Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) is made from the seeds of the plant Oenothera biennis
(related actually to willow, not primrose). It is a rich source of
gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and linoleic acid (LA) — two omega-6 fatty
acids from which the body makes prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are
hormone-like chemicals that regulate many bodily processes, including
inflammation. The body’s ability to make gamma-linolenic acid declines
with age.
Scientific studies have provided evidence that supplementary evening primrose oil and its components can:
decrease incidence of cardiovascular disease (3 g/day GLA)
lower blood pressure
improve blood cholesterol profile (3.6 g/day GLA)
inhibit development of atherosclerosis
ameliorate acute respiratory distress syndrome
reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (2.8 g/day GLA)
improve nerve function in diabetics
ameliorate chronic fatigue syndrome
reduce migraine attacks
reduce appetite for fats in overweight people
prevent abnormalities in red blood cell membranes caused by hemodialysis
reverse bone loss from osteoporosis
enhance tamoxifen’s ability to suppress breast cancer (2.8 g/day GLA)
ameliorate psoriasis
improve symptoms of atopic dermatitis (274 mg GLA twice a day)
improve skin problems caused by hemodialysis (2 g/day GLA)