Rose

• Premenstrual syndrome

Evening primrose oil is indicated in: Premenstrual syndrome symptoms (PMS) Benign breast disease & cyclical mastalgia Lactation Atopic, allergic & neurodermatitis Psoriasis Hypertension Rheumatoid arthritis Thrombosis Atopic eczema Dietary aid Promotes healthy skin, nourishes brittle nails & hair.

N/A

Previously it was not recommended for patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. However, a recently published analysis of clinical trials involving polyunsaturated fatty acids in the treatment of schizophrenia did not indicate a clear therapeutic or adverse effect of evening primrose oil supplements on schizophrenic patients.

Improves EFA composition of plasma, erythrocytes, platelet lipids and atocopherol levels in non-diabetic persons and Type 1 diabetic patients; increase total fat and EFA contents of mother's milk; affects fatty acid composition of serum lipids and adipose tissue in men with low dihoma-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) levels; helps maintain normal cellular structures and in the precursor of DGLA, which is the parent of the 1-series prostanoids and as a precursor of arachidonic acid, the parent of the 2-series prostanoids.Evening Primrose Oil supplies gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). The bioactivity of EPO is due primarily to its GLA contents. By supplying GLA, it bypasses the rate-limiting step in the metabolism of LA. After ingestion of EPO, GLA is rapidly absorbed and then converts directly to DGLA and other prostaglandin precurosors. It also acts on the prostanoids pathway.

Side effects are rare at recommended dosages. Overdose may cause loose stool and abdominal pain.

Linolenic acid, GLA and DGLA are important components of human breast milk, so it is responsible to assure that evening primrose oil may be taken while nursing. According to World Health Organization (WHO), pregnant or lactating women should get 5% of their total daily caloric intake from EFAs.