Evening Primrose Seed Oil
quantity in basket: none
code: 61018

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Latin Binomial: Oenothera biennis
Plant Part: Seed
Extraction: Cold Pressed
Growing Practice: Ethical
Country of Origin: USA

Refractive Index: 1.450 to 1.530 @ 20° C
Specific Gravity: 0.9100 to 0.9500 @ 20° C.
Appearance: yellow liquid
BioChemicals: 7-10% gamma linolenic acid (GLA), vitamins, minerals

Saturated fatty adics (typically 8%): palmitic acid (6.5%), stearic acid (1.3%), arachidic acid (0.3%)

Monounsaturated fatty acids (typically 0.2%): eicosenoic acid (0.2%)

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (typically 80%): linoleic acid (65-75%), α-linolenic acid (0.2%), γ-linolenic acid (8-10.5%) [GLA]
CAS No: 65546-85-2

(Oenothera biennis of Family Onagraceae is native to eastern and central North America, although it now is naturalized in other temperate and subtropical regions. It is a biennial flower plant that grows 1-5 ft tall, with pale yellow hermaphrodite flowers 1-2 inches in diameter. The flowers open in the evening and close by noon the next day (hence the name). The plant has a number of other names, including hog weed, King's cure-all, and fever-plant. It can grow almost anywhere, including by streambeds, by the seashore, in the mountains, or even in the desert.

Evening Primrose Oil is extracted from the mature seeds by expression, with about a 25% yield. About 7-10% of the oil consists of the rare essential fatty acid γ-linolenic acid, commonly known as GLA.

Several other oils, including borage oil, and black currant oil, have higher levels of GLA than Evening Primrose Oil.

Folklore and Traditional Plant Uses

Native North American use includes seed infusions for wound healing, and leaves and roots. Little used in Europe but it was described as early as 1629.

Therapeutic properties for external use

  • dry scaly skin
  • dandruff
  • helps with psoriasis
  • helpful for eczema
  • accelerates wound healing

Cosmetic Use

  • used in antiwrinkle preperations at about 20%
Evening Primrose originated in North America but was transported to Europe by returning settlers as early as 1629. Since then it has spread throughout the temperate and subtropical zones. It is claimed to be effective when taken internally for a number of treatments,
Evening Primrose Oil is generally considered to be safe when used externally. When taken internally, some side effects or drug interactions have been reported.

Evening Primrose Oil can oxidize on exposure to air and light, so it should be stored in a cool, dark place with oxygen excluded.

The information provided on these pages is not a substitute for necessary medical care, nor intended as medical advice. Always keep carriers and bases tightly closed and in a cool, dark place, out of reach of children. If redness or irritation occurs when applied to the skin, stop using immediately and contact your health provider if necessary.