Evening primrose oil has been called the most sensational preventive discovery since vitamin C. It contains the pain relieving compound phenylalanine and is increasingly being used to treat chronic headaches. It is currently being studied all over the world as a treatment for aging problems, alcoholism, acne, heart disease, hyperactivity in children, symptoms of menopause, multiple sclerosis, weight control, obesity, PMS and schizophrenia. It has so many preventive and therapeutic qualities that it has become a standard part of recommendations of many herbalist for maintaining youth and preventing disease.
The abundant supply of essential fatty acids in evening primrose oil may be valuable in minimizing the inflammation associated with this progressive nerve disorder. The fatty acids may also contribute to healthy nerve development when taken over time.
Hot flashes experienced by women going through the menopause have a number of non-hormonal treatment options but evening primrose oil does not offer evidence of effect1 - the one clinical trial before 2006 found no difference compared with placebo.
Evening primrose oil has been taken with fish oil and calcium by older people with osteoporosis and the combination seemed to decrease bone loss and increase bone density.1
More research is needed to determine the role evening primrose oil itself might play independently of the other supplements.
In some cases, eczema develops when the body has problems converting dietary fats into GLA. Getting supplemental GLA from evening primrose oil may therefore be helpful. Some studies indicate that this oil can outperform a placebo in relieving eczema-related inflammation, as well as the itching, oozing, and flaking associated with this condition. By taking GLA, eczema sufferers may tolerate reduced doses of steroid creams and drugs, many of which cause unpleasant side effects.
Evening primrose oil is a natural way for women to increase their chances of conception, because GLA increases the body’s production of cervical mucus – an important factor in successful reproduction.
The high levels of essential fatty acids in the oil can benefit fertility in another way too – they cause the contraction and relaxation of muscle tissue in the uterine wall, helping in preparation for pregnancy. However, those who are already pregnant should talk to their doctor before taking EPO, as uterine contractions may cause issues.
Evening primrose oil may actually boost male fertility too! A study carried out on animals at the Department of Animal Nutrition and Management found that dosing both male and female blue foxes with EPO during mating season resulted in an increase in litter size. Researchers believe that this is due to EPO’s effect on the male foxes, indicating the oil may improve male reproductive capabilities.
Evening primrose oil has proved to be a valuable treatment choice for people suffering from skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Studies published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science have even shown that evening primrose oil can help with age-related structural and functional changes in skin tissues, such as redness, firmness, roughness and fatigue resistance.
GLA prompts the brain to produce a specific type of prostaglandin called prostaglandin E, which works to prevent withdrawal symptoms such as depression and seizures by indirectly protecting the liver and nervous system.
By boosting the transmission of nerve impulses, evening primrose oil may be valuable in treating this progressive brain disorder.
There was 1 study that was done that showed that two-thirds of kids struggling with attention deficit hyperactive disorder showed enhancement after using evening primrose oil.
Diabetics occasionally have difficulty producing GLA and evening primrose oil could be an effective supplement to help benefit them. Studies have discovered that evening primrose oil could also help safeguard individuals from diabetic neuropathy, a nerve condition frequently affecting individuals with diabetes. This condition can cause pain, tingling, numbness, and other issues in the legs and toes.
Evening primrose oil is full of the fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA (one of the body’s essential fatty acids). GLA and other fatty acids are very important for the general function of your body. Alcoholics and individuals with diabetes tend to be deficient in GLA, and that may lead towards the development of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and cardiovascular disease in addition to a number of other problems.