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DESCRIPTION
Prim Royal softgel capsules from Douglas Laboratories®
contain 500 mg of oil of the evening primrose herb (Oenothera biennis), providing 40 mg of the nutritionally important
gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and 350 mg of the essential fatty acid, linoleic
acid.
FUNCTIONS
Diets in developed countries are often rich in animal
products which deliver large amounts of saturated fatty acids and the
polyunsaturated arachidonic acid (20:4 omega-6). Intakes of the essential linoleic
acid (18:2 omega-6) can be low in people who do not regularly consume vegetable
oils in their diets.
Arachidonic acid is a precursor for pro-inflammatory
immune mediators, the 2-series prostaglandins, e.g. prostaglandin E2,
the leukocyte chemotactic metabolite, leukotriene B4, and platelet
aggregating thromboxane A2. Thromboxane A2 has been
implicated in the pathogenesis of coronary vascular disease, as it is not only
a potent platelet aggregator, but also an effective vasoconstrictor.
Although gamma-linolenic acid
(18:3 omega-6) is a precursor of arachidonic acid, higher levels of dietary GLA
actually compete with arachidonic acid, and may help downregulate the formation
of excessive levels of proinflammatory 2-series prostaglandins and other immune
mediators.
Dietary supplementation with GLA
has been suggested to be clinically effective in reducing the signs and
symptoms of immune dysfunction, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
erythematosus. It has also been clinically associated with improvement of
behavioral and physical problems, including premenstrual syndrome, learning
disability, mental disturbance, weakness, poor coordination, and vision
impairment.
Recent studies suggest that
dietary GLA can prevent the deficit on sciatic nerve conduction velocity (NCV)
induced by diabetes. Although dietary GLA supplementation did not significantly
influence the fatty acid composition of nerve membrane phospholipids, it was
suggested that GLA’s effect was due to its modulation of levels of vasodilatory
prostaglandins.
Evening primrose oil is recognized
as an excellent source of both GLA as well as the essential linoleic acid.
Therefore, regular supplementation with evening primrose oil may be beneficial
for people consuming diets high in animal foods and low in unprocessed
vegetable oils.
INDICATIONS
Prim Royal softgels may be a useful dietary
supplement for those who wish to increase their intake of gamma linolenic acid
and linoleic acid.
FORMULA (#7044)
Each
Softgel Capsule Contains:
Oil of Evening Primrose............... 500. mg
Supplying the Following Essential
Fatty Acids:
Gamma Linolenic Acid................... 40. mg
Linoleic Acid................................. 350. mg
SUGGESTED USE
Adults take 3 to 6 softgels daily or as directed by
physician.
SIDE EFFECTS
No adverse effects have been reported.
HOW SUPPLIED
Supplied in
bottles of 60 and 180 capsules.
STORAGE
Store in a
cool, dry place, away from direct light. Keep out of reach of children.
REFERENCES
Belch JJ, Hill A. Evening primrose oil and borage oil in
rheumatologic conditions. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:352S-6S.
Brown AC. Lupus erythematosus and nutrition: A review of the
literature. J Ren Nutr 2000;10:170-83.
Charnock JS. Gamma-linolenic acid provides additional
protection against ventricular fibrillation in aged rats fed linoleic acid rich
diets. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2000;62:129-34.
De La Cruz JP, Quintero L, Galvez J, et al. Antioxidant
potential of evening primrose oil administration in hyperlipemic rabbits. Life
Sci 1999;65:543-55.
Dirks J, van Aswegen CH, du Plessis DJ. Cytokine levels
affected by gamma-linolenic acid. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids
1998;59:273-7.
Hardy ML. Herbs of special interest to women. J Am Pharm
Assoc (Wash) 2000;40:234-42; quiz 327-9.
Head RJ, McLennan PL, Raederstorff D, et al. Prevention of
nerve conduction deficit in diabetic rats by polyunsaturated fatty acids. Am J
Clin Nutr 2000;71:386S-92S.
Peterson LD, Thies F, Calder PC. Dose-dependent effects of
dietary gamma-linolenic acid on rat spleen lymphocyte functions. Prostaglandins
Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1999;61:19-24.
Stordy BJ. Dark adaptation, motor skills, docosahexaenoic
acid, and dyslexia. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:323S-6S.
Villalobos MA, De La Cruz JP, Martin-Romero M, et al. Effect
of dietary supplementation with evening primrose oil on vascular thrombogenesis
in hyperlipemic rabbits. Thromb Haemost 1998;80:696-70
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any
disease.
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2000 Douglas Laboratories, INC. All Rights Reserved