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Evening primrose oil

Evening Primrose Oil is a vegetable oil extract rich in linoleic acid omega 6 fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). This oil is used to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and dermatitis. Some women also use this supplement to treat symptoms of menopause. Although the scientific community has mixed opinions on the effectiveness of such applications, it is certain that Evening Primrose Oil provides essential fatty acids needed for good health.

Where does Evening Primrose Oil come from?

Evening Primrose Oil is extracted from the seeds of plants of the evening primrose family (Evening Primerose, Latin name Oenothera). These plants are native to North and South America, but can also be found in parts of Europe and Asia.

Benefits of Evening Primrose

Evening Primrose Oil is a good source of Omega 6 fatty acids. Typically, the oil consists of 65 to 75% linoleic acid and 7 to 10% GLA. These are both omega-6 fatty acids needed for skin, hair and bone health, metabolic regulation and reproduction.

Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil as an anti-inflammatory

Rheumatoid arthritis is a very painful condition that is most common in older people, but can also affect people of all ages. It is characterized by the body attacking its own joints, resulting in inflammation and pain. Supplementation with Evening Primerose Oil is seen as a potential way to treat such problems. It has been shown that the GLA content of evening primrose may help to reduce inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Such benefits may have applications in the world of bodybuilding to reduce inflammation and aid recovery.

Disadvantages and side effects of Evening Primrose Oil

Evening Primrose Oil is considered safe and harmless. It is generally well tolerated, although some people may experience mild headaches or indigestion. Evening Primrose Oil should not be used during pregnancy. There are some interactions of Evening Primerose Oil that you should be aware of. Evening Primerose Oli should not be combined with drugs that inhibit blood clotting or drugs that can cause seizures. In addition, it is possible that there are other herbal supplements such as Red Clover or Ginko that may interact negatively with Evening Primerose Oil. Due to the wide range of possible interactions with medications, if you are taking medication, you should consult your doctor before using Evening Primerose Oil.

Recommended dosage

Evening Primrose Oil is required in high doses to influence or treat rheumatoid arthritis. Doses in the range of 540mg of GLA have been shown to be effective, which equates to approximately 5 to 6 grams of Evening Primrose Oil per day. For general health support, doses in the range of 1 to 2 grams per day are commonly used. The daily dose can be divided into several doses and taken with meals.

Evening Primrose Oil Supplements

Evening Primrose Oil is available as a mono-preparation, but can also be found in EFA supplements (essential fatty acid supplements) and various protein powders.

Combination with other supplements

Due to the potential negative interactions of Evening Primerose Oil and some other herbal supplements, it is best not to combine these supplements indiscriminately. However, Evening Primerose Oil can be safely combined with other fatty acids or protein powders.

References

  1. Belch et al (1988): Effects of altering dietary essential fatty acids on requirements for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A double blind placebo controlled study. Ann Rheum Dis, 47: 96-104
  2. Stonemetz (2008), A Review of the Clinical Efficacy of Evening Primrose. Holist Nurs Pract, 22: 171-174
  3. UMMC (2011), Omega-6 fatty acids. University of Maryland Medical Center