Evening Primrose Oil

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Evening Primrose Oil JoAnn Guest Jul 28, 2003 17:13 PDT

Evening Primrose Oil

 

What is Evening Primrose Oil?

The Evening Primrose is a plant of the willow family whose flowers open

in the evening. The plant flowers from June to mid August and is

indigenous to North America. It grows wild in Britain around estuaries

and sand-dunes.

 

 

What is so Special About It?

The active ingredient in Evening Primrose Oil is an Essential Fatty Acid

called Gamma Linolenic Acid(GLA). Essential Fatty Acids are vital for

the proper functioning of the body, but cannot be manufactured by it.

They are therefore obtained solely through diet. Fatty acids are found

in every cell in the body. The key Essential Fatty Acid is cis-Linoleic

Acid. It is used either as a source of energy, for tissue formation and

repair or (most importantly), it is converted to GLA as a precursor to

prostaglandins.

 

 

Sources of GLA.

We normally obtain GLA from our diet through eating dairy products,

vegetable oils and products like soya which contain Linolenic Acid. This

is broken down into GLA. Corn oil contains GLA, but due to its

particular molecular structure, it cannot be utilised in the same way as

Evening Primrose Oil. Safflower and Sunflower oils contain Linolenic

Acid, but not GLA.

 

The only other source of importance is human breast milk. However, once

children who are breast fed from the neo natal stage are weaned, they

often develop eczematous skin conditions. This is because their body is

not able to convert from Linolenic Acid to GLA.

 

 

The Metabolic Pathway of Essential Fats

Linolenic Acid -> Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) -> Dinomogammalinolenic

Acid (DGLA) -> Prostaglandins.

 

Prostaglandins are required for metabolic functions of the body. They

act by reducing inflammation, dilating blood vessels, reducing the

tendency of the blood to clot, and are also involved in the production

of cholesterol. They are constantly being depleted and require continual

replacement.

 

 

When is Evening Primrose Oil Needed as a Supplement?

Some people seem to have an inability of convert Essential Fatty Acids

to GLA as successfully as others. Certain factors can also block the

conversion process such as:

 

Too much saturated fat in the diet

High levels of cholesterol

Excess alcohol

Stress

Diabetes

Ageing

Atopy (an inherited susceptibility of certain diseases)

When the conversion process of Fatty Acids to GLA does not occur,

prostaglandins are not produces. One of several medical conditions may

then occur. Supplementing the diet with EPO provides the body directly

with biologically active GLA and ensures a supply of cis-Linolenic acid.

 

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Evening Primrose Oil inhibits inflammation,

activates the immune system and blocks the release of damaging enzymes

which cause pain and inflammation.

 

A trial* carried out in Glasgow using a combination of EOP and fish oil

on 52 arthritis sufferers was highly successful. 50% of the patients

were able to stop their anti-inflammatory drugs altogether and 50% were

able to reduce their dosage.

 

Eczema - It seems that patients with eczema have an inability to convert

Linolenic Acid to GLA because of a faulty immune system. A clinical

study carried out at Bristol Royal Infirmary on 50 adults and 39

children had a high success rate. The patients were given high doses of

EPO capsules every day for 12 weeks. Generally the patients improved

over the three month trial period and the symptom showing most relief

was itchiness. This helped in containing the skin condition as

scratching can spread the infection. DGLA levels were tested at the

start and conclusion of the trial and in 80 of the 89 patients, levels

were raised after three months, indicating that conversion of GLA to

prostaglandins had occurred.

 

Pre-menstrual syndrome - a condition affecting 40% of women in the UK to

a greater of less extent. Women suffering from PMS seem to be lacking in

Essential Fatty Acids. This deficiency leads to an overproduction of the

hormone prolactin, which can lead to mood changes. Clinical trials* have

rated positively against similar trials using hormone treatment. It was

most effective in the treatment of depression and mood changes, water

retention and breast discomfort.

 

EPO is also prescribed as an effective treatment for mastalgia

 

 

Conclusion

Evening Primrose Oil can be used in a dietary approach to the treatment

of a number of medical conditions. It should be taken for at least 3

months on an initial trial basis.

 

http://www.goodnessdirect.co.uk/cgi-local/frameset/detail/500912.html

 

 

 

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