Evening primrose oil or primula (primrose oil). Properties and indications

The evening Primrose Evening primrose is botanically known as Oenothera biennis, belonging to the family of Onagráceas. This plant easily reaches a height of 1.50 to 1.80 m. and have the characteristic yellow flowers opened at dusk and staying until tomorrow morning.

Cultivated throughout Europe in gardens and parks for its beauty, as all species of the genus is native to America Oenotera. The North American Indians were using the primrose seed in their diet, but the Jews were the first to know the medicinal properties of the cowslip.

In 1917, Unger-German scientist-to analyze the seeds of this plant also found that oleic and linoleic acids, normal for this type of vegetable oils, it contained a larger proportion of linoleic acid (over 70%) and 9%, a rare and little-known fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid, fatty acid present only in breast milk and unusual in nature.

In the diet of adults is essential at least 3% of essential fatty acids, not synthesized by our body, which should be higher amount in the diet of pregnant and lactating women.

These fatty acids are vitally important in cell structure, reproduction, etc.., And especially as direct precursors gamma-linolenic acid and prostaglandins, substances important regulatory processes such as blood pressure, respiration, etc..

Cis-linoleic acid (18:2 n-6 (LA)




Gamma-linolenic acid (18:3 omega 6) (GLA)


dihomogamma-linolenic (20:3 omega 6)

│                                                                       │

Arachidonic                                         Acid Prostaglandin E1

(20:4 n-6)


Prostaglandin E2 and thromboxane A2

For cis-linoleic acid has a biological activity must be transformed into gamma-linolenic acid through a series of enzymatic processes, in turn regulated by various factors that can be easily altered and thus prevent this transformation. Among the most frequent disturbance factors can include: excessive saturated animal fat, diabetes, aging, physical and emotional stress, etc..

Properties of evening primrose oil or evening primrose
Ensuring the necessary input in our diet of linoleic and gamma-linolenic acid is very important for our body has the necessary prostaglandins to regulate various metabolic processes involved in, such as dilation of blood vessels, reducing blood pressure , inhibition of platelet aggregation (thrombosis) of cholesterol synthesis, inflammation, arthritis, the abnormal cell proliferation, raising the level of adenosis monophosphate and lymphocytes, also considered as liver protector.

It has also been shown that some of the Series 1 prostaglandins have properties similar to certain hormones and hypothalamic pituitary related to the female menstrual cycle. Evening primrose oil (primrose oil) or evening primrose oil provides effective relief for the typical premenstrual syndrome: fatigue and heavy legs, sensation of pain and swelling of breasts, heightened nervousness, dry skin, headaches and low belly, general discomfort. Also in irregular menses in amenorrheic.

At menopause revealed a significant decrease in the production of prostaglandins of the 1 Series, with all the physiological consequences that entails. The use of evening primrose oil (evening primrose oil), in these cases may represent a highly effective natural treatment.

Indications of evening primrose oil (primula)
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Irregular menses and painful.
- Menopause.
- Neurological disorders
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Asthma and Allergies
- Hyperactive Child

Have also achieved excellent results in the field of aesthetics as gamma-linolenic acid is responsible for perfect nails and hair, and prevents the onset of dry, flaky skin as well as the first wrinkles, It not only inhibits its total appearance but returns to the skin a youthful state.

Judy Graham .- "Evening Primrose Oil." Torons Publ. Great Britain, 1984
SA Medical Journal. V. 62. 1982

Related topics:
The fatty acids EPA and DHA (Omega 3) and cardiovascular disease
Borage oil, the protaglandinas (GLA), cardiovascular disease and premenstrual syndrome
Menstrual disorders. Natural Treatments
The basis of natural food
The combination of food
Circulation (problems). Natural Treatments
Cholesterol. Natural Treatments

*Automatic Translation