Evening primrose oil (EPO), a source of essential fatty acids such as gamma linolenic acid (GLA), has been used in Europe since the seventeenth century and by the Native Americans for centuries as nutritional support for a wide range of physiological functions, including joint, skin and cardiovascular health.

Joint Health: In the body, GLA is metabolized to dihomogammalinolenic acid (DGLA). Several studies suggest that DGLA promotes healthy prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) production and supports healthy cytokine activity, a mechanism that may help to support joint comfort.

Skin Health: Several studies have indicated that EPO may help support the look and feel of healthy skin. A clinical trial reported that EPO supported healthy skin through a modulation of IFN-gamma. Another study revealed that EPO promoted skin health and led to a more favorable shift in eicosanoid metabolism.

Cardiovascular Health: Animal studies suggest that EPO may support healthy lipid metabolism and may provide oxidative protection by promoting glutathione reductase and transferase activities. A clinical trial reported that GLA in combination with EPA/DHA significantly promoted healthy cardiovascular function in women.

Menstrual Comfort: EPO supports GLA levels, which may potentially be supportive of premenstrual comfort.*