Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil And Its Side Effects
Last Updated: Dec 14, 2022
Evening Primrose oil is incorporated in our diet as a source of essential fatty acids. Derived from ‘evening primrose’ plant, its oil finds extensive use in treating skin disorders, such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It is also used in the treatment of osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Raynaud’s syndrome, Sjogren’s syndrome, hyperlipidemia, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia and dyspraxia. Furthermore, women find its need during pregnancy in preventing pre-eclampsia, late deliveries, starting labor, and shortening labor. It shows effective action in increasing the production of prostaglandins in the body. These are essential factors in the normal functioning of the cells. Other uses also include the controlling of symptoms towards menopause, premenstrual syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, attention deficit- hyperactivity disorder, ulcerative colitis among others. Native American tribes practiced its use towards treating laziness, piles, boils, and improve one’s muscle strength. It is used in the treatment of intermittent claudication, alcoholism, irritable bowel syndrome and peptic ulcer disease.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose plant is scientifically called as Oenothera Biennis. They belong to the family of Onagraceae. It is also known by other names, such as German rampion, hogweed, fever-plant, and Kind’s cure-all. The plant is edible as well as used for various health benefits down the years. The sweet flowers are used to garnish salads, while the young seedpods are steamed. Lastly, the leaves are cooked. The plant is primarily found in central and eastern North America.
Summary- The evening primrose plant is basically a hogweed, a fever plant. All parts of the plants including leaves, seedpods, and flowers are used to serve different purposes.
Nutritional Value of Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is considered as a rich source of an essential fatty acid called Gamma Linoleic acid (GLA). It is not usually found in all plant sources. With about 9% of GLA, the oil mainly consists of 74% of Linoleic Acid. It is made up of omega-6 fatty acids, which are generally considered as pro-inflammatory.
Summary- The evening primrose plant is basically a hogweed, a fever plant. All parts of the plants including leaves, seedpods, and flowers are used to serve different purposes.
Health Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil
Pregnancy
Evening primrose oil must be used regularly during pregnancy as it helps to reduce the risk of preterm delivery. It facilitates a less difficult delivery and enhances the baby’s brain and eye health. It supports the baby's cell membranes for the best possible long-term health.
Summary- Evening primrose oil is beneficial in pregnancy as it eases labor and helps to prevent postdated pregnancies too.
Bone-related problems
Evening Primrose possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce pain and inflammation caused by various issues. It also helps to increase bone mass density and plays a great role in bone strengthening. It also prevents severe disorders like osteoporosis which makes bones weak and brittle.
Summary- Evening primrose oil is believed to be extremely beneficial for bone health. It can be combined with other oils or used on its own.
Fertility
The presence of abundant amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids, makes evening primrose oil beneficial for improving fertility levels. It puts a positive effect on uterine activities. It increases conceiving chances. But it should be taken before ovulation only.
Summary- Evening primrose oil is very helpful for elevating fertility and improving conceiving chances. When necessary it can be taken as a supplement.
Premenstrual syndrome
Linoleic acid and Gamma-Linoleic acid present in evening primrose oil support to maintain the overall hormonal function in the body. It helps in subsiding symptoms related to excessive menstrual bleeding, bloating, water retention, irritability, headaches, cramps, breast tenderness, acne, depression and foggy thinking. The action of evening primrose oil is said to be achieved by preventing prolactin from triggering the symptoms of PMS.
Menopause
The evening primrose oil not only helps in maintaining hormonal levels in the body but also reduces hot flashes, which are major and uncomfortable symptoms of menopause. The intake of evening primrose oil is said to show less frequent, shorter and less severe hot flashes in post-menopausal women. It also helps in reducing depression and improves social activity between relationships in post-menopausal women. High levels of omega-6 fatty acids present in the oil play a crucial role in supporting the overall hormonal function in the body.
Prevents Acne
The GLA present in Evening Primrose helps to prevent acne. Both the quantity of skin cells generating lesions and skin inflammation is decreased. Additionally, it aids in rehydrating the skin.
Summary- Acne, and pimples can be prevented easily by the use of Evening primrose oil. It effectively works for this issue.
Beneficial for skin
Regular use of Evening primrose oil supplements make skin smooth and helps to regain elasticity, firmness, fatigue resistance, etc. It maintains the moisture of the skin. Evening primrose oil is considered ideal for skin structure and function.
Summary- Using Primrose oil helps to attain even textured skin. Additionally, it helps to prevent a number of skin disorders.
Hair loss
As hormonal fluctuations result in hair loss and thinning, evening primrose oil proves to be effective in its treatment as it balances hormones in the body. It reduces dihydrotestosterone levels that cause hair loss in men. It subsides high levels of thyroid and stress hormones which result in hair loss in women. This essential oil is proven to be effective in preventing balding and hair thinning even in topical application.
Beneficial for heart health
Evening primrose oil has the capability to reduce blood cholesterol levels. Additionally, it avoids the build-up of cholesterol in the lining of the arteries, which is the main contributor to heart obstruction. It is known to enhance cardiovascular health.
Summary- Evening primrose control blood pressure and cholesterol levels thereby preventing cardiovascular disorders. It deals with the underlying causes of cardiovascular diseases.
Beneficial for Nerve pain
Evening Primrose may also help to alleviate nerve pain and inflammation. The GLA present in Evening primrose is very effective for pain in nerves. It helps to reduce pain severity and increases mobility.
Summary- Nerve pain can be tackled by regular use of evening primrose oil very easily. It helps to combat severe pain in nerves.
Migraines
Omega-6 fatty acids have a vital role to play in brain functioning. Along with Linoleic acid and Gamma Linoleic acid, phenylalanine present in evening primrose oil is said to be the prime factor in reducing the symptoms of a migraine.
Hyperactivity
Evening primrose oil, being a rich source of omega-6 fatty acids like Linoleic acid and Gamma-Linoleic acid helps in reducing the symptoms of Attention Deficit 1 Disorder. Gamma Linoleic acid helps in the production of arachidonic acid, which is important to maintain proper brain functioning. It also regulates dopaminergic and serotonergic systems which assist in the normal functioning of the brain.
Uses of Evening Primrose Oil
Apart from all these health benefits, Evening primrose oil is also used as-
- Food because It is one of the prime dietary sources of essential fatty acids.
- It also finds extensive use in the manufacturing of cosmetics and soaps.
- Additionally, it is used to treat a variety of conditions, including diabetes and PMS.
- The oil is also used for massaging in case of arthritis or headache.
Summary- Evening primrose is used to serve different purposes too. It can be taken as a part of our diet or for preparing cosmetics.
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Side-Effects & Allergies of Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose also leads to some side effects which must be taken care of-
- Evening primrose oil has been shown to increase the chances of bruising and bleeding, which might worsen in cases of bleeding disorders and surgeries.
- It is also said to increase the chances of seizures, thus it is best to be avoided in patients with epilepsy and schizophrenia.
- The intake of evening primrose oil must be avoided in the case of anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.
- The same is applicable to phenothiazines and anaesthetic drugs.
Summary- People suffering from certain disorders such as epilepsy, bruising, schizophrenia or people undergoing specific medication should avoid Evening Primrose oil as it may worsen the situation.
Origin And Cultivation of Evening Primrose Oil
The evolution of evening primrose oil is traced back to ancient Mexico and some parts of Central America. It is usually harvested in the late summer or early autumn seasons. During its cultivation, its flowers open during the sunset only and remain closed during the day. It is traded in practically, almost every region of the world today.
Summary- Since evening primrose oil is native to Americans, they used it extensively. One of the most popular dietary supplements is it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if you take evening primrose oil every day?
Who should not take evening primrose oil?
What does evening primrose do to hormones?
When to take evening primrose oil morning or night?
References
- Williams HC. Evening primrose oil for atopic dermatitis. The BJM 2003 [Internet]. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
- National centre for complementary and Integrative Health. Evening Primrose Oil 2016 [Internt]. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
- Evening primrose oil- DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2019 [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
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