family. The plant acquired the primrose name because its bright yellow flowers resemble primrose flowers, and its flowers open in the evening, hence its current name. The plant has a two-year cycle, and it is during the second year that the flowers appear, from which seeds are eventually harvested.

Plant History

The origins of the plant were in North America, from where it came to the UK by accident when cargo ships bringing cotton over, dumped the soil brought back as ballast, and seeds began to grow. The plant was officially introduced in 1614 into Europe, and rapidly became known as Kings Cure All because of its useful medicinal properties.

EPO was not examined closely, however, until 1919, when the gamma linolenic acid (GLA) content was reported in Germany, and consequently its effects on cell generation and cholesterol levels were soon monitored. This led eventually to experiments that have given us the depth of knowledge that we have about this product today.

Blood Cholesterol and Blood Pressure

Evening primrose oil has become a well-known food supplement since the 1980's. Current research suggests the oil is valuable in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and alcohol-related liver damage. Additional studies show that regular consumption of the oil helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure. Evening primrose oil's nutritional effects are largely due to its primary active ingredient: gamma linolenicacid (GLA).

Prostaglandins

GLA is 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. GLA from evening primrose seeds is vital because the body commonly blocks the production of prostaglandins. Without prostaglandins, disorders can arise that affect the uterine muscles, nervous system, and metabolism. GLA, by assisting the body in its production of prostaglandins, effectively prevents these disorders. In addition to its anti-inflammatory and hypotensive effects, GLA has also shown anticancer activity in some test tube animal studies.

Supplemental EPO

Linoleic acid, a common fatty acid found in seeds and nuts and most vegetable oils, should theoretically convert to PGE1. However, many variables can interfere with the conversion, including poor liver function, aging, blood sugar problems, saturated fat, and inadequate intake of vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins. Supplements like EPO that provide GLA circumvent these conversion problems, leading to more predictable formation of PGE1.

Evening Primrose Oil Benefits

EPO has been shown to be beneficial for a wide range of conditions.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)—has been shown to eradicate swollen abdomen and breast discomfort as well as reducing irritability and depression.

Eczema and other skin disorders—available on prescription for eczema Psoriasis may be helped by EPO and Fish Oils.

Cholesterol and Blood Pressure—has been shown to reduce high serum cholesterol and blood pressure, but may take several weeks or longer to achieve.

Rheumatoid Arthritis—sufferers have discontinued use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs after supplementation, but it is more effective when taken in conjunction with fish oils.

Alcoholism—may make withdrawal easier, and reduce post-drinking depression.

Immune System—low levels of essential fatty acids may stop the action of interferon, and body's natural virus killer.

Other conditions—Obesity, Benign Breast Disease, Childhood Hyperactivity and Schizophrenia have all been shown to be helped by EPO supplementation.

Evening Primrose Oil References

Controlled trial of gamma linolenic in Duke's C colorectal cancer. McIllmurray MB, Turkie W. Br Med J 1987;294:1260.

Effects of gammalinolenic acid on plasma lipoproteins and apolipoproteins. Ishikawa T, Fujiyama Y, Igarashi O, et al. Atherosclerosis 1989;75:95-104.

Effects of dietary supplementation with n-6 and n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on serum lipoproteins and platelet function in hypertriglyceridaemic patients. Boberg M, Vessby B, Selinus I. Acta Med Scand 1986;220:153-60.

Effects of oral supplementation with evening primrose oil for six weeks on plasma essential fatty acids and uremic skin symptoms in hemodialysis patients. Yoshimoto-Furuie K, Yoshimoto K, Tanaka T, et al. Nephron 1999;81:151-9.

Role of gamma-linolenic acid in uraemic pruritus. Tamimi NA, Mikhail AI, Stevens PE. Nephron 1999;83:170-1 [letter].

The importance of gamma-linolenic acid and prostaglandin E1 in human nutrition and medicine. Horrobin DF. J Holistic Med 1981;3:118-39.

Vitamin Bible. Mindell, Earl

Vitamins & You. Benowieez, Robert

The People's Guide to Vitamins & Minerals. Bosco, Dominick

The Complete Book of Vitamins. Gottlieb, William

Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC and James F. Balch, M.D.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.