What is Evening Primrose?

Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis), also known as Evening Star, needs no introduction since people have been using this herbal remedy for years. This plant grows in regions such as North America, Europe, and many other regions with mild climates. Evening primrose is famous for its oil, produced from the seeds of this unique plant. Evening primrose oil is used as one of the ingredients in various medicines and cosmetic products. The active ingredients in evening primrose oil are two types of Omega-6 essential fatty acids, which are gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and linoleic acid. All these active ingredients have various functions and benefits for the body, such as growth and development (1).

Functions of EPO in Women’s Health.

There are various functions of EPO, such as treating eczema, a condition in which the skin becomes inflamed, itchy, scaly, and flaky due to allergies or irritation. Besides, it has also been used to treat acne, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. Which explains why it is commonly used among women since a pretty appearance is something every woman desires (1, 2, 3).

 

Apart from this, it has also been used to relieve the physical and psychological symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), such as cyclical mastalgia (breast pain), mood swings, headaches, depression, food cravings, period cramps, irritability, bloating, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, and hormonal acne. According to the study, 85% of menstruating women are affected by these symptoms, and the study shows that there is significant improvement in the severity and duration of PMS in the group using EPO as compared to the placebo group (1, 2, 4). Researchers believe that some women experience PMS because they are sensitive to the level of prolactin that is produced during ovulation and increases during the luteal phase. So, what EPO does is that the active ingredients inside it (GLA) convert to prostaglandin E1 in the body, which is able to help prevent prolactin from triggering PMS (4).

 

As for women during menopausal age, EPO has been seen to help with menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes (the most common symptoms in the menopausal syndrome). A study among 56 menopausal women in the age range of 45–59 observed that there is a significant reduction in hot flash symptoms among menopausal women using EPO (4).

Dosage and what to be cautious of with EPO

Evening primrose oil is classified as a herbal supplement, and the dosage is determined by a variety of factors. Many studies currently recommend a daily dose of 1 -3g (1,4). There are some studies that mention or use higher dosages of EPO, but using higher dosages of EPO requires advice from pharmacist or doctor because it may have side effects. Consumption of medication such as schizophrenic medications, antiplatelet medication, anticoagulant medication, and seizure medication is also contraindicated with EPO consumption, which is why it is best to seek professional advice before consuming EPO as it may interfere with medication that you are consuming (1,4).

 

In conclusion,

EPO can help women with their hormone regulation from they reach their puberty age, post-delivery of the baby, and during menopausal age. Which is why it can be said as women B.F.F (best friend forever) throughout their healthy journey!

 

References

  1. Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH). Evening Primrose Oil (EPO). http://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/evening primrose-oil-epo-2/
  2. 10 Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) and How to Use it. https://www.healthline.com/health/evening primrose-oil
  3. WebMD. Evening Primrose Oil (EPO). https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1006/evening primrose-oil 
  4. Mahboubi, M. (2019). Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) oil in management of female ailments. Journal of menopausal medicine25(2), 74