Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil (EPO) is derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant also known as Oenothera biennis L.. The evening primrose is native to North America, where it is regarded as a weed. Yet Indigenous peoples have been using the evening primrose plant as an herbal remedy for generations. When introduced into Europe, years later, it became known as the “king’s cure-all” and was used in a number of tinctures and tonics.Today the evening primrose is mainly cultivated and processed in China. EPO is a rich source of omega-6 Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), which is comprised of 18 carbon atoms and three double bonds. The health benefits of EPO are attributed to GLA. GLA is an unusual constituent of living matter and is found in very few plants. These include, in addition to evening primrose, black currant, borage and hemp. GLA content in EPO ranges from approximately 7 to 14%. Typical EPO supplements contain about 9-10% GLA.