Evening Primrose

Botanical: Oenothera biennis

Family: Onagraceae (evening primrose)

Other common names: Evening Star, Tree Primrose, King's Cure-all, Evening Plant, Night Willow Herb, Scurvish, Scabish, Sun Drop, Field Primrose, German Rampion, Fever Plant

Evening Primrose is widely accepted for the standard treatment of cyclic mastalgia - breast pain that cycles with the menstrual period.  Conventional physicians in both Europe and North America suggest it routinely, and it is even mentioned in the AMA's official

Drug Evaluations textbook.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History and Uses:
Evening Primrose is a plant that is indigenous to North America, but is now found in Europe, Asia, New Zealand and Australia.  The parts of this plant used medicinally are the seeds, leaves, oil of the seeds and root. This plant is called Evening Primrose because its flowers open at night, so that they can be pollinated by night-time insects, such as the nocturnal sphinx moth.   The genus name, Oenothera, is said to be derived from the Latin root, oeno, meaning "wine," and  Evening Primrose has long been used as a relish for wine and to dispel the ill effects from drinking too much.  Evening Primrose was also known as "King's Cure-All" for at least five hundred years.  Traditionally, Evening Primrose had been used as a soothing remedy for coughs associated with colds and had also been used for mental depression, its effectiveness perhaps due to its stimulating effect on the liver, spleen and digestive system.  Evening Primrose can also be made into an ointment, useful for rashes and other types of skin irritations.  The entire plant is edible, and the entire plant has also been used as a poultice for wounds.  The roots have been rubbed on muscles by Native American people to give them strength.   The primary chemical constituents of this herb include gamma linolenic acid (GLA), essential fatty acids (oleic, palmitic, stearic), prostaglandins, calcium and B vitamins.  The gamma linolenic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that helps the body produce energy and forms part of the structural fats that comprise the brain, muscle, bone marrow and cell membranes.  The GLA is converted by the body into prostaglandins, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may also act as a blood thinner and blood vessel dilator.  Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances produced in most of the body's tissues, a deficiency of which can result in increased blood clotting time, weakened immune response, inflammation and disruption of nerve impulse transmission.  The oil from the seeds is helpful for ailments related to essential fatty acid deficiency or the inability to metabolize essential fatty acids.  Linolenic acid, a common fatty acid found in nuts, seeds and most vegetable oils (including the oil from Evening Primrose) should theoretically convert to prostaglandins, but many things can interfere with this conversion process, including disease, the ageing process, saturated fat, hydrogenated oils, blood sugar problems, inadequate vitamin C, magnesium zinc, and B vitamins. Supplements that provide gamma linolenic acid help circumvent these conversion issues, leading to more predictable formation of the prostaglandins.  Those with premenstrual syndrome, diabetes and eczema can have a metabolic block that interferes with the body's ability to make gamma linolenic acid.  Individuals with deficiencies benefit from supplemental gamma linolenic acid intake from Evening Primrose oil, black currant seed oil or borage oil.  Studies have indicated that about seven 500 mg. capsules of Evening Primrose oil daily, in conjunction with vitamins B-3, B-6, C and zinc, can achieve remarkable results in the treatment of schizophrenia or premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and up to six capsules per day appear to give significant therapeutic benefits.  In two separate Canadian studies using animals, the main constituent in Evening Primrose, gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and the plant oil itself, significantly reduced blood pressure.  In the first study, the GLA greatly strengthened the heart's response to chronic stress, while in the second a general lowering of blood pressure was observed.  Recommendation was to take about four capsules of Primrose per day for hypertension, along with increased potassium intake (750 mg.).  Furthermore, South African scientists have proposed that coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyper-cholesterolemia, allergic eczema and other atopic conditions, premature ageing and chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorders are related to an imbalance of fatty acids in the body.  Deficiencies of GLA and another important fatty acid found in fish oils may result in the metabolic blockage of a key enzyme.  It is suggested that an oil of Evening Primrose supplement is one good means of getting around this blockage and possibly preventing and treating many chronic disorders as well. Recommended intake from this study was two capsules twice daily, in the morning and again in the mid-afternoon for optimal health. 

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) to three (3) Capsules, two (2) to three (3) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Pregnant women should not use Evening Primrose, and excessive use may result in oily skin, an indication to decrease dosage.  Because of its blood-thinning properties, Evening Primrose should be avoided by those who are taking prescription bloodthinners (aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin(R), enoxaparin (Lovenox).  Evening Primrose may exacerbate symptoms of temporal lobe epilepsy and should be avoided by those are are treated for seizure disorders: phenytoin (Dilantin), valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene), carbamazepine (Tegretol), gabapentin (Neurontin), lamotrigine (Lamictal).  Do not take Evening Primrose if you are taking medication forr mental conditions (examples: chlorpromazine (Thorazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), perphenazine (Trilafon).  Some experts suggest that magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, niacin and vitamin B-6 should be taken along with this herb.  Evening Primrose may cause nausea, diarrhea, bloating, vomiting or gas.

Capsule Information:
Our Evening Primrose supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.