Serving Size 1 softgel / 90 softgels to a bottle
Evening Primrose Oil 1000mg
Cis-Linolenic Acid (la) 730mg
Gamma-Linolenic Acid(GLA) 90 mg
The rich stores of GLA in evening primrose oil are what make it
so valuable in healing. Taken internally, the body converts GLA
into prostaglandins. These hormonelike compounds help regulate
various body functions, controlling inflammation in some cases
and promoting it in others. The prostaglandins produced from GLA
fall into the anti-inflammatory category. Cell membranes also rely
on the presence of GLA.
Specifically, evening primrose oil may help to:
Relieve the discomforts of PMS (premenstrual
syndrome), menstruation, endometriosis and fibrocystic breasts.
By
interfering with the production of inflammatory prostaglandins
released during menstruation, the GLA in evening primrose oil
can help to lessen menstrual cramps. It may also minimize premenstrual
breast tenderness, irritable bowel flare-ups, and carbohydrate
cravings, and help to control endometriosis-associated inflammation.
Many PMS sufferers are found to have unusually low levels of
GLA in their systems, which is why supplements might help so much.
Although the oil has not been widely used in this country for
treating PMS, Europeans have long used it for this condition. In
women with fibrocystic breasts, the oil's essential fatty acids
can minimize breast inflammation and promote the absorption of
iodine, a mineral that can be present in abnormally low levels
in women with this condition.
Ease the joint pain and swelling
of rheumatoid arthritis.
Supplementation
with evening primrose oil and other sources of GLA has been shown
to lessen the joint pain and swelling of this crippling disease.
A six-month study reported fewer signs of inflammation in rheumatoid
arthritis sufferers taking capsules containing GLA than in those
taking a placebo. In another trial, the number of tender joints
and swollen joints dropped significantly with GLA but not with
a placebo.
Reduce the symptoms of eczema.
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. Not all studies point to such benefits, however,
and many conventional doctors remain skeptical.
Help treat acne and rosacea.
By working
to dilute sebum, a thick oily substance that is oversecreted in
some people with acne, the essential fatty acids in evening primrose
oil may reduce the risk of pores becoming clogged and lesions developing.
The oil's EFAs help treat rosacea by reducing inflammation, controlling
cells' use of nutrients, and by producing prostaglandins, which
stimulate the contraction of blood vessels.
Lessen numbness and tingling.
By helping
to keep the myelin sheaths that cover nerve fibers healthy--and
communication between the brain and nerve cells functioning smoothly--the
essential fatty acids in evening primrose oil may help to reduce
or prevent numbness and tingling in the feet, hands or legs.
Combat damage from multiple
sclerosis.
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. It is important to initiate supplement
use as soon as possible after diagnosis.
Treat Alzheimer's-related
memory deficiencies.
By boosting the
transmission of nerve impulses, evening primrose oil may be valuable
in treating this progressive brain disorder.
Protect against the effects
of aging.
As the body ages, it loses
its ability to convert dietary fats into GLA. Because this essential
fatty acid is involved in so many body processes, taking evening
primrose oil can help to compensate for any deficiencies in GLA.
Counter impotence and female
infertility.
By promoting blood
flow, the GLA in evening primrose oil can help treat a primary
cause of male impotence--compromised circulation leading to impaired
penile blood flow. The oil is often taken with vitamin C and
ginkgo biloba for this purpose. In addition, when the oil is taken
long term, GLA can help prevent blood vessel narrowing, often a
consequence of plaque buildup from high cholesterol. By improving
uterine function, GLA may also help those who are unable to conceive.
Alleviate Raynaud's disease
symptoms.
One study found a benefit
in gently rubbing evening primrose oil directly into fingertips
numbed by this circulatory disorder. The oil's GLA content is
thought to be responsible for the improvement. The toes may benefit
from this treatment as well, although the oil's effect on toes
was not examined in the study.
Nourish nails, scalp, and
hair.
The rich stores of essential
fatty acids in evening primrose oil not only prevent nails from
cracking but also help to keep them generally healthy. In addition,
the essential fatty acids nourish the scalp, making the supplement
potentially valuable in treating a variety of hair problems.
Prevent alcohol withdrawal
symptoms.
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.
Note: Evening primrose oil has also been found to be useful for
a number of other disorders.
Data to support the safety of long-term use of evening primrose
oil are not available. There have been few or no reports of toxic
reactions to evening primrose oil over nearly two decades of widespread
use as a supplement, however
