EPO What do the letters really stand for?

Friday 2nd January 1970 3:30am

epo

Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera biennis) is a tall biennial of the Onagracea family. Its flowers are cup shaped and yellow with a faint lemon scent. The flowers open at dusk to attract pollinating insects and moths, which inspired its common name, the Evening Star.

The active constituents from the Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) plant are found in its seeds. These seeds are rich in the essential fatty acids (EFA). Essential fatty acids must be supplied through the diet and through supplements because the body cannot manufacture them. The two functions of EFA are to be vital constituents of all cell membranes and they are precursors of prostaglandins. EPO EFA's are Gamma linoleic acid (GLA) 10%, linolenic acid (LA) 74% and vitamin E. EPO has the richest source of GLA than any other plant source.

GLA is involved in the following biochemical processes

GLA is often deficient in the western diet due to

GLA is used to encourage the growth of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormone - like compounds that have antiinflammatory properties, acts as blood thinners, blood vessel dilators and influence hormone production and function.

The health benefits attributed to EPO is incredible. An EPO supplement rich in EFA and GLA may offer relief of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, atherosclerosis, eczema, atopic dermatitis, diabetic neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, Raynaud's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, menopausal flushing, rheumatoid arthritis, attention deficit disorder, dry skin conditions, strengthen brittle nails, acne, diabetes, high blood cholesterol and asthma.

Premenstrual Syndrome

PMS is believed to be linked to inefficient prostaglandin production. Supplementing with EPO will increase GLA levels and therefore encourage the body to produce more prostaglandins. Researchers believe EPO will improve symptoms of headaches, irritability, bloating and breast tenderness.

Pregnancy and Lactation

The rapidly developing foetus requires EFA's for new cell growth, new tissues and organ's; the mother must supply this. The mother's level must be replenished. Cases of postnatal depression have been relieved with an EPO supplement.

Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune and inflammatory disorder. EPO is known to reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis such as tender and swollen joints and general stiffness due to inflammation. Benefits can also be witnessed in people with osteoarthritis.

Skin Health

Dry skin conditions such as eczema, dandruff and dry flaky skin will all benefit from EPO. The GLA content will moisturize the skin from the inside and help protect it from dry conditions such as excessive sunlight and other environmental conditions.

Further research is being conducted on the benefits of EPO in recovering alcoholics, attention deficit disorder and for sufferers of multiple sclerosis.

The seeds from EPO are pressed to extract the oil. The average standard dose for most conditions in adults is 2000mg - 4000mg each day of EPO. To achieve best results the dose should be divided and taken once in the morning and once on the evening with meals. The oil can also be applied directly on the skin for relief of dryness or irritation.

EPO should not be used in cases of epilepsy, oestrogen induced breast cancer and pregnancy.

This information and advice is not a substitute for qualified medical advice. Please consult a properly qualified health care practitioner.