{"product_id":"clinicians-evening-primrose-oil-1000mg-90-capsules","title":"Clinicians Evening Primrose Oil 1000mg | 90 Capsules","description":"\u003ch2\u003eClinicians Evening Primrose Oil 1000mg\u003c\/h2\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003e\r What is Evening Primrose Oil?\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003cp\u003eEvening Primrose Oil is an extract of the seeds of the wildflower Evening Primrose that contains a rich concentrated source of polyunsaturated omega-6 essential fatty acids, with added vitamin E for antioxidant protection.  Evening Primrose Oil provides premenstrual support, and support for healthy skin and joints.   \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003eWhy use Evening Primrose Oil?\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003cp\u003eEssential fatty acids are an important component of a healthy diet as they cannot be synthesised by the body and are vital to the structure and function of our body’s cells, and many biological processes that maintain the balance between health and disease.  Evening Primrose Oil is an extract of the seeds of the wildflower Evening Primrose that contains a rich concentrated source of polyunsaturated omega-6 essential fatty acids, including linoleic acid and gamma linoleic acid, which are precursors for anti-inflammatory mediators.  Vitamin E is added for antioxidant protection.  Evening Primrose Oil provides premenstrual support, and support for healthy skin and joints.    \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003eWhat are the Key Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil?\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003cul\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eDoes not contain sugar or artificial sweeteners\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eTraditional medicinal plant formula \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eA concentrated source of high quality polyunsaturated omega-6 essential fatty acids\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eContains additional antioxidant protection\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eProvides premenstrual support\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003ePromotes skin and joint health\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eSuitable for vegetarians\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eDoes not contain added colours, flavours, yeast, preservatives, gluten, wheat or dairy\u003c\/li\u003e\r \u003c\/ul\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003e\r Indications:\u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r Allergies:\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Useful for those with allergies including asthma due to reduction in inflammation.\r Alzheimers\r \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r ADD, ADHD: \u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r EPO may reduce hyperactivity in adults and children by providing essential fatty acids that are vital for brain function.\r \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r Arthritis type conditions:\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r EPO helps to improve symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis and also reduces inflammation associated with arthritis.\r \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r Blood Platelet Aggregation: \u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r EPO lowers high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels which help to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack in people with Omega 6 deficiencies.\r \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r Brittle hair, nails and dry skin:\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Taking 2 EPO capsules daily helps to nourish and improve nail,skin and hair health\r \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r Chronic fatigue syndrome: \u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Take 4 capsules daily to help\r \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r Diabetes: \u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r EPO helps to treat diabetic neuropathy in Type 2 diabetes (also remove saturated fatty acids, sugar and add omega 3) and reduces stress on organs. EPO helps to normalise fat metabolism in diabetes and decrease the amount of insulin that is usually required by diabetics.\r \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r Degenerative Disease:  \u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r EPO affects cancer cells in tissue culture without harm to normal cells (must add omega 3 - flax oil or fish oil). Shows promise in supportive treatment for Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and multiple Sclerosis.\r \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r Eczema, psoriasis and acne:\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r EPO improves certain types of eczema, dry and itchy skin. EPO supplies essential fats to those who may have atopic eczema due to deficiencies in essentail fatty acids.\r \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r Fat Metabolism \u0026amp; Weight Management:\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r EPO assists weight loss by helping to increase metabolic rate which helps to burn off fat.\r \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r Inflammation: \u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r EPO helps to inhibit inflammatory conditions in joints, muscles, lung tissue, skin and any tissue suffering an inflammatory response, for example asthma and digestive inflammation.\r \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r Menopause symptoms and PMS:\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r EPO may reduce symptoms of menopause including, for example, vaginal dryness, hot flushes, irritability, night sweats, dry hair and skin, insomnia and mild depression.\r \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r Multiple Sclerosis:\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r EPO helps to slow down the deterioration that is associated with MS when started as soon as diagnosis occurs, due to myelin sheath regeneration and slowing the rate at which these nerve sheaths are deteriorating.\r \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003eProstate:\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Promotes healthy prostate\r \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003eSchizophrenia:\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r EPO provides adjunctive treatments for schizophrenics, who display low levels of prostaglandin E1 (in studies with those that have had an onset less than 5 years)\r \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r Sjogren's syndrome:\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r EPO prevents dryness and atrophy of tear and salivary glands.\r \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003e\r What are essential fatty acids?\u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Essential fatty acids (EFA) are precursors for eicosanoids, which are local hormones or signalling molecules that act directly on cells at their site of production.  Eicosanoids include prostaglandins, thromboxanes, prostacyclins and leukotrienes, depending on the enzymic pathway their precursors feed into.  There are two EFAs required by the body; alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), an omega 3 EFA found mainly in oily fish; and linoleic acid (LA) an omega 6 EFA, found mainly in vegetable oils.  EFAs are incorporated into the phospholipid bilayer structure of the cell membrane of all cells in the body.  When cells are activated by a specific external signal, EFAs are cleaved from the membrane by specific enzymes and metabolised into various metabolites that produce a range of eicosanoids, which are important for many physiological processes, including normal functioning of the immune system, the natural inflammatory response to infection or injury, regulation of gastric secretion, structure and function of the skin, and transmission of pain signals.  Linoleic acid is metabolised to gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) and arachidonic acid (AA); alpha-linoleic acid is metabolised to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).  AA released from the cell membrane can be converted to prostaglandins of the 2 series by the cyclooxygenase enzyme, or to leukotrienes by the lipoxygenase enzyme, which are the proinflammatory eicosanoids.  DGLA is also converted by cyclooxygenase to the series 1 prostaglandins and by 15-lipoxygenase to 15-hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (15-HETrE), both of which are anti-inflammatory eicosanoids.  It is important to maintain the right balance of EFA precursors to balance the formation of anti-inflammatory eicosanoids like prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and inflammatory eicosanoids including like prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukins and leukotrienes.  This balance can be upset by excessive consumption of saturated fats and alcohol, nutritional deficiencies and using nicotine, which can cause a depletion of GLA\u003csup\u003e1, 2.\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003e\r What is premenstrual syndrome?\u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), also known as premenstrual tension (PMT), describes a range of physical and mental symptoms that occur during the luteal stage of the menstrual cycle, which is after ovulation has occurred and before menstrual bleeding begins.  These symptoms include breast tenderness or mastalgia, bloating, backache, skin problems like acne, food cravings, irritability, tiredness and mood changes.  PMT is related to an imbalance in hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and may be influenced by many possible factors including stress, alcohol, diet and lack of exercise.  \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003eWhat are the Ingredients of Evening Primrose Oil?\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003eIngredients:  \u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003eEach capsule of Evening Primrose Oil contains the following ingredients:\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cul\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eEvening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)\t\t\t\t1000mg\u003c\/li\u003e\r \u003c\/ul\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r Providing:\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cul\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eGamma-linolenic acid (GLA)\t\t\t\t\t100mg\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eOther fatty acids (including linoleic acid and oleic acid)\t\t900mg\u003c\/li\u003e\r \u003c\/ul\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r They also contain d-alpha tocopherol, soybean oil.  \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r Evening Primrose Oil\u003cem\u003e (Oenothera biennis):\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Evening Primrose is a wildflower, named for the yellow flowers that bloom in the evening, belonging to the Oenothera family.  The Evening Primrose is native to North America, where the root and leaf were traditionally used by Native Americans as both food and medicine.  In contemporary medicine Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) extracted for the seeds has many medicinal uses including normal skin function and treating skin conditions like eczema, as an anti-inflammatory, and to support hormonal imbalance in women.  Evening Primrose oil is rich in polyunsaturated essential fatty acids, mainly linoleic acid (LA) (\u0026gt;70%) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) (10%), which belong to the omega-6 group of EFAs.  It also contains other fatty acids including oleic acid (7%) and a small amount of tocopherols (vitamin E).  GLA is obtained directly from dietary sources such as seeds and vegetable oils and is also synthesised by the body from linolenic acid and is the main component that contributes to the bioactive properties of EPO\u003csup\u003e3, 4.  \u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003e\r GLA for premenstrual support\u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Premenstrual breast pain during the last week of the menstrual cycle (luteal phase) is a common symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) for many women and is known as cyclical mastalgia.  Both vitamin E and EPO are supplements commonly used by women to relieve cyclical mastalgia.  It is thought that the cause may be related to fluctuating hormone levels, including an increase in oestrogen and prolactin levels and a decrease in progesterone levels.  Also, a deficiency of EFAs and an increase in inflammatory mediators may cause breast tissue to be hypersensitive to hormones and this may contribute to cyclical mastalgia.  The outcomes of several clinical studies have indicated that both vitamin E, EPO and a combination of the two supplements may improve cyclical mastalgia\u003csup\u003e5, 6, 7, 8, 9.  \u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003e\r GLA for healthy skin \u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Linoleic acid plays an important role in the structure and function of healthy skin.  It is a key component of ceramides in the cell membrane of the outer layer of skin cells that contribute to preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) from the skin.  Linoleic acid also improves skin softness by regulating the process of keratinization, when outermost cells become hardened and are shed to be replaced by newer cells\u003csup\u003e4, 10.\u003c\/sup\u003e  In a study with healthy volunteers receiving supplementation with EPO capsules, several parameters of skin softness, biomechanical properties and water retention were measured and found to be improved by EPO due to the GLA content, indicating that it contributes to the skin barrier function and smoothness of the skin surface.  A deficiency of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and its metabolite dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) due to deficiency of delta-6-desaturase, the enzyme that converts linoleic acid to gamma-linolenic acid, was found to be associated with atopic dermatitis.  The plasma levels of GLA and DGLA in patients with atopic dermatitis were found to increase following supplementation with EPO rich in GLA.  EPO supplementation also resulted in clinical improvements in atopic dermatitis and TEWL\u003csup\u003e11, 12.\u003c\/sup\u003e  Subjects with mild atopic dermatitis or dry skin were given GLA rich foods and the results indicated that GLA improved the barrier function and reduced TEWL from the skin\u003csup\u003e13.  \u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003e\r GLA for joint support\u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Several studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory potential of GLA\u003csup\u003e14.\u003c\/sup\u003e  The mechanism for this anti-inflammatory property is thought to be the blocking of inflammatory mediators by GLA due to diversion of precursors into different pathways\u003csup\u003e15. \u003c\/sup\u003e Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease in which production of inflammatory mediators in the joint plays a role in its pathogenesis.  A clinical study in which patients with rheumatoid arthritis were given EPO as a source of GLA in combination with fish oil as a source of omega 3 EFA demonstrated that compared to no supplementation there was an improvement in clinical symptoms in both groups, with an increase in plasma levels of GLA in both groups, indicating a possible role for GLA in improving disease activity\u003csup\u003e14.  \u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003e\r What are the Contraindications\/Interactions of Evening Primrose Oil?\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r You should always check the ingredients for known allergies and to ensure you do not have any allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients.  Stop using if you develop any irritation or allergy while taking Evening Primrose Oil.  Always read the label and use as directed or seek advice from your healthcare professional.\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003e\r Side effects:\u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Although mostly well tolerated Evening Primrose Oil can cause gastrointestinal upset such as\u003cbr\u003e\r abdominal discomfort, indigestion, nausea, diarrhoea; also headache.\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003e\r Do not use if you:\u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003cul\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eare pregnant or breastfeeding\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eare taking anticoagulants like warfarin or antiplatelet medication like clopidogrel as EPO may increase bleeding \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eare taking the antipsychotic phenothiazine as EPO may reduce its effectiveness \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eare taking anticonvulsant medication as EPO may reduce their effectiveness and exacerbate epilepsy\u003c\/li\u003e\r \u003c\/ul\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003e\r Caution:\u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r If you are taking any prescription medication seek advice from your doctor before you start taking EPO.\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003e\r What are the Directions for using Evening Primrose Oil?\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Initially take one or two capsules 2-3 times daily.  For maintenance take one capsule once or twice daily.  \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003eProduct Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r 90 Capsules\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003eReferences\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003eThe following references provide scientific support for the use of this product:\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003col\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eRusso GL.  Dietary n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: from biochemistry to clinical implications in cardiovascular prevention. Biochem Pharmacol.2009 Mar 15;77(6):937-46. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eKaur N, Chugh V, Gupta AK.  Essential fatty acids as functional components of foods- a review.  J Food Sci Technol (October 2014) 51(10):2289–2303\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eGranica S, Czerwińska ME, Piwowarski JP, Ziaja M, Kiss AK. Chemical composition, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activity of extracts prepared from aerial parts of Oenothera biennis L. and Oenothera paradoxa Hudziok obtained after seeds cultivation. J Agric Food Chem. 2013;61:801–10. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eTimoszuk M, Bielawska K, Skrzydlewska E.  Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) Biological Activity Dependent on Chemical Composition. Antioxidants (Basel).2018 Aug 14;7(8). pii: E108. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eDickerson LM, Mazyck PJ, Hunter MH. Premenstrual syndrome. Am Fam Physician. 2003; 67: 1743-52.\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003ePruthi S, Wahner-Roedler DL, Torkelson CJ, Cha SS, Thicke LS, et al.  Vitamin E and evening primrose oil for management of cyclical mastalgia: a randomized pilot study. Altern Med Rev.2010 Apr;15(1):59-67.\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eJaafarnejad F, Adibmoghaddam E, Emami SA, Saki A.  Compare the effect of flaxseed, evening primrose oil and Vitamin E on duration of periodic breast pain.  J Educ Health Promot.2017 Oct 4;6:85. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eKataria K, Dhar A, Srivastava A, Kumar S, Goyal A. A systematic review of current understanding and management of mastalgia. Indian J Surg. 2014;76:217–22.\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eBlommers J, de Lange-De Klerk ES, Kuik DJ. Evening primrose oil and fish oil for severe chronic mastalgia: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2002;187:1389–1394. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eMuggli, R. Systemic evening primrose oil improves the biophysical skin parameters of healthy adults. Int. J. Cosmet. Sci. 2005, 27, 243–249.\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eSimon D, Eng PA, Borelli S, Kägi R, Zimmermann C, et al.  Gamma-linolenic acid levels correlate with clinical efficacy of evening primrose oil in patients with atopic dermatitis.  Adv Ther.2014 Feb;31(2):180-8. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eChung BY, Park SY, Jung MJ, Kim HO, Park CW.  Ann Dermatol.2018 Aug;30(4):409-416. Effect of Evening Primrose Oil on Korean Patients With Mild Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study.\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eKawamura A, Ooyama K, Kojima K, Kachi H, Abe T. et al.  Dietary supplementation of gamma-linolenic acid improves skin parameters in subjects with dry skin and mild atopic dermatitis.  J Oleo Sci.2011;60(12):597-607.\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eVeselinovic M, Vasiljevic D, Vucic V, Arsic A, Petrovic S.  Clinical Benefits of n-3 PUFA and ɤ-Linolenic Acid in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Nutrients.2017 Mar 25;9(4). pii: E325. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eFurse RK, Rossetti RG, ZurierRB.  Gammalinolenic Acid, an Unsaturated Fatty Acid with Anti-Inflammatory Properties, Blocks Amplification of IL-1b Production by Human Monocytes.  J Immunol July 1, 2001, 167 (1) 490-496.\u003c\/li\u003e\r \u003c\/ol\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Clinicians","offers":[{"title":"90 Capsules","offer_id":31177723904045,"sku":"00371-90caps","price":22.57,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0268\/9954\/6157\/products\/1120287.jpg?v=1573461238","url":"https:\/\/nz-nutristrong.myshopify.com\/products\/clinicians-evening-primrose-oil-1000mg-90-capsules","provider":"NZ NutriStrong","version":"1.0","type":"link"}