GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Evening primrose oil (EPO) is derived from
the seeds of the evening primrose plant (Oenothera biennis), native to North America, Europe
and parts of Asia. Native Americans used EPO to treat
bruises, hemorrhoids, sore throats, and stomach aches. The
active ingredient in EPO is gamma
linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6
essential fatty acid that the body converts to the
anti-inflammatory prostaglandin E1 (PGE1).
ROLE IN ANTIAGING:
EPO may be considered as an important botanical in combatting the general effects of aging.
The body loses its ability to convert dietary fats into GLA
with age, thus EPO may be helpful in age-related conditions
resulting from GLA deficiency. As such, EPO is often
used to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Some
research suggests that EPO may be of benefit to
diabetics, as the GLA in EPO has been shown to
prevent, and in some cases, reverse nerve damage
(neuropathy), which is a common
complication of the disease. As GLA helps to keep nerves
healthy and combat inflammation, EPO may be helpful in
multiple sclerosis. The supplement is also recommended for people
suffering from Alzheimer’s-related memory problems,
as GLA boosts the transmission of
nerve impulses. Some studies have produced evidence to
suggest that EPO may lower cholesterol levels, however other studies have produced conflicting
results. EPO is often marketed as a treatment for PMS,
however research to support these claims is
inconclusive.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
Not applicable
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
The optimal daily intake of EPO is yet to be
established. A typical daily dose is 3,000- 6,000 mg, which contains roughly 270-540 mg of GLA.
Taking EPO with foods boosts GLA absorption. Some experts
recommend taking a supplement containing magnesium, zinc,
vitamin C, niacin, and vitamin B6 at the same time as EPO, as the body needs all of these nutrients
in order to produce PGE1.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL:
A maximum safe level of EPO has not been established. Nor is there any evidence to confirm the
safety of long-term use of EPO, however there have been no
reports of any significant toxic side effects associated
with EPO.
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
EPO may worsen symptoms of temporal lobe epilepsy. It should also be avoided by schizophrenics who are prescribed phenothiazine epileptogenic
drugs.
