EVENING PRIMROSE
Native to North America, where it is regarded as a noxious weed, evening primrose (Oenothera biennis L.) is considered by some authorities to be a complex of several closely related species. This biennial herb, a member of the family Onagraceae, produces a large number of highly fertile seeds, which are responsible for its introduction and establishment in Europe from ships' ballast in the first years of the seventeenth century. Although the native Indians and early European settlers in America used the whole plant for a variety of conditions, ranging from asthmatic coughs to gastrointestinal disorders to bruises, it is the fatty oil obtained from the small, reddish brown seeds that has caused a resurgence of interest in evening primrose. Evening primrose seeds yield about 14 percent fixed oil that, in turn, contains approximately 9 percent of an unusual constituent, gamma-linoleic acid (GLA). GLA is a known precursor of prostaglandin, serving as a key intermediate in the biosynthetic pathway leading from cis-linoleic acid to prostaglandin. In fact, conversion of the predominant, essential dietary fatty acid, linoleic acid, to GLA is apparently a limiting step in prostaglandin production. Advocates of the use of evening primrose oil claim that increased intake of it produces a large number of beneficial effects, including, but not limited to, weight loss without dieting, lowered blood cholesterol, lowered blood pressure, cure of rheumatoid arthritis, relief of premenstrual pain, slowed progression of multiple sclerosis, and even the alleviation of hangovers. Some clinical evidence exists supporting the possible efficacy of evening primrose oil in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), mastalgia (sore breasts), multiple sclerosis, atopic eczema, various diabetes-associated problems, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, endometriosis, and several other conditions. These studies, which have been reviewed and summarized in some detail, indicate that, at least in Britain, the oil is gaining some medical recognition. A potential medication interaction has been identified. Schizophrenic patients receiving phenothiazine epileptogenic medications should avoid use of evening primrose oil as it could increase risk of temporal lobe epilepsy. The flowers, leaves, and stem bark of evening primrose have astringent and sedative properties. All three parts have been employed in the treatment of whooping cough. Evening primrose has also been taken for digestive problems and asthma, and used as a poultice to ease the discomfort of rheumatic disorders. The oil, applied externally, is beneficial in the treatment of eczema, certain other itchy skin conditions, and breast tenderness. Taken internally, the oil has an effect in lowering blood pressure and in preventing the clumping of platelets. The oil is now commonly taken for premenstrual problems, including tension and abdominal bloating. Multiple sclerosis may benefit from internal treatment with the oil, as may rheumatoid arthritis, intermittent claudication (a cramp like pain in the leg), and other problems relating to the circulation. Other medical uses - Addictions, Lung cancer, Ovulation pain, Prostate cancer.
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