Evening Primrose Oil
Also indexed as: Black Currant Seed Oil, EPO, Oenothera
biennis
Evening primrose oil (EPO), comes from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. Like black
currant seed oil and borage oil, EPO contains
gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid that the body converts to a hormone-like substance
called prostaglandin E1 (PGE1).
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?
Those with premenstrual
syndrome,1
diabetes,2 scleroderma,3 Sjogren’s syndrome,4 tardive dyskinesia,5 eczema,6 and other skin
conditions7 can have a metabolic block that interferes with the body’s
ability to make GLA. In preliminary research, supplementation with EPO has helped people with
these conditions.8 9 10 11 12
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.13 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?
Although many people may have inadequate levels of GLA, the optimal intake for this
nutrient remains unknown. 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?
EPO has been reported to exacerbate symptoms of temporal lobe epilepsy, which can sometimes be mistaken for schizophrenia.14 15
Other nutrients are needed by the body, along with EPO, to make PGE1. Consequently, some
experts suggest that magnesium, zinc,
vitamin C, niacin, and vitamin B6 should be taken along with EPO.
Are there any drug
interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with evening primrose oil. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
References
(To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
1. Horrobin DF, Manku M, Brush M, et al. Abnormalities in plasma
essential fatty acid levels in women with pre-menstrual syndrome and with non-malignant breast
disease. J Nutr Med 1991;2:259–64.
2. Keen H, Payan J, Allawi J, et al. Treatment of diabetic neuropathy
with gamma-linolenic acid. Diabetes Care 1993;16:8–15.
3. Horrobin DF. Essential fatty acid metabolism in diseases of connective
tissue with special reference to scleroderma and to Sjogren’s syndrome. Med
Hypotheses 1984;14:233–47.
4. Horrobin DF, Campbell A. Sjogren’s syndrome and the sicca
syndrome: the role of prostaglandin E1 deficiency. Treatment with essential fatty acids and
vitamin C. Med Hypotheses 1980;6:225–32.
5. Vaddadi KS, Gilleard CJ. Essential fatty acids, tardive dyskinesia,
and schizophrenia. In Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids: Pathophysiology and Roles in Clinical
Medicine, ed. DF Horrobin. New York: Alan R Liss, 1990, 333–43.
6. Manku MS, Horrobin, DF, Morse NL, et al. Essential fatty acids in the
plasma phospholipids of patients with atopic eczema. Br J Derm 1984;110:643.
7. Horrobin DF. Essential fatty acids in clinical dermatology. J Am
Acad Dermatol 1989;20:1045–53.
8. Mansel RE, Pye JK, Hughes LE. Effects of essential fatty acids on
cyclical mastalgia and noncyclical breast disorders. In Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids:
Pathophysiology and Roles in Clinical Medicine, ed. DF Horrobin. New York: Alan R Liss,
1990, 557–66.
9. Keen H, Payan J, Allawi J, et al. Treatment of diabetic neuropathy
with gamma-linolenic acid. Diabetes Care 1993;16:8–15.
10. Horrobin DF. Essential fatty acid metabolism in diseases of
connective tissue with special reference to scleroderma and to Sjogren’s syndrome.
Med Hypotheses 1984;14:233–47.
11. Vaddadi KS, Gilleard CJ. Essential fatty acids, tardive dyskinesia,
and schizophrenia. In Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids: Pathophysiology and Roles in Clinical
Medicine. Horrobin DF (ed). New York: Alan R Liss, 1990, 333–43.
12. Schalin-Karrila M, Mattila L, Jansen CT, et al. Evening primrose oil
in the treatment of atopic eczema: effect on clinical status, plasma phospholipid fatty acids
and circulating blood prostaglandins. Br J Dermatol 1987;117:11–9.
13. Glen AIM, Glen EMT, MacDonnell LEF, et al. Essential fatty acids in
the management of withdrawal symptoms and tissue damage in alcoholics, presented at the 2nd
International Congress on Essential Fatty Acids, Prostaglandins and Leukotrienes, London,
Zoological Society. March 24–7, 1985, [abstract 53].
14. Vaddadi KS. The use of gamma-linolenic acid and linoleic acid to
differentiate between temporal lobe epilepsy and schizophrenia. Prostaglandins Med
1981;6:375–9.
15. Holman CP, Bell AFJ. A trial of evening primrose oil in the treatment
of chronic schizophrenia. J Orthomol Psychiatr 1983;12:302–4.
Copyright © 2009 Aisle7 All rights reserved.
www.Aisle7.net
Learn more about Aisle7.
Learn more about the authors of Aisle7
products.
The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only.
It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience,
or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur
in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over
the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist
for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in
prescribed medications.