Primrose oil, also known as evening primrose oil, comes from the seed of the evening primrose plant. The oil has been used for a variety of disorders, including pain, weak bones, skin disorders, hot flashes, night sweats and attention deficit disorder, called ADD and also referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Research has not yet produced enough evidence to show the effectiveness of primrose oil on ADD and ADHD. Consult your doctor for advice on treating the disorder.
Learning Difficulties
Symptoms of ADHD may include inattentiveness, hyperactivity, impulsivity or a combination. People with ADD may not exhibit the hyperactive symptoms. Diagnosis of the disorder often occurs in childhood, but adults may suffer symptoms as well. Symptoms appear to arise early in life as the brain develops, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. The disorder can cause learning difficulties in childhood. Lack of attention may lead to difficulty in following tasks or listening to instructions. Hyperactivity may cause fidgeting in the seat, running about and disrupting classroom activities. Impulsive behavior causes children to blurt out answers before questions are completed, interrupt others or have difficulty waiting their turn. Medication and behavior therapy help treat the disorder.
Fatty Acids in Primrose Oil
The gamma-linolenic acid found in primrose oil is an omega-6 fatty acid considered an essential fatty acid, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Your body needs essential fatty acids for health, brain function, growth and development. Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids, the gamma-linolenic acid in primrose oil has been studied for its effects on ADHD and ADD with mixed results.
Possible Benefits of Fatty Acids
An analysis of studies by Dutch researchers concluded that use of gamma-linolenic acid supplementation possibly relieves ADHD symptoms in children. Three out of four studies suggest taking omega-3, omega-6 and gamma-linolenic acid supplements daily for three to four months may reduce ADHD symptoms. Evidence for the effect of fatty acids on the disorder remains limited, but research should continue, the researchers report in the November 2010 issue of the “Journal of Attention Disorders.”
Possibly Ineffective
Although primrose oil has been used for a wide range of disorders, MedlinePlus reports the oil may possibly be effective for breast pain and, used in combination with calcium and fish oils, for osteoporosis, a bone-degenerating disease that may target people as they age. However, MedlinePlus considers primrose oil “possibly ineffective” for ADHD, premenstrual syndrome, symptoms of eczema, hot flashes and night sweats due to menopause. Although omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have been found to reduce ADHD symptoms in some studies, other studies show no effect in reducing symptoms with primrose oil, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
References
- PubMed Health: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gamma-Linolenic Acid
- Journal of Attention Disorders: The Impact of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Reducing Child Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders
- MedlinePlus: Evening Primrose Oil
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Evening Primrose Oil
