Pharmacological basis of Evening Primrose Oil in Premenstrual Syndrome — An evidenced based approach
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Date
2022-07
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Publisher
Indian Medical Association
Abstract
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a recurrent luteal-phase condition associated with somatic emotional and behavioral symptoms. Frequently reported symptoms include breast discomfort, mood swings, fluid retention and food cravings. The exact etiology of PMS is unknown; however, the underlying mechanism is a complex interaction between fluctuations in ovarian steroids and central neurotransmitters as well as peripheral effects of hormones. Therefore, surprisingly a wide range of treatments are not available with satisfactory outcomes. Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) is one of the most popular for the management of PMS. EPO is a valuable fixed oil extracted from the Oenothera biennis seeds. It comprises essential fatty acids, including linoleic acid, Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), and Vitamin E, which have been used in various treatments. It has been clinically shown to improve psychological (mood and sleep disturbances) and physical symptoms (breast pain/tenderness, bloating, fatigue) in women suffering from PMS. The rationale put forward for investigating the use of EPO in PMS is thataffected women appear to have abnormal levels of essential fatty acids; hence administrating linoleic acid and GLA in the form of EPO could potentially alleviate the symptoms of PMS.
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Keywords
Evening Primrose Oil, Premenstrual Syndrome, GLA
Citation
Gandhi Ashwini Bhalerao, Desai Anish. Pharmacological basis of Evening Primrose Oil in Premenstrual Syndrome — An evidenced based approach. Journal of The Indian Medical Association. 2022 Jul; 120(7): 75-79