Evening Primrose Oil – The Tiny Seed Has Many Benefits
04-29-2011
Evening
primrose oil (Oenothera biennis) is
captured from small seeds of the vibrant yellow flowers native to North America
which only bloom at night. The musty-smelling oil has a fine texture, which is
very vulnerable to heat. Much of the oil production is done by solvent
extraction, often with hexane. The resulting oil is golden yellow and mostly
identical in chemical composition to that found within the seed.
The
oil is usually available in capsule form; however, it is also available in
bottles. Capsules may be the best source as the tiny seeds produce minute
amounts of the oil, making it expensive, and the oil is highly vulnerable to
oxidation.
Evening
primrose oil contains vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, especially
gamma linolenic acid (GLA). The body uses GLA to manufacture hormone-like
substances called prostaglandins, which are involved in the healthy functioning
of body tissue in various areas including combatting pain and inflammation,
regulating menstruation (See HC 011112-423 which covers a clinical trial on
cyclical mastalgia), and controlling cholesterol levels. The oil is mainly used
as a nutritional supplement for conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, multiple
sclerosis, heart disease, arthritis, PMS, menopause, diabetes, and benign
breast disease.
Applied externally, the oil makes a superb moisturizer
and is often used in beauty care products. Evening primrose oil can also be
rubbed into the skin of babies and children and is said to have a relaxing
effect.
Lori Glenn,
Managing Editor |