Evening primrose oil, properties and benefits

EVENING PRIMROSE OIL

In addition, it aids in alleviating menstrual pains and premenstrual symptoms.

The secret to its success lies in its composition rich in polyunsaturated essential fatty acids, especially gamma-linoleic acid.

Origin
Composition and Nutritive Value
Properties
Internal Use
External Use
Dosage
Contraindications and Side Effects
Side effects and Warnings
Science endorses the efficacy of Evening Primrose Oil in cancer patients

ORIGIN
Evening Primrose is extracted from the seeds of a flower, also known as evening primrose, native to North America and England. It belongs to the order of Mirtifloráceas, Onagráceas family, genus Oenotherae and used two types: Oenothera biennis and Oenothera Lamarckian.

The evening primrose plant and its seeds have been used by American Indians for centuries. It is used as a tea in hot water to heal wounds, skin problems and other ailments.

COMPOSITION AND NUTRITIVE VALUE

Evening Primrose Oil is composed of:

Oleic Acid: linoleic acid, alpha-linoleic acid, beta-linoleic acid, gamma-linoleic acid, stearic acid, aspartic acid, glutamine, palmitic (seeds) caffeic, ellagic, p-coumaric.
Amino Acids: arginine, cysteine, phenylalanine, glycine, histamine, isoleucine, Lucien, lysine, proline, lysine, threonine, tyrosine, valine.
Vitamins: Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), Fiber, Minerals: Potassium, magnesium, manganese, ammonia, copper, boron, iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus.
This Oil is rich in essential polyunsaturated fatty acids: linoleic (70%) and gamma-linoleic acid (10%), both series of omega 6, important precursors of various cellular mediators essential for the proper functioning and stability the membranes of cells in our body, the developing nervous system, the hormonal regulation of coagulation.

Be precursors of eicosanoids (prostaglandins, thromboxane, leukotriene and hydroxyl acids), compounds that regulate various biological processes throughout our lives. There is also a lesser extent oleic acid (monounsaturated fatty acid).
Essential fatty acids, unable to be synthesized by the body, must be introduced through the diet.

Moreover, when the diet is lacking these essential fatty acids, it can generate conditions in the heart, circulation, skin, the immune system, reproductive system and nervous system causing brain dysfunction.

PROPERTIES

Evening Primrose Oil is the preferred treatment by gynecologists to treat their ailments of women.

Adjusts the lacrimal and salivary secretion.
Supports normal functioning of our immune system and natural defenses.
Controls the normal production of skin oil.
Has actions similar to insulin and enhances the effects of it.
Prevents the formation of inflammatory substances.
It affects the conduction of nerve impulses, regulating the release and action of neurotransmitters (messengers of the nervous system)
Inhibits the formation of blood clots.
It has vasodilation, so useful in cardiovascular problems.
Regulates the effects of female hormones in the menstrual cycle.

INTERNAL USE OF EVENING PRIMROSE OIL

The use of Evening Primrose Oil is very suitable to treat a number of diseases related to women´s health

80% OF WOMAN EXPERIENCE PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Gamma-Linoleic Acid contributes to the production of prostaglandin E1, a kind of hormone that reduces inflammation. This property is very useful in the treatment of negative symptoms of PMS; it´s not a disease itself but can seriously affect the quality of life of sufferers. Breast tenderness, bloating, irritability and water retention are some of your symptoms. According to a study of evening primrose oil is therefore the preferred treatment by gynecologists to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Premenstrual syndrome is defined as the set of physical and psychological symptoms that appear in the second phase of the menstrual cycle from ovulation to the onset of menstruation (between 7 and 14 days before), these symptoms are more common among girls, and increases as it approaches, At the arrival of the menstrual period a peak is reached in the intensity between the day before and day of onset of menstruation and as the gynecologist Miguel Prats who specializes in breast disease points out: This syndrome is not a disease itself, it does become one “when it affects the quality of life of women, as in many cases, yes you have to treat it.”

80% of women experience one or more of these symptoms such as breast tenderness, bloating, fluid retention, abdominal pain, headaches, depression or irritability, that in 10% of the cases can be disabling and 63% affects the family environment, according to results taken from Arkopharma study on this topic in which pharmacists, gynecologists and sinologist of Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao and Seville had participated. The use of this oil is an alternative without contraindications to the use of prostaglandin inhibitors or hormones.

Infertility: The use of Evening Primrose Oil may be useful for solving certain problems of infertility associated with women´s hormonal problems.

Ovarian Cysts: It can be effective in reducing ovarian cysts.

Endometriosis: This inflammation of the lining of the uterus endometriosis is responsible for producing, among other symptoms, excessive bleeding during menstruation.

Breast Lumps: the oil of this plant, rich in Omega 6 fatty acids appear to reduce breast inflammation, preventing or reducing the formation of benign breast lumps (fibrocystic breast disease).

Impotence: The use of this supplement, for its ability to improve circulation, can be used in case of impotence related to a lack of blood flow to the penis.

Obesity and Overweight: It helps you lose weight.

Hair loss and nail health: The use of this supplement, for its ability to improve circulation, can be used in cases of hair loss related to a lack of blood supply to the hair follicle.

Multiple Sclerosis: Works by stimulating T lymphocytes (cells of our immune system); it stops platelet aggregation (clotting), strengthens blood vessels, regulates and normalizes nerve conductions

Rheumatoid arthritis: These anti-inflammatory properties are useful for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The use of this supplement in a usual manner for a period of 6 months helps to improve the disease, showed less joint pain and more flexibility from them. Studies in the United States applied doses of 2.5 g of this oil daily for a period of 6 months. This study showed that patients had less pain and their joints were less swollen. (The usual dose is usually taken in this case are about 350 mg of GLA daily, divided into two or three doses with food)

Heart disease, vascular disorders and hypertension: Helps reduce cholesterol levels, prevents blood clots and reduces blood pressure by vasodilatation. It also prevents the formation of thrombi and therefore contributes to a lower risk of thrombosis.

Diabetes: The use of this oil helpful as an aid in the treatment of diabetes. On the one hand this oil helps to maintain stable insulin levels, on the other hand, prevents the side effects of this disease in the nervous system provides for some patients, among which there is a general feeling of tingling or numbness of limbs. Its use in laboratory mice has shown how he was able to prevent vision problems caused by atherosclerosis, retinopathy, or excess sugar in the blood

Digestive System: The primrose protects the digestive mucosa making it a good ally to protect the stomach. It also appears to have a positive role in alleviating the negative effects of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. On the other hand has shown that it is used to protect the liver against the negative effects of alcohol. Evening Primrose oil has also been seen as useful in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn´s disease or ulcerative colitis because of its ability to inhibit prostaglandins responsible for inflammatory processes.

Allergy: Its use prevents the development of respiratory allergies and reduces their negative symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, etc.
Regulatory excess tears or saliva has been shown that their use is appropriate to control excessive production of saliva or tears when used in treatments 2 to 4 months old.

Neural Problems: Given the importance of Omega 6 in the functioning of neurons and chemical transmissions and anti-inflammatory properties, we must stress the importance of these oils in the prevention or treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer´s, depression or multiple sclerosis.

EXTERNAL USE OF EVENING PRIMROSE OIL

Psoriasis: Due to its anti-inflammatory effect of increasing circulation to the skin level applied to the psoriasis lesion reduces the burning and itching.

Eczema: Is used to treat eczema, especially atopic eczema, a disease of chronic allergy related problems that attacks the skin giving it a texture like leather. Your application for 3 or 4 months is very positive to reduce itching, dryness and prevent peeling of the skin so easily. It is an alternative treatment to steroids and topical immunomodulators.

Acne: Topical application also reduces blackheads, pimples and acne inflammations. This property is due to the capacity of its oil to dilute the accumulation of fats in the pores of the skin, which prevents them from blocking and displayed the same defects that characterize acne.

Dry Skin: The Omega 6´s ability to retain moisture in the skin is very suitable for the treatment of dry skin.

Strains and Muscle Tears: For its anti-inflammatory, rubbing or torn muscles relaxed evening primrose oil helps to reduce pain. (Empty the contents of a capsule in the fingertips to massage the affected area)

DOSAGE
The following doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use or expert opinion.

Adults (18 years and older): Studies in the treatment of eczema or atopic dermatitis reported using doses of 4 to 8 gr/ml of Evening Primrose Oil daily, orally, divided into several smaller doses throughout the day. Studies reported breast pain has used doses of 3 gr/ml per day orally, divided into smaller doses throughout the day.
Children (under 18): Studies in children treated for skin conditions reported the use of 3 gr/ml of Evening Primrose Oil per day, orally, divided into smaller doses footage throughout the day. It was reported that the maximum dose should not exceed 0.5 gr/ml per kilogram of body weight per day.

CONTRAINDICATIONS AND SIDE EFFECTS

There are no reports of major allergic reactions or hypersensitivity to Evening Primrose Oil.

People with allergies or adverse reactions to plants of the family of onagráceas, linoleic acid or other ingredients in evening primrose oil should be avoided, it may cause contact dermatitis (skin rashes).

SIDE EFFECTS AND WARNINGS

Several reports indicate into of episodes of epilepsy, people who suffer from seizure disorders should not take.

Caution is advised in the use of Evening Primrose Oil when taken in conjunction with drugs to treat mental illness such as: chlorpromazine (Thorazine ®), thioridazine (Mellaril ®), trifluoperazine (Stelazine ®), fluphenazine (Prolixin ®), because they increase the risk of seizures.

Other reports describe occasional headache, abdominal pain, nausea and loose stools when taking Evening Primrose Oil.

It is preferable to take this supplement with small doses of vitamin E that prevents degradation and makes this supplement may be absorbed better.

SCIENCE ENDORSES THE EFFICACY OF EVENING PRIMROSE OIL IN CANCER PATIENTS

A study coordinated by Spanish researchers has shown that Evening Primrose Oil or Evening Primrose (usually in health food stores and health food stores) has the ability to inhibit Her-2 oncogene in human cancer cells, this oncogene is related to the onset and worse prognosis of cancers of the breast, ovary and stomach. Researchers have found that gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), present in large quantities in Evening Primrose Oil, is capable of removing up to 90% the expression of Her-2 oncogene.

The study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) reveals that the GLA is not only capable of significantly reducing the levels of Her-2, but its presence increased from 30 to 40 times the effectiveness of the drug trastuzumab (more known as Herceptin), a monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of breast cancer patients with Her-2 positive. The research was led by the Spanish biologist Javier A. Menendez, Professor Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University in Chicago (USA), and she has also participated Ramon Colomer, head of the department of Medical Oncology, Institute Catala d´Oncologia (ICO) in the Hospital Joseph Trueta, Girona.
A previous study showed that Menendez oleic acid, the major fatty acids in olive oil, can inhibit the expression of Her-2 oncogene and increased sensitivity of breast cancer cells to Herceptin.

The published study now reveals that the GLA fatty acids inhibit Her-2 through a completely different molecular mechanism using Herceptin, so it could be supplemented, but clinical trials are needed to confirm this.