WHAT IS
Evening Primrose Oil?
Evening Primrose Oil is a light yellow vegetable oil, extracted from Evening Primrose
seeds with 86% of the fatty acids being polyunsaturated. Linoleic Acid is the major
essential fatty acid and the rare cis GammaLinolenic Acid (GLA) comprises the majority of
the balance. Indian Agricultural Program of Ontario Evening Primrose Oil, with a minimum
12% GLA, has a GLA substantially above that of other commercial primrose oil.
As a dietary supplement, evening primrose oil can help lower blood
cholesterol and blood pressure, help in weight reduction, relieve premenstrual pain,
improve eczema, aid in the treatment of moderate cases of rheumatoid arthritis, slow
progression of multiple sclerosis, help hyperactive children, improve acne (when taken
with zinc), and help build stronger fingernails.
Source
of Cis GammaLinolenic Acid (GLA)
GLA is the last stable precursor to a group of hormone-like compounds called
prostagiandins, that control cell growth, cell regeneration, skin condition, the menstrual
cycle, and blood pressure.
The active ingredient in evening primrose oil is gamma linoleic acid
(GLA), which is needed for the body to produce hormone like compounds called
prostaglandin's (PGs) E1, vital for good health. In other words, a deficiency of the
former can result in impaired production of the latter and adversely affect your physical
well-being. Therefore, it is employed in the treatment of any and every condition for
which prostaglandin could be beneficial. Numbering among these conditions are:
premenstrual syndrome, benign breast disease, cholesterol regulation, platelet
aggregation, blood pressure regulation, obesity, atopic disease, multiple sclerosis,
arthritis, rheumatism, alcoholism, mental disorders, and childhood hyperactivity.
Evening Primrose Oil is important because it supplies, firstly, the
biologically active cis Linoleic Acid for normal metabolism and, secondly, it provides a
dietary source of GLA.
Suggested
Use:
As a dietary supplement, take 2 to 4 capsules daily, preferably 1 hour before meals.
Contains no preservatives, sugar, starch, salt, wheat,
yeast, corn, milk, soy derivatives, artificial flavoring or coloring agents.
HISTORY
Evening Primrose seeds were gathered by Native Americans for food. The seed oil is a good
source of GLA, an essential fatty acid. An essential fatty acid is a nutrient that the
body can't make but is essential to good health. Evening Primrose Oil has been used for
premenstrual syndrome ( PMS ) and mastalgia (sore breasts) Studies to date have been
conflicting, some show a significant reduction in breast pain, while others fail to
confirm this.
Agronomic research at Indian Agricultural Program of Ontario has
resulted in special cultivars that offer greatly improved characteristics. Indian farmers
can rely on uniform stands, standability, and improved yields. The work has also
identified cultivars of high oil recovery and high GLA levels. Indian Agricultural Program
of Ontario has available Evening Primrose Oil at a GLA level of 12% minimum which is
substantially above the GLA of other commercial Evening Primrose oils.
REFERENCES:
- Kahoo, S.K., et al. (1990). "Evening primrose oil and treatment of premenstrual
syndrome". Medical Journal of Australia, 153, 198-192.
- Horrobin, D.F. (1990). "Gamma Linolenic Acid". Reviews in Contemporary
Pharmacology, 1, 1-45.
- Briggs, C.J. (1986, May). "Evening primrose: La Belle de Nuit, The King's
Cureall". Canadian Pharmaceutical Journal, 249-254.
- Rudin, D.O. (1987). The omega-3 phenomenon: The nutritional breakthrough of the 80's.
New York: Rawson Associates.
NON-SOLVENT EXTRACTION
An expeller extraction process is used, which keeps the oil temperature low. This helps to
maintain the cis conformation of the fatty acids.
Some companies use solvents to extract evening primrose oil, with the
potential for solvent residue in the oil. Use of the expeller extraction process means the
oil is never in contact with solvents. After pressing, the oil is immediately filtered and
bottled to preserve the highest quality.
ADDITION OF VITAMIN E
Raw Evening Primrose Oil is highly (92%) unsaturated and is a perishable oil. Natural
anti-oxidants like Vitamin E greatly help preserve and stabilize the oil in its
biologically active cis conformation. 400 ppm of natural source Vitamin E is added to the
oil. No other refining, additives or preservatives are used.
DISORDERS
Many conditions associated with the malfunctioning of the immune system are much more well
known today than ever before. Immune system, circulatory system, glandular system,
nervous system, they are all effected with today speedy life, and the symptoms could be
alcoholism, skin problems, respiratory problems, arthritis, high blood pressure,
inflammation, overweight.
Evening Primrose Oil is a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid, an
essential fatty acid. Fatty acids are important for building prostaglandin's, which are
necessary for several body processes, including dilation of blood vessels, metabolizing
cholesterol and other critical bio-chemical functions. Prostaglandin's are essential
hormone-like substances that help regulate system functions, such as immune, glandular,
cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Evening Primrose Oil is beneficial for individuals who cannot convert lionlenic acid into
gamma-linoleic acid, which can be a result of diabetes, zinc deficiencies and excessive
alcohol consumption. Evening Primrose Oil may be used to help treat a variety of ailments,
including skin conditions, respiratory problems, arthritis, high blood pressure,
inflammatory conditions, and obesity. Evening Primrose Oil can assist in lowering of blood
cholesterol and high blood pressure, improve eczema and acne, relieve the symptoms of
premenstrual tension, help with weight loss, aid patients suffering from rheumatoid
arthritis (mild cases), assist hyperactivity in children and improve weak fingernails.
HOW TO TAKE Evening Primrose Oil
No specific number of Evening Primrose Oil capsules have been determined to take
routinely. From one to four capsules are within the range. It is a totally natural
substance and larger amounts can be taken when needed. Taking more than twelve capsules
(four capsules three times a day) is not productive. It is usually recommended to take
between two and twelve capsules per day depending on the need.
Warning:
Individuals suffering from epilepsy should not take Evening Primrose Oil.
