EVENING PRIMROSE OIL AS A DIETARY THERAPY AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF A WOMANS REPRODUCTIVE AGE

Introduction: Primrose or evening primrose, scientifically known as Oenothera biennis L, this small yellow flower has brown seeds from which an oil rich in essential fatty acids is extracted, in particular linoleic acid and y-linoleic acid. These are the reason for the use of evening primrose oil, as they have benefits in cellular structure, skin, metabolism, reproductive system, among others.

Objective: To evaluate evening primrose oil as diet therapy in different stages of the reproductive age of women to determine its efficacy.

Methodology: The search was based on a literature review and were examined for eligibility according to the inclusion criteria. 

Results: Essential fatty acids can be depleted during the menstrual cycle, leading to hormonal imbalance that causes most premenstrual symptoms. According to the benefits found in cervical preparation in pregnancy, they are related to the effects of misoprostol and evening primrose oil on prostaglandins. The last article found in this research deals with the relationship between the consumption of evening primrose oil and its possible benefits in the psychological symptoms that may appear in the climacteric syndrome (menopause).

Discussion: According to the results obtained, further research is necessary to be sure of a probable alternative treatment with evening primrose oil.