Evening Primrose Oil

Pharmacology

Absorption: GLA-laden triglycerides in EPO are absorbed from the small intestine aided by bile salts. During this process, there is some deacylation of the fatty acids of the triglycerides, Reacylation takes place within the mucosal cells of the small intestine, and the GLA-laden triglycerides enter into the lymphatic system in the form of chylomicrons. GLA-laden chylomicrons are transported from the lymphatic system into the blood where GLA is carried in lipid particles to the various tissues of the body.   Metabolism and Elimination: GLA is metabolized to the 20-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acid dihomo-gamma-linoleic acid (DGLA), which is converted to prostaglandin El (PGEI). It may also be metabolized to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). GLA and DGLA are normally not found as free fatty acids in cells. They occur mainly in cell membranes as components of phospholipids, neutral lipids and cholesterol esters. PGEI is metabolized to smaller prostaglandin remnants, which are primarily polar dicarboxylic acids, most of which are excreted in the urine.

Uses of Evening Primrose Oil

• Acne & Rosacea
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
• Mastalgia/Fibrocystic Breast
• Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema
• Lupus
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Diabetic Neuropathy
• Atherosclerosis
• Psoriasis
• Alzheimer's related memory disturbance

Dosage and Administration 

500 mg: 1 or 2 capsules two to three times daily or as directed by the registered physician. 1000 mg:

• Atopic & Allergic Dermatitis: 

• Adult Dosage: 1 Capsule 2 times daily.
• Children's Dosage: 1 Capsule 1/2 times daily. 

Benign Breast Disease & Mastalgia: 1 Capsule 2/3 times daily with or after meals. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): 1 Capsule 2 times daily in the morning & night with or after the meal. Rheumatoid arthritis: 1 Capsule daily Or as directed by the registered physician. * চিকিৎসকের পরামর্শ মোতাবেক ঔষধ সেবন করুন' Interaction  Concomitantly use with anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, low molecular weight heparin and thrombolytic agents. 

Contradiction 

Previously Evening Primrose Oil  capsules were not recommended for patients diagnosed with Schizophrenia or those already receiving epileptogenic drugs such as phenothiazines. However, a recently published analysis of clinical trials involving polyunsaturated fatty acids in the treatment of schizophrenia did not indicate a clear therapeutic or adverse effect of Evening Primrose Oil supplements on Schizophrenic patients.

Side Effects of Evening Primrose Oil

There are some side effects of using Evening primrose oil.

• Headache
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Soft stools.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Linolenic acid, GLA and DGLA are important components of human breast milk, so it is responsible to assure that evening primrose oil may be taken while nursing. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pregnant or lactating women should get 5% of their total daily caloric intake from EFAs.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place, away from light. Keep out of reach of children.