Evening Primrose Oil Benefits and Side Effects

Evening primrose is a wildflower that grows throughout North America, Europe and some parts of Asia. The seeds of this plant, whose flowers open in the evening, contain oil that is rich in essential fatty acids and is touted among nutritionists for its healing powers.

Evening primrose oil is one of the most concentrated sources of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties. The body converts the GLA in evening primrose oil into prostaglandins, substances that function like hormones and help to regulate body processes. Cell membranes depend on GLA.

Evening primrose oil is used for a variety of conditions, including skin problems, premenstrual symptoms and inflammation. Many women that suffer from premenstrual syndrome have low levels of GLA, which is why evening primrose oil supplements may help to alleviate symptoms of the condition.

Evening primrose oil is often recommended to reduce breast tenderness and pain caused by fibrocystic breasts, and it can also help to ease menstrual cramps, endometriosis and mood swings related to the menstrual cycle. As an anti-inflammatory agent, evening primrose oil is also effective in treating flare-ups of irritable bowel syndrome, and studies show that it may be useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis pain as well.

The GLA in evening primrose oil may also help to prevent and even repair nerve damage caused by diabetes. At least one study has shown that symptoms like tingling, numbness and loss of sensation associated with diabetic neuropathy improved when patients took supplements of evening primrose oil. In addition, inflammation in kidneys, joints and skin associated with lupus may improve with the use of evening primrose oil.

Further, damage caused by inflammation in people multiple sclerosis, as well as other inflammatory processes may be reduced or prevented with evening primrose oil supplements. Evening primrose oil is also thought to be capable of encouraging transmission of nerve impulses, making it of possible use in treating memory problems associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It can also help compensate for deficiencies in GLA associated with aging.

One of the most proven benefits of evening primrose oil appears to be its ability to treat dry, scaly, or itchy skin conditions, such as rosacea, acne and atopic dermatitis. It appears that the prostaglandins produced by evening primrose oil contract blood vessels that become inflamed with these skin conditions. Evening primrose oil may also help prevent pores from becoming clogged, and it may reduce reliance on corticosteroids by patients with certain skin conditions as well.

Evening primrose oil is available in capsules and in liquid form. The usual dosage is about three grams per day for most conditions. Side effects are uncommon but may include bloating and abdominal discomfort in a small percentage of people.

To minimize any unpleasant side effects from the use of evening primrose oil capsules, it is best to take them with food. This will also help to ensure adequate absorption of GLA. Other nutrients that are important for the body to utilize the GLA in evening primrose oil are zinc, vitamin C, B vitamins and magnesium. When evening primrose oil is used to treat skin conditions, it may take several months to notice positive effects.