In silico-predicted characteristic fragment ions database (CFID) for in-depth regiospecific analysis of triacylglycerol regioisomers based on UPLC-EIEIO-MS/MS.

Background Menopausal vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats negatively impact quality of life. Objectives This study aimed to determine the effects of primrose oil versus lavender oil on menopausal symptoms. Methods A double-blind, randomized, controlled trial was conducted on 150 menopausal women aged 40–60, who had experienced amenorrhea for over 6 months, and had no herbal allergies or serious illnesses. The women were consecutively recruited and, using a sealed, opaque envelope method, randomly allocated to receive either primrose oil, lavender oil, or a placebo for 8 weeks. All women applied oil twice daily to specific body areas. Prior to, four weeks and eight weeks after the intervention, the women completed the Daily Hot Flashes/Night Sweats Diary, Hot-Flash/Night Sweats Problem Rating, and Hot Flashes Related Daily Interference Scale. The data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square, analysis of variance, and post hoc tests. The level of significance was set at ≤0.05 Results At baseline, the three groups did not significantly differ regarding the mean daily interference ( P = .22), frequency of hot flashes/night sweats ( P = .61), and hot flashes severity index ( P = .84). The mean daily interference ( P < .001), frequency of hot flashes/night sweats per week ( P < .001), and hot flashes intensity index ( P < .001) in women receiving primrose oil or lavender oil exhibited a significant decline at the end of the fourth and eighth weeks after the intervention. The decreases in the frequency and severity of hot flashes were notably greater in the lavender oil group ( P = .001). Conclusion Primrose and lavender oils are both effective in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats, but the lavender oil was more effective in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women.

Abstract Background and Aims Chronic Kidney Disease-associated Pruritus (CKD-aP) in the setting of End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) is prevalent [1] and contributes to reduced quality of life for this patient cohort. For years, the most common initial treatment approach included antihistamines, even though the aetiology of CKD-aP isn't thought to be histamine-mediated. [2] Recently, the use of Gabapentinoids has become a widely accepted first line management strategy, supported by Grade A evidence. [3] Although the literature includes several alternatives, [4] there doesn't appear to be consensus on a second line option. The aim of this study was to determine the preferred second line agent for the management of CKD-aP. Method Full ethical approval was received from the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Cork Teaching Hospitals. Sixty eight international experts across Nephrology and Palliative Medicine from eight different countries were surveyed using a web-based tool. Results A response rate of 72% was achieved. 61% reported to be working in a high-income region. 83.3% of respondents were medical consultants. 53% were Nephrologists, 22% were Palliative Medicine Consultants and 25% worked across both. 90% confirmed either gabapentin or pregabalin as their first-line in treatment of CKD-aP in line with best practice and current evidence. 30% (n = 9) use topical menthol as preferred second-line option with 20% (n = 6) prescribing either Evening Primrose Oil or topical steroid preparations for the same indication. Other second line options includes first-generation antihistamines 13% (n = 4) and Difelikefalin (7%). 3% (n = 1) of respondents reported to use either UV-B phototherapy, oral Sertraline or topical Capsaicin cream respectively. Only 43% had access to Kappa opioid agonists (such as Difelikefalin) in their region with the majority administering it parenterally. Conclusion Gabapentinoids continue to be the mainstay of CKD-aP treatment. This study highlights marked heterogeny in preferred second line option in management of this debilitating condition. Further research is required to develop guidance in CKD-aP symptom management.

Dietary supplements, particularly those based on fatty acids, are increasingly popular due to growing interest in preventive health and wellness. Popular options include omega-3-rich fish oil containing EPA and DHA, krill oil and plant-based alternatives like flaxseed and algae oil. Omega-6 supplements, such as borage and evening primrose oils, and combination omega-3, 6 and 9 supplements often include vitamin E to prevent oxidation. Traceability in the dietary supplement market ensures transparency, safety and quality by tracking the product’s journey from producer to consumer. It prevents fraud, supports swift recalls, and builds consumer trust while improving organisational efficiency through enhanced data collection and communication. Classification systems like LanguaL™ and FoodEx2 aid in global data standardisation, organisation and safety assessments. This research aims to apply LanguaL™ and FoodEx2 to fatty acid-based supplements to develop a harmonised data system. LanguaL™ uses multilingual descriptors to classify food products, while FoodEx2 employs a hierarchical structure to support exposure and risk evaluations. LanguaLTM and FoodEx2 codes of 30 fatty acids-based dietary supplements present on the market were created. Aligned with FAIR principles, it promotes data accessibility and usability, facilitating efficient data sharing among stakeholders and improving transparency and traceability.

Mastalgia is a common breast complaint in women, particularly those of reproductive age, often leading to significant physical andpsychological distress. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate 100 female patients with mastalgia over an 18-month period, assessingthem through clinical examination, ultrasonography (USG), fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and mammography. The most frequentdiagnoses were fibroadenosis (36%) and fibroadenoma (30%). Surgical management provided greater relief (90.5%) compared to medicaltherapy (80.9%), with Evening Primrose Oil being the most effective medical treatment. Thus, early diagnosis and appropriate therapy,including reassurance, are critical to effective management.

In the study, a new purity certified reference material (CRM) of gamma-linolenic acid methyl ester (GLA-ME), designated as (GBW (E) 091214), was first developed in accordance with ISO Guides 17034 and 35. The research involved comprehensive investigations into the preparation, structure determination, characterization, homogeneity testing, stability testing, and uncertainty evaluation of the GLA-ME purity CRM. It was prepared by the preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (Pre HPLC) and molecular distillation (MD) method using evening primrose oil (EPO) as a raw material. The identity of GLA-ME was confirmed using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and infrared spectrophotometry (IR). The purity of GLA-ME was accurately determined by the mass balance (MB) and further validated via quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR). The homogeneity, long-term stability, short-term stability, and uncertainty were systematically studied using the MB. The uncertainty was evaluated by combining the contributions from characterization, homogeneity, and stability. The certified value was 98.9% ± 0.4% (k = 2) with 12 months stability under -18°C condition and 5 days stability at room temperature. The CRM was sufficiently homogeneous between and within bottles. It can be used for quality control and method validation to ensure the accuracy and reliability of GLA measurements for quality monitoring in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Diabetic neuropathy results in chronic pain. Traditional treatments often offer limited relief, prompting the exploration of alternative therapies like Evening Primrose Oil (EPO). This study aimed to assess the efficacy of EPO in the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy. In this interventional clinical trial, Patients were randomly assigned to three groups. Group A, consisted of 24 patients, received 1,000 mg of EPO soft gel capsules every 12 h. Group B, consisted of 21 patients, received 1,000 mg of EPO soft gel capsules daily. Group C, also with 21 patients, was divided so that half of the patients received placebo capsules daily and the other half every 12 h. After 4weeks, patients returned, and questionnaires were completed. Statistical analysis of the data was conducted using SPSS version25. Groups A and B showed significant reductions invisual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, with Group A achieving the most improvement (mean pre-test: 5.96; post-test: 4.63). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed significant differences in post-intervention scores (p<0.001) for VAS and Neuropathy total symptom score-6 (NTSS-6), indicating effective interventions. Treatment A was more effective than Treatment B for reducing pain (VAS mean difference=-0.52; p=0.044) and McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) scores (mean difference=-9.56; p<0.001). EPO could serve as a valuable alternative therapy for managing painful diabetic neuropathy with fewer side effects than traditional treatments. Further research is warranted to validate these results and explore EPO treatment long-term efficacy and safety.

Variation in Management of CKD-Associated Pruritus: Results From a Multinational Survey of Kidney Units

Avicularin is a minor aldose reductase inhibitor in defatted seeds of Oenothera biennis L.: Screening, inhibitory kinetics, and interaction mechanism.

Does vaginal primrose oil aid in cervical ripening?

BackgroundThe use of traditional and complementary medicines (T&CM) among menopausal women has become prevalent due to the concerns on the adverse effects and differing opinions regarding hormone replacement therapy’s (HRT) suitability for long-term following the release of Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) results in 2002. To date, there have been no studies conducted on knowledge, attitude and practice towards T&CM among menopausal women in Malaysia. In addition, many women seek relief from menopausal symptoms by using T&CM despite questionable safety and efficacy. The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of menopausal women towards T&CM and its correlation with sociodemographic data in Kuala Lumpur and to assess the prevalence, types and perceived effectiveness of T&CM used by menopausal women in Kuala Lumpur.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among menopausal women (n = 390) in Kuala Lumpur in the form of self-administered questionnaire. Data was collected using convenience sampling. The questionnaire was adopted from previous studies and some literature reviews with modifications. It was composed of 4 sections. Statistical analyses were performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics Version 26. Data obtained was analysed using descriptive and inferential analysis such as independent t test, one way ANOVA and chi square test.ResultsThe prevalence of T&CM used among menopausal women was found to be 27.2%. Evening primrose oil (53.2%), vitamins and minerals (53.2%) and black cohosh (48%) were most frequently used. Black cohosh and phytoestrogens were perceived as effective in relieving menopausal symptoms by 36.6% and 43.4% of respondents, respectively. Over half of the respondents had poor knowledge (51.3%), negative attitude (56.9%) and poor practice (55.7%) regarding the utilization of T&CM in menopause. There was a significant association between knowledge and attitude (p value < 0.05), as well as between attitude and practice (p value < 0.01). Participants with university level education and high income (> RM10,1000) showed higher knowledge and positive attitude.ConclusionsMenopausal women in Kuala Lumpur were found to have a low prevalence rate of T&CM utilization. Respondents’ low understanding and unfavourable views might significantly impact the inadequate usage of T&CM.

Technological properties of the furcellaran-whey protein isolate emulgels with various evening primrose oil concentration.

There is a growing need for safer alternatives to synthetic additives commonly used in lipophilic carriers for products such as foods, pharmaceuticals, personal care items, and cosmetics. Natural antioxidants, which prevent lipid peroxidation while providing additional health benefits, offer a promising solution. Evening primrose oil, a rich source of antioxidant compounds with numerous biological benefits, emerges as a potential natural preservative for oil-based products. Our study evaluates a combination of sunflower oil, a widely used cold-pressed oil, with evening primrose oil for potential applications in various fields such as cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or food manufacturing. Various methods were applied to assess oxidative stability by calculating the peroxide value, the p-anisidine value, and the total oxidation value, while biological safety was evaluated using the chick embryo's chorioallantoic membrane and histological analysis. The findings highlight that evening primrose oil, with its balanced effects on epithelial tissues and vascularization, as well as its strong anti-lipid peroxidation properties, is a suitable alternative to synthetic preservatives when used in combination with cold-pressed oils. This proposed oil combination, emphasizing the safety and beneficial properties of evening primrose oil, shows significant potential for applications in the pharmaceutical industry, dermatology, cosmetology, and food manufacturing.

Oral Lipids/Fatty Acids Supplements and Eczema: What Is Known?

This study aimed to evaluate the oxidative stability and surface properties of cold-pressed vegetable oils using the Langmuir monolayer technique. Six oils-milk thistle, evening primrose, flaxseed, camelina sativa, black cumin, and pumpkin seed-were analyzed to investigate their molecular organization and behavior at the air/water interface, particularly after undergoing oxidation. The results showed that oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as flaxseed and evening primrose oils, formed monolayers with larger molecular areas and lower stability, which led to faster oxidative degradation, especially under thermal conditions. In contrast, pumpkin seed oil, with a higher content of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), formed more condensed and stable monolayers, enhancing its resistance to oxidation. Black cumin oil, with a balanced profile of SFAs and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), demonstrated similar stability. The Langmuir technique facilitated a detailed analysis of monolayer phase transitions: PUFA-rich oils transitioned more readily to less stable phases, while SFA-rich oils maintained durable, condensed structures. These findings underscore the utility of this method for assessing the oxidative stability of vegetable oils and highlight key parameters-such as surface pressure, molecular area, and elasticity modulus-that can support the optimization of oil storage and quality in the food industry and related sectors.

Evening primrose oil supplements are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, with emphasis on linoleic and γ-linolenic acids, being taken in the treatment and prevention of diseases, but mainly for the relief of symptoms caused by premenstrual tension and menopause in women. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of the lipid profile of evening primrose oil supplements using gas chromatography techniques with a flame ionization detector and mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization. For this, eight commercially available national evening primrose oil brands were used. Of the eight samples analyzed, only two met all the standards established in legislation for fatty acids. The remaining capsules were subjected to triacylglycerol analysis and using a calibration curve the presence of soybean oil in the composition of the evening primrose oil capsules was verified. From the triacylglycerol with a mass/charge ratio of 901, it was possible to identify the addition of 31.16-85.88% of soybean oil in six of the eight capsules, leading the consumer to ingest products that did not comply with current legislation.

Assessing the effect of double balloon catheter and evening primrose oil compared with misoprostol on bishop score and duration of first stage of labor

Background: Mastalgia represents one of the most common breast-related complaints prompting women to seek medical attention. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of Evening Primrose Oil (EPO), Tamoxifen, and Danazol in the management of fibrocystic breast disease-associated mastalgia. Methods: This prospective, descriptive, longitudinal study included 300 reproductive-age female patients (15-55 years) with mammographic and/or sonographic evidence of fibrocystic breast disease attending the Surgery Out Patient Department of Enam Medical College Hospital between May 2019 and October 2019. Patients were categorized into cyclical and non-cyclical mastalgia groups. First-line therapy consisted of either EPO (500 mg, two capsules thrice daily) or Danazol (200 mg daily) for two months. Non-responders subsequently received Tamoxifen (20 mg daily) as second-line therapy. Treatment response was assessed using the Cardiff Breast Score (CBS) system at 15-day intervals. Results: Cyclical mastalgia was the predominant pattern (65.7%), with the highest prevalence in the 26-35 years age group (42.3%). As first-line therapy, Danazol demonstrated superior efficacy compared to EPO for both cyclical (81.1% vs. 68.6%, p=0.043) and non-cyclical mastalgia (62.5% vs. 46.5%, p=0.057). Tamoxifen showed substantial efficacy as second-line therapy, with response rates of 78.0% for cyclical mastalgia and 65.8% for non-cyclical mastalgia. In crossover therapy, Danazol yielded higher response rates than EPO (70.8% vs. 46.2%). The cumulative response rates after sequential therapy were significantly higher for cyclical mastalgia (94.4%) compared to non-cyclical mastalgia (84.3%) (p=0.009). Side effects were most pronounced with Danazol (weight gain, menstrual irregularities, acne), while EPO demonstrated the most favorable safety profile. Conclusion: This study supports a stepwise approach to mastalgia management, beginning with safer agents like EPO, particularly for cyclical mastalgia, and progressing to more potent interventions for non-responders. The consistently higher response rates for cyclical mastalgia across all agents underscore the importance of accurate clinical categorization. Treatment selection should balance efficacy, safety profiles, and individual patient factors to optimize outcomes in this common clinical condition.

Abstract Introduction Pathogenesis of psoriasis is multifactorial: genetic, immunological and environmental factors contribute together. Although intrinsic pathways of the disease patients are not able to modify, extrinsic factors (e.g. lifestyle, environmental factors) are those who pay patient’s attention. Chronicity of psoriatic disease promotes to seek for additional factors and recommendations that could help to prevent disease progression/symptoms/outbreaks. From the patient’s perspective using the internet to look for information in non-scientific portals is the most accessible and easiest way to find wanted. The aim of this study was to look for lifestyle recommendations in Latvian non- scientific mass media websites, which are given to prevent psoriasis outbreaks and relieve symptoms. Materials and Methods In June 2024, 8 Latvian mass media non-scientifical web portals and 30 articles (01.2022–06.2024) under the keywords ‘psoriasis’, ‘psoriasis treatment’, and ‘how to deal with psoriasis’ were analysed. Information was summarized to find out the most common lifestyle recommendations that are given to patients. Results The study showed that the most often was recommended to moisturize the skin with emolients (15 articles); 10 articles recommended skin cleansing as a daily routine with non-irritating, fragrance- and colour-free agents. The majority of received articles (25) mentioned that stress management, healthy sleep routine, physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight are the main factors that can help to prevent outbreaks. In five articles: vitamins D, B and A, and primrose oil were mentioned, but three of them recommended a special diet reducing consumption of dairy products, carbohydrates-, especially sugar, wheat flour and gluten. In six articles, it was recommended to stop smoking and using alcohol. Three of them suggested avoiding any skin traumas as well as tattoos and piercings, but only two recommended not to scratch and exfoliate the skin aggressively. In two articles it was recommended to use natural fabric clothing, do meditation and use phototherapy with UVB light. Two articles revealed the use of cold-pressed onion juice on celandine tincture to remove hyperkeratotic plaques. Only 3 of 30 articles recommended specialists' advice and specific treatment. Conclusions On the one hand from the patient's perspective, the internet is fulfilled with information and recommendations and can help to answer patient questions. On the other hand recommendations, fulfilment of the information can distract and delude the patients. Non-scientifical websites should be analysed critically. Most of them are made by non-health providers or translated from different languages. The lack of objectivity and not evidence-based information can lead to inadequate disease management, increase disbelief in treatment methods or even harm the patient.

Mastalgia, or breast pain, affects up to 75% of women, often raising concerns about breast cancer. This study compares the efficacy of three treatments—ormeloxifene, evening primrose oil (EPO), and topical diclofenac—in reducing pain, nodularity, and lump size associated with benign breast disorders. A comparative study was conducted at Sharda Hospital from May 2023 to April 2024 with 48 patients aged 18–35 years and patients followed up at 4, 12 and 18 weeks. The results demonstrated significant improvement with ormeloxifene, in pain reduction, regression of breast nodularity and fibroadenoma, making it a promising treatment option.