Omega-6 Fatty Acid In This Plant
Evening primrose is native to North America, but may also be found in Europe and the Southern hemisphere. It is also known as tree primrose and sun drop. The active substance in evening primrose oil is gammalinolenic acid (GLA). GLA is an omega-6 essential fatty acid. Essential fatty acids are necessary for growth and development. Evening primrose oil has been used in the treatment of eczema, arthritis, and premenstrual syndrome. Total doses of evening primrose oil ranging from 4 to 8 grams daily (given orally) have been used for eczema. Three grams daily (in divided doses) has been used for breast pain related to premenstrual syndrome.
Headache, nausea, and diarrhea have been reported side effects. People with a history of seizures should not take evening primrose oil. It should be discontinued at least 2 weeks prior to any procedure requiring anesthesia due to increased risk of seizure. Finally, evening primrose oil should be used cautiously (if at all) in conjunction with these prescription drugs: chlorpromazine, thioridazine, trifluoperazine, and fluphenazine due to increased risk of seizure.