Posted by Phillipa on October 28, 2007, at 12:26:10 [reposted on October 30, 2007, at 0:44:06 | original URL]
In reply to Evening Primrose Oil WAY BETTER for me than O3's, posted by Marty on October 28, 2007, at 11:44:38
Marty wow it's used a lot for autoimmune diseases and omegas. Here's what I quickly found sure you have too. Phillipa
Background
Evening primrose oil (EPO) contains an omega-6 essential fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is felt to be the active ingredient. EPO has been studied in a wide variety of disorders, particularly those affected by metabolic products of essential fatty acids. However, high-quality evidence for its use in most conditions is still lacking.
back to top Synonyms
Echte Nachtkerze, EPO, fever plant, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), herbe aux anes, Huile D'Onagre, kaempe natlys, king's cureall, la belle de nuit, nachtkerzenol, night willow-herb, Oenothera communis Leveill, Oenothera graveolens Gilib, omega-6 essential fatty acid, Onagra biennis Scop, Onogra vulgaris , onagre bisannuelle, scabish, Spach, stella di sera, sun drop, Teunisbloem.
back to top Evidence
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.Uses based on scientific evidence Grade*
Eczema (children and adults)
Several small studies of eczema suggest benefits of taking evening primrose oil by mouth. Large well-designed studies are needed before a strong recommendation can be made. Evening primrose oil is approved for eczema in several countries outside of the United States. B
Skin irritation (atopic dermatitis in children and adults)
Several small human studies of atopic dermatitis suggest benefits of taking evening primrose oil by mouth. Large well-designed studies are needed before a strong recommendation can be made. Evening primrose oil is approved for atopic dermatitis in several countries outside of the United States. B
Breast cancer
Not enough information is available to advise the use of evening primrose oil for breast cancer. People with known or suspected breast cancer should consult with a qualified healthcare professional about possible treatments. C
Breast cysts
The limited available research does not demonstrate that evening primrose oil has a significant effect on treating breast cysts. C
Breast pain (mastalgia)
Although primrose oil is used for breast pain in several European countries, no high-quality human studies are published in this area. Therefore, the available information does not allow recommendation for or against the use of primrose oil in this condition. C
Chronic fatigue syndrome/post-viral infection symptoms
Not enough information is available to advise the use of evening primrose oil for symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome or fatigue following a viral infection. C
Diabetes
A small number of laboratory studies and theory suggests that evening primrose oil may be helpful in diabetes, but more information is needed before a recommendation can be made. C
Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage)
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), one of the components of evening primrose oil, may be helpful in people with diabetic neuropathy. Additional studies are needed before a recommendation can be made. C
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
It is theorized that primrose oil may be helpful in patients with MS based on laboratory studies. Limited evidence is available in humans, and a firm conclusion is not possible at this time. C
Obesity/weight loss
Initial human study suggests that evening primrose oil may have no effects on weight loss. C
Pre-eclampsia/high blood pressure of pregnancy
Evening primrose oil is proposed to have effects on chemicals in the blood called prostaglandins, which may play a role in pre-eclampsia. However, more studies are needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn. C
Raynaud's phenomenon
Not enough scientific information is available to advise the use of evening primrose oil for Raynaud's phenomenon. C
Rheumatoid arthritis
Benefits of evening primrose oil in the treatment of arthritis have not clearly been shown. More information is needed before a recommendation can be made. C
Scale-like dry skin (ichthyosis vulgaris)
Early studies do not show a benefit from evening primrose oil. However, larger studies are needed to confirm this result. C
Asthma
Small studies do not show evening primrose oil to be useful in the treatment of asthma. Further research is needed to confirm this conclusion. D
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Small human studies show no benefit from evening primrose oil in ADHD. Further research is needed to confirm this conclusion. D
Cardiovascular health
Early study of evening primrose oil shows a lack of significant beneficial effects on cardiovascular function and health. D
Menopause (flushing/bone metabolism)
Available studies do not show evening primrose oil to be helpful with these potential complications of menopause. D
Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)
Small human studies do not report that evening primrose oil is helpful for the symptoms of PMS. A large, well-designed study is needed before any recommendation can be made. D
Psoriasis
Initial research does not show a benefit from evening primrose oil in the treatment of psoriasis. However, studies have been small with design flaws, and many have combined primrose oil with other agents such as fish oil. D
Schizophrenia
Results from studies of mixed quality do not support the use of evening primrose oil for schizophrenia. D
Key to grades
A Strong scientific evidence for this use
B Good scientific evidence for this use
C Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work)
F Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work)
Grading rationale
Uses based on tradition or theoryThe below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Alcoholism, antioxidant, atherosclerosis, bruises (primrose oil applied to the skin), chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (nerve damage), Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, disorders of the stomach and intestines, fibroadenomas, hangover remedy, heart disease, hepatitis B, high cholesterol, hot flashes, inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome, kidney stones, melanoma, multiple sclerosis, pain, post-menopausal symptoms, post- natal depression, preventing preterm delivery, promoting easier birth, Sj;ouml;gren's syndrome, skin conditions due to kidney failure in dialysis patients, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), ulcerative colitis, weight loss, whooping cough, wound healing (primrose oil poultice applied to the skin).
back to top Dosing
The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.
StandardizationStandardization involves measuring the amount of certain chemicals in products to try to make different preparations similar to each other. It is not always known if the chemicals being measured are the "active" ingredients. Standardized capsules of evening primrose oil (EPO) may contain about 320 milligrams of linoleic acid (LA), 40 milligrams of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and 10 international units (IU) of vitamin E. Some preparations are labeled with percent content (70% LA, 9% GLA). LA from normal daily food intake provides approximately 250 to 1000 milligrams of GLA daily.
Adults (18 years and older)Studies in the treatment of eczema or atopic dermatitis have used doses of 4 to 8 grams of evening primrose oil (EPO) daily, taken by mouth, divided into several smaller doses throughout the day. Studies of breast pain have used doses of 3 grams EPO daily, taken by mouth, divided into several smaller doses throughout the day.
Children (younger than 18 years)Studies in children treated for skin conditions have used 3 grams of evening primrose oil daily, taken by mouth, divided into several smaller doses throughout the day. It is reported that the maximum dose should not be greater than 0.5 grams per kilogram of body weight daily.
back to top Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
AllergiesAllergy or hypersensitivity to evening primrose oil has not been widely reported. Individuals with allergy or adverse reactions to plants in the Onagraceae family, gamma-linolenic acid, or other ingredients in evening primrose oil should avoid its use. Contact dermatitis (skin rash) is possible.
Side Effects and WarningsSeveral reports describe seizures in individuals taking evening primrose oil (EPO). Some of these seizures developed in people with a previous seizure disorder, or in individuals taking EPO in combination with anesthetics. Based on these reports, people with seizure disorders should not take EPO. EPO should be used cautiously with drugs used to treat mental illness such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine®), thioridazine (Mellaril®), trifluoperazine (Stelazine®), or fluphenazine (Prolixin®), due to an increased risk of seizure. Patients who plan to undergo surgery requiring anesthesia should stop taking EPO two weeks ahead of time because of the possibility of seizure.
Other reports describe occasional headache, abdominal pain, nausea, and loose stools in people taking EPO. In animal studies, gamma-linolenic acid (an ingredient of evening primrose oil) is reported to decrease blood pressure. Early results in human studies do not show consistent changes in blood pressure.
Pregnancy and BreastfeedingThere is not enough information to recommend the safe use of evening primrose oil during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
back to top Methodology
This patient information is based on a professional level monograph edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).Monograph methodology
back to top Selected references
Blommers J, de Lange-De Klerk ES, Kuik DJ, et al. Evening primrose oil and fish oil for severe chronic mastalgia: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187(5):1389-1394.
Budeiri D, Li Wan PA, Dornan JC. Is evening primrose oil of value in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome? Controlled Clin Trials 1996;17(1):60-68.
Gateley CA, Pye JK, Harrison BJ et al. Evening primrose oil (Efamol), a safe treatment option for breast disease. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2001;(14):161.
Hederos CA, Berg A. Epogam evening primrose oil treatment in atopic dermatitis and asthma. Arch Dis Child 1996; 75(6):494-497.
Humphreys F, Symons J, Brown H, et al. The effects of gamolenic acid on adult atopic eczema and premenstrual exacerbation of eczema. Eur J Dermatol 1994;4(598):603.
Huntley AL, Ernst E. systematic review of herbal medicinal products for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Menopause 2003;10(5):465-476.
Jack AM, Keegan A, Cotter MA, et al. Effects of diabetes and evening primrose oil treatment on responses of aorta, corpus cavernosum and mesenteric vasculature in rats. Life Sci 2002;71(16):1863-1877.
Joe LA, Hart LL. Evening primrose oil in rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Pharmacother 1993;27(12):1475-1477.
Joy CB, Mumby-Croft R, Joy LA. Polyunsaturated fatty acid (fish or evening primrose oil) for schizophrenia. The Cochrane Library [2]. 2000. Oxford, Update software.
Morse PF, Horrobin DF, Manku MS, et al. Meta-analysis of placebo-controlled studies of the efficacy of Epogam in the treatment of atopic eczema: relationship between plasma essential fatty acid changes and clinical response. Br J Dermatol 1989;121(1):75-90.
Qureshi S, Sultan N. Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs versus oil of evening primrose in the treatment of mastalgia. Surgeon. 2005 Feb;3(1):7-10.
Strid J, Jepson R, Moore V et al. Evening Primrose oil or other essential fatty acids for premenstrual syndrome [protocol]. The Cochrane Library [2]. 2000. Oxford, Update software.
Whitaker DK, Cilliers J, de Beer C. Evening primrose oil (Epogam) in the treatment of chronic hand dermatitis: disappointing therapeutic results. Dermatology 1996;193(2):115-120.
Yoshimoto-Furuie K, Yoshimoto K, Tanaka T et al. Effects of oral supplementation with evening primrose oil for six weeks on plasma essential fatty acids and uremic skin symptoms in hemodialysis patients. Nephron 1999;81(2):151-159.
poster:Phillipa
thread:792267
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20070923/msgs/792271.html