Effect Of Evening Primrose Oil Research Articles

The effect of evening primrose oil on some biochemical parameters in brain tissue in a model of metabolic syndrome induced with fructose in rats

Objective: Metabolic syndrome is a disease characterized by hypertension, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, and constitutes an important risk factor for cardiovascular disorders. The effect of evening primrose oil (EPO) on insülin, adiponectin and resistin levels in brain tissue was investigated in a fructose-related metabolic syndrome model. 
 Materials and Methods: The rats were divided into 4 groups as control, evening primrose oil (orally at a dose of 0.1 ml/rat/day), fructose (20% fructose added), fructose+evening primrose oil for 57 days. At the end of the experiment, brain samples were taken and homogenized. Then, insülin, adiponectin and resistin levels were determined by ELISA. 
 Results: Plasma insulin and resistin levels of the fructose group increased (p≤0.05 ) compared to the controls, on the contrary, adiponectin levels were significantly decreased (p≤0.05 ) in the fructose group. When EPO was given to rats given fructose, increased insulin and resistin levels decreased, while decreased adiponectin levels were increased. 
 Conclusion: Fructose-induced impaired metabolic changes in brain tissue were partially ameliorated when EPO was administered. Accordingly, the use of EPO in the medical setting may be recommended by clinicians to reduce the harmful effects on the brain, since metabolic changes in the brains of rat fed with high fructose content can also occur with the intake of fructose from various foods in humans.

Evening primrose oil attenuates oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, apoptosis, and ultrastructural alterations induced by metanil yellow in the liver of rat: a histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical study

ABSTRACT The food color metanil yellow (Myl) is hazardous to several body systems. Evening primrose oil (EPO) was reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. The present work investigated the impact of Myl on the hepatic structure and function of rats and evaluated the protective effect of EPO. Forty adult male rats were divided into four groups: control, EPO (5 g/kg/day), Myl (200 mg/kg/day), and EPO- Myl group. Myl significantly increased liver enzymes, advanced glycation end products (AGE), oxidative stress parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokines, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Blood vessels in the liver were dilated and congested, with cellular infiltration around them and associated with fibrosis. The hepatocytes were vacuolated and had dark nuclei. The immunohistochemical expression of iNOS, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and Bax was significantly elevated. Ultrastructurally, the hepatocytes showed lipid droplets, irregular condensed nuclei with widened perinuclear space, dilated rER, mitochondria with destructed cristae, and multiple vacuoles. Dilated congested blood sinusoids and collagen fiber bundles were seen between hepatocytes. Interestingly, these alterations were less pronounced in rats co-administrated with EPO and Myl. In conclusion, EPO can protect liver against the toxic effects of Myl due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities.

The effect of evening primrose oil on cervical ripening and birth outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and purposeThe results of various studies on the effect of evening primrose oil (EPO) on cervical ripening are controversial. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effect of EPO on cervical ripening and birth outcomes. Materials and methodsThe Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Persian databases were searched for studies published from the inception of the databases up to February 2021 (search updated in May 2022). Full-text articles published in English or other languages, randomized controlled trials, and quasi experimental studies with control group were included. Studies published in form of conference proceedings, and those whose full texts were not available, as well as studies with control groups receiving other treatments for cervical ripening, and those in which the intervention group received drugs besides EPO were all excluded. The Cochrane handbook was used to determine the risk of bias of the included studies. All data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.4 and reported in forest plots. ResultsSeven trials involving 920 women were included in the meta-analysis. In five studies, including 652 participants, cervical ripening was evaluated using Bishop score. The use of EPO was found to significantly improved Bishop score (MD = 3.23; 95% CI: 3.17, 3.29). The meta-analysis showed no significant differences between two comparison groups in terms of 1-min Apgar score and length of the second stage of labor. However, the two groups were significantly different in terms of their 5-min Apgar score and the time interval between administration of EPO and birth. Based on subgroup analysis by route of administration, both vaginal and oral use of EPO increased Bishop score significantly in the intervention group compared to the placebo group. ConclusionThis study showed that using EPO in term and post-term pregnant women was clinically effective in improving their Bishop score.

Protective effects of evening primrose oil on behavioral activities, nigral microglia and histopathological changes in a rat model of rotenone-induced parkinsonism

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative illness described as damage to dopaminergic neurons. There is increasing evidence that neuroinflammatory activity mediated by microglia is extensively involved in the initiation and development of PD. This study assessed the protective effect of evening primrose oil [EPO] as an anti-inflammatory mediator in rotenone-induced Parkinsonism in rats. Forty-eight adult male albino rats were distributed into four groups. Group I: control. Group II: rotenone [1.5 mg/kg/48 h] was administered subcutaneously to the rats. Groups III and IV: the rats had rotenone plus daily oral [EPO] 5 and 10 mg/kg respectively. After 24 days, motor behaviour was assessed by the open field and rotarod tests. The brain striata were isolated and tested for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin 6, NF-B [nuclear factor-kappa B], and dopamine levels. The mid-brain tissues were processed for light and electron microscopy examinations, and immunohistochemical staining for tyrosine hydroxylase [TH], and microglia cells' markers: [CD68 and IBA1]. Results revealed that rotenone-treated rats had poor motor function, a significantly increased striatal level of inflammatory markers, markedly shrunken neurons, degeneration, pyknotic neuroglia, neuropil vacuolation, markedly destructed swollen mitochondria with loss of their cristae, and dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum, as well as decreased TH and increased CD68 and IBA1-positive cells. Treatment with EPO ameliorates all the neuropathological changes of rotenone in the rat brain. In conclusion, EPO enhanced the motor performance, reduced the inflammatory marker levels, restored dopamine levels, and ameliorated the neurohistopathological lesions of rats with experimental parkinsonism, suggesting its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.

The effect of consuming evening primrose oil on cervical preparation before hysteroscopy: An RCT.

BackgroundHerbal medicine could be effective at treating various illnesses. Hysteroscopy can be an effective method for assessing the uterus in terms of anatomical, physiological and pathological anomalies.Objective This study aims to evaluate the effect of evening primrose oil (EPO) on cervical preparation in women candidates for hysteroscopy.Materials and MethodsThis study was a double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial including 160 women candidates for diagnostic hysteroscopy who were referred to Alzahra hospital from August 2019-March 2020. They were divided into 2 groups. Group A received 100 mg EPO as a soft gel capsule 6 hr before the hysterectomy in the posterior vaginal fornix. Group B received a placebo. After receiving the treatment, primary and secondary outcomes were evaluated in the groups.ResultsThe average Hegar size in the EPO group was larger than in the control group (p 0.001 for both). Also, the need for mechanical dilation, the time taken until the first resistance and the time of dilatation completion in the EPO group were significantly less than in the placebo group (p 0.008 for all). There was also greater ease of dilatation in the EPO group. Side effects such as uterine rupture, false passage, cervical rupture, allergic reaction, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, headache and increase of bowel movements were not reported in any cases.ConclusionBased on the findings of the present study, EPO is effective for cervical preparation in women undergoing hysteroscopy.

Evening Primrose Oil Enhances Tamoxifen's Anticancer Activity against Breast Cancer Cells by Inducing Apoptosis, Inhibiting Angiogenesis, and Arresting the Cell Cycle.

Background: Despite advancements in cancer treatment, breast cancer (BC) is still one of the leading causes of death among women. The majority of anti-breast-cancer medications induce serious side effects and multidrug resistance. Although several natural compounds, such as evening primrose oil (EPO), have been shown to have anticancer properties when used alone, their combination with the anticancer medicine tamoxifen (TAM) has yet to be investigated. The present study aimed to investigate the anticancer efficacy of EPO, alone or in combination with TAM, in the BC cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, as well as to elucidate the mechanism of action. Methods: The MTT assay was used to investigate the cytotoxic effect of EPO on the two cell lines, and we discovered an acceptable IC50 that was comparable to TAM. The ELISA, qRT-PCR, flow cytometry and colorimetric techniques were used. Results: The combination of EPO and TAM suppressed the VEGF level, VEGF gene expression and Cyclin D1 signaling pathways, arrested the cell cycle, and induced the apoptotic signaling pathways by increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase 3 activity; this revealed significant anti-tumor activity. Conclusions: The most significant finding of this study was the confirmation of the anticancer activity of the natural product EPO, which potentiated the activity of the anticancer drug TAM against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 BC cell lines through the induction of apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis and halting cell proliferation.

Evening primrose oil for cervical ripening in term pregnancies: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Induction of labor by using available, inexpensive and non-invasive methods with the least side effects is particularly important. A systematic review was conducted to assess the effect of evening primrose oil on cervical ripening in term pregnancies. In this systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials, a search was carried out in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Ovid, Scopus, Clinical Trials.gov, Google Scholar and Persian databases (Magiran, SID, and IRCT.ir) for published related articles without any time limit. The Cochrane handbook was used to determine the risk of bias of the included articles. The obtained data were analyzed in RevMan and reported in forest plots. The Odds Ratio (OR) was used to find the effect of the dichotomous data and the Mean Difference (MD) for the continuous data. The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using I2, T2 and Chi2. The random effect was used instead of fixed effect if I2 >40%. A total of 28 titles and abstracts were extracted, 9 articles entered into the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis results showed significant differences between EPO and control groups in terms of bishop score (MD=1.32; 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.66), reducing caesarean section rate (OR= 0.61; 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.86), duration of first stage of labor (MD= -98.67; 95% CI: -140.98 to -56.38) and duration of second stage of labor (MD= -10.98; 95% CI: -21.86 to -0.09). There were no significant differences in terms of birth weight (MD= 100.97; 95% CI: -11.91 to 213.84) and the frequency of induction with oxytocin (OR= 0.53; 95% CI: 0.27 to 1.01). It seems evening primrose oil be effective for cervical ripening, reducing cesarean section rate and shortening the duration of labor. Due to the high heterogeneity of the studies, the researchers recommend further researches on the subject using a standard tool based on the CONSORT statement.

The Effect of Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) on the Some Biochemical Parameters in Rats with Gentamicin Induced Nephrotoxicity

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effect of evening primrose oil (EPO) on some biochemical parameters on nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin (GM) in rats. The rats used in the study were randomly divided into 4 groups each consisting of 8 rats. The control group, EPO group, GM group and GM+ EPO group. The blood samples were taken 24 hours after the 8-day trial and kidneys were removed and saved for histopathological and PGE2 analysis. The serum creatinine, BUN, calcitriol, Ca, Na, Cl, K and P analyzes were performed via autoanalyser. PGE2 analysis was performed in kidney tissue via ELISA. Histopathological examination of the kidney tissues was performed. The levels of creatinine, BUN and Cl were significantly decreased and PGE2 and Ca increased in GM + EPO compared to GM group. The changes in the biochemical parameters examined and the histopathological findings obtained, it can be said that the EPO weakens the nephrotoxic damage caused by GM and has the protective effects on the kidney.

The effect of evening primrose oil on labor induction and cervical ripening: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The evening primrose oil has prostaglandin effects and is applied to soften the cervix. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to establish the results of clinical trials performed on the effect of evening primrose oil on labor induction and cervical ripening in pregnant women. Research studies were searched from 1990 to September 2019 in Pubmed, Science Direct, Embase, and Cochrane Library using the keywords: cervical ripening, Bishop score, labor induction, post-term pregnancy, evening primrose, and any possible combination of these keywords (Farsi, English). Data analysis was conducted using STATA (version 14.1), and I2 index and random effect forest plots to assess the heterogeneity between the studies and perform the meta-analysis, respectively. Six articles that met the inclusion criteria were extracted in which four were entered into quantitative meta-analysis. The results' high heterogeneity was 91.4% based on I2 index (p≤ .001) and the random model was applied for meta-analysis. The result demonstrated no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in terms of mean difference of the Bishop score before and after intervention (SMD: 0.27, 95%CI: -0.41, 0.96, p= .43). Based on current meta-analysis on four studies, effectiveness of oral consumption of evening primrose on cervical ripening was not approved.

Effect of Evening Primrose Oil on Postmenopausal Psychological Symptoms: A Triple-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

ObjectivesPsychological symptoms of menopause may impose a negative effect on the quality of life of menopausal women. Thus, the management of these symptoms can improve the quality of life and psychological health of such woman. The present study aimed to determine the effect of evening primrose on psychological symptoms in menopausal women.MethodsIn this triple-blind randomized clinical trial, the effect of the evening primrose oil on postmenopausal psychological symptoms was investigated. The subjects were 100 menopausal women, referred to a healthcare center in Dastena city (Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran), who were randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention group used two 1 g pearls of evening primrose oil daily. The study instruments included a sub-scale of Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Menopause data were analyzed using an independent t-test and Friedman test by the SPSS software. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsThe two groups were balanced in demographic characteristics and psychological disorder severity before the intervention. The median (interquartile range) MRS score in the intervention group before the intervention and 2 and 4 weeks after the intervention were 11 (10–12), 6 (5–7), and 3 (2–4), respectively, and in the placebo, they were 11 (9–11), 10 (9–11), and 11 (10–12). A significant reduction was observed in the intervention group compared with the placebo group 2 and 4 weeks post-intervention.ConclusionThe use of evening primrose oil can decrease postmenopausal psychological symptoms.

The effect of evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis) on the level of adiponectin and some biochemical parameters in rats with fructose induced metabolic syndrome

The effect of evening primrose oil on adiponectin level and some biochemical parameters in model of fructose-induced metabolic syndrome were investigated. The rats were divided into 4 groups: control, evening primrose oil, fructose, fructose + evening primrose oil. Body weight, daily feed and water consumptions and systolic blood pressures of animals were measured. At the end of trial, blood samples were taken, livers were excised and histopathological examination was performed. Glucose, uric acid, triglyceride, T.cholesterol, LDL, HDL, VLDL, ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, adiponectin, insulin, IL-6, TNF-α, TAC, and TOS levels were analysed. Some analysed parameters and systolic blood pressure of fructose + evening primrose oil group decreased significantly compared to fructose group and adiponectin, TAC, and HDL levels were significantly increased. As conclusion, evening primrose oil can be considered as antioxidant agent by reducing oxidative stress, increasing adiponectin levels and insulin sensitivity, anti-inflammatory properties, exhibiting anti-atherogenic effect by regulating dyslipidemia and systolic blood pressure.

Effect of evening primrose oil on postoperative pain after appendectomy: A double-blind, randomized, clinical trial

Background and objectiveDespite advances in surgical techniques and pharmacology, postoperative pain remains a common problem after appendectomy, and its management continues to be suboptimal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of evening primrose oil on the reduction of postoperative pain after appendectomy.Materials and methodsIn a double-blind, randomized, clinical trial, a total of 80 adults patients with acute appendicitis who were undergoing appendectomy at the Shahid Beheshti Emdad Hospital in Sabzevar, were included. Patients were randomly allocated into two equally sized groups (n = 40). In postoperative period and after recovering from the anesthesia, each of the intervention and control groups received one evening primrose (1000 mg) or placebo capsules every 30 min for 3 times, respectively. All patients in both groups were asked to rate the intensity of their pain on a 0–10 point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and also McGill pain questionnaire, before and 1 h after the last administration of the drug, postoperatively.ResultsIn patients who received evening primrose, both VAS and McGill pain intensity scores significantly decreased after intervention, when compared prior to initiation of the intervention (p < 0.0001). While in the control group, changes of pain intensity scores were not significantly different before and after the intervention (p > 0.05).ConclusionIt seems that oral evening primrose can be used as a simple and safe potential adjunctive treatment for postoperative pain control after appendectomy.

Impact of evening primrose oil consumption on psychological symptoms of postmenopausal women: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial.

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of evening primrose oil on women's psychological symptoms during menopause. A double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial carried out from September 2018 to February 2019 in Bandar Abbas, Iran. Eligible women randomly received either 1,000 mg of evening primrose oil capsules daily or matching placebo for 8 weeks. The Main outcome measures were psychological symptoms based on the psychological subscale of the Menopause Rating Scale. Independent samples t test was used for intergroup comparisons and paired samples t test for pre- and post-treatment comparisons. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The 8-week treatment was completed by 189 women. The mean baseline psychological score did not differ among the two groups. After intervention, the psychological score, however, differed significantly among groups (P < 0.01). To distinguish the effect of evening primrose oil, we compared the reduction in the psychological score in each group. Regarding mean differences of the psychological score in both groups, there was a prominent alleviation in the intervention group mean difference: -3.44 (95% confidence interval of difference: -4.01 to -1.20) (P < 0.01). In addition, only one patient reported gastric upset in the intervention group. This study could provide evidence regarding the potential benefits of evening primrose oil for the psychological symptoms of postmenopausal women. Longer trials are necessary to make more reliable decisions about the use of evening primrose oil and its safety in clinical practice.

Menstrual disorders: what we know about dietary-nutritional therapy

The reproductive age of a woman comprises a large part of her life. Suffering from menstrual disorders, such as dysmenorrhea, endometriosis and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), can have serious implications in the lives of those suffering them, so it is important to diagnose these problems and treat them in the most appropriate way. In the diagnosis of these problems it is important to carry out a rigorous medical history, in which a complete menstrual history is collected. Analgesic and hormonal pharmacological treatment, dietary therapy, surgery or alternative therapies may be included within the approach of these conditions. Regarding diet, this seems to be an important modulating factor, without having studied with sufficient scientific rigor the real effect it causes in women suffering from menstrual disorders. It is advisable to study each case individually and adapt the dietary-nutritional therapy. In endometriosis, for example, any additional problems such as fertility problems or immune diseases must be considered. In general, it is recommended to follow a healthy eating pattern, in which fresh unprocessed foods predominate, and avoid those rich in refined carbohydrates or fats, salt, alcohol and stimulating beverages. The efficacy of food supplements requires further research, although the positive effect of evening primrose oil on PMS appears to be a proven fact.

Effect of Evening Primrose Oil and Vitamin B6 on Pain Control of Cyclic Mastalgia Associated with Fibrocystic Breast Changes: A Triple-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Mastalgia is the most common symptom of fibrocystic breast changes. It causes concern and fear of breast cancer and has negative effects on quality of life. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of evening primrose oil (EPO) and vitamin B6 in the pain control of cyclic mastalgia. Methods: This triple-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 94 patients with mastalgia referring to the breast clinic of Milad hospital, Tehran, Iran. The participants were randomly assigned to three groups: EPO (n = 33), vitamin B6 (n = 31), and placebo (n = 30). The mastalgia severity in the three groups was measured using Visual analogue scale (VAS) before intervention and at the first, second, and third months after the beginning of the intervention using SPSS 18. Results: The results of this study showed that the mean severity of breast pain significantly reduced at the first, second, and third months after the intervention in the EPO (2.61 ± 2.35) and vitamin B6 groups (2.81 ± 1.97) (P < 0.001). However, the mean score of pain severity in the placebo group before and after the intervention did not show a statistically significant difference (5.38 ± 2.28) (P = 0.815). In addition, the difference in the mean score of pain severity between the two groups of EPO and vitamin B6 was not statistically significant (P = 0.999). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that vitamin B6 and EPO have the same therapeutic effects in the treatment of cyclic mastalgia. Because of the low cost and more availability of vitamin B6 compared to EPO, it can be used in the first line of treatment.

The effect of evening primrose oil on fatigue and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis.

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic progressive and inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that is characterized by demyelination in the central nervous system. In regard to the prevalence of diseases and enormous costs imposed on society and the health system, finding a way to stop the progression of the disease using drugs with fewer side effects seems a serious sanitation issue to the health of the international community. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of evening primrose oil (EPO) on fatigue and quality of life in patients with MS.Materials and methodsIn this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 52 patients with MS were chosen and categorized into 2 groups which received 2 doses of EPO and placebo. In addition, the quality of life and fatigue scale in these patients were investigated before the treatment and again 3 months after therapy. The findings were then compared between the 2 groups.ResultEPO consumption significantly increased cognitive function, vitality, and overall life satisfaction and also reduced pain and fatigue compared to placebo (P<0.05).ConclusionOur findings indicated that EPO consumption had no impact on the quality of life in general; however, it had a significant effect on several important aspects of life quality such as the increase of cognitive function, vitality, and overall life satisfaction. It also reduced the pain and fatigue in comparison to the placebo consumption. Herbal medicines are brittle and have fewer side effects than chemical drugs. With use of this plant, reduced fatigue and improved quality of life were observed in MS patients. But the drug did not prevent the progression of the disease.

The Effect of Evening Primrose Oil on the Intensity of Postpartum Blues Among Primiparous Females: A Double-blind, Randomized, Controlled, Clinical Trial

Background: The most vulnerable time to develop mood disorders such as sadness, depression, and psychosis is the postpartum period. Postpartum blues is the most common mood disorder and can endanger the relationships between mother, child, and family, and in case of lack of appropriate treatment can cause irreparable damages. Objectives: The current study aimed at investigating the effect of evening primrose oil on the intensity of postpartum blues among primiparous females. Methods: The current double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted from December 2012 to November 2013 on 132 primigravida females referred to health centers of Ahvaz, Iran. They were randomly divided into two groups of 66 to receive a daily dose of 1 g of evening primrose oil capsules (intervention group) or similar placebo capsules (control group) from the beginning of the 37 weeks of pregnancy up to 2-weeks postpartum. Females in both groups were asked to complete the Edinburg questionnaire on the days 4,10, and 14 postpartum. Data were analyzed using the t-test, Chi-square test, and repeated measures, and P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: There was a statistically significant difference (P= 0.0 001) between the two groups regarding the severity of the postpartum blues (the severity in the intervention group was less than that of the placebo group, P = 0.0001). The score of Edinburgh questionnaire was significantly less in the intervention group compared with that of the control group on the days 4,10 (P = 0.0001), and 14 of postpartum (P = 0.01) (P = 0.014). The averages of Edinburgh score in the intervention group was significantly less compared with those of the control group on the days 4 (10.5 +/- 0.57 vs. 13.3 +/- 3.28; P = 0.0001), 10 (11.2 +/- 1.22 vs. 14.9 +/- 3.6; P = 0.001), and 14 postpartum (11.7 +/- 1.3 vs. 13.05 +/- 2.6; P = 0.08). Conclusions: The use of evening primrose oil effectively reduced the severity of postpartum blues.

Effect of Evening Primrose Oil on Korean Patients With Mild Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study.

BackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is related to a deficiency of delta-6-desaturase, an enzyme responsible for converting linoleic acid to gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Evening primrose oil (EPO) as a source of GLA has been of interest in the management of AD.ObjectiveThe aim of this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EPO in Korean patients with AD.MethodsFifty mild AD patients with an Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) score of 10 or less were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups. The first group received an oval unmarked capsule containing 450 mg of EPO (40 mg of GLA) per capsule, while placebo capsules identical in appearance and containing 450 mg of soybean oil were given to the other group. Treatment continued for a period of four months. EASI scores, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and skin hydration were evaluated in all the AD patients at the baseline, and in months 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the study.ResultsAt the end of month 4, the patients of the EPO group showed a significant improvement in the EASI score (p=0.040), whereas the patients of the placebo group did not. There was a significant difference in the EASI score between the EPO and placebo groups (p=0.010). Although not statistically significant, the TEWL and skin hydration also slightly improved in the EPO patients group.ConclusionWe suggest that EPO is a safe and effective medicine for Korean patients with mild AD.

Effect of evening primrose oil on primeralary blood coagulation investigation in male rabbits

This study was performed to determine the effects of Evening primrose oil (EPO) on haemostatic parameters following 30 and 60 days administration of 90 mg/kg (EPO) to healthy male rabbits. The laboratory resulting in significant increase in Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) assays (p&lt;0.01), platelets count significantly decreased (p&lt;0.01) at both times. While fibrinogen concentration are insignificantly decreased. These effects might be due to inactivation or inhibition of factors affecting coagulation.

Study Effect of Evening Primrose Oil Supplement on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus - Associated Metabolic Parameters

Natural products are reported to be useful for controlling or preventing T2DM as an anti-inflammatory, AMPK activators, insulin secretion stimulators, alpha-glucosidase / disaccharidase or amylase inhibitors. Evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis) is a substantial source of omega-6 essential fatty acids, mostly gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). The activity of Δ-6-desaturase enzyme responsible to convert linolenic acid (LA) to forms GLA is compromised in patients with type 2 diabetes. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of evening primrose oil in amelioration metabolic parameters of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Twenty six overweight or obese patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were enrolled. Thirteen patients received metformin 500 mg tablets twice daily alone (as a conventional therapy) for 3 month therapy, and 13 patients received metformin 500 mg plus evening primrose oil 2 gm capsule twice daily. Serum fasting glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting serum insulin (FSI) was measured. Insulin resistance and β-cell function was determined by using homeostatic model assessment (HOMA). There was statistically significant elevation in baseline level of fasting serum glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting serum insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA- IR), and in both patient groups 1 and 2 compared to control subjects, (P&lt; 0.001). High reduction in these parameters post treatment was found in both patient groups compared to pre treatment level, significantly with fasting serum insulin in group 2 patients (P&lt; 0.001). Inversely, lower levels were seen in HDL-C, HOMA-B, significantly elevated post treatment in both groups. No difference was found in triglyceride and VLDL-C in both patient groups compared to control subjects, but significantly reduced post treatment. In conclusion, early intervention with natural oil rich in gamma linolenic acid with traditional hypoglycemic drugs can improve therapeutic outcome and represent a promising strategy to slow the progression of diabetes complications.