Lady Onagre

At the maximum recommended dose of four capsules, this formula provides 2,000 mg of evening primrose oil, including 200 mg of gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, as well as 20 mg of natural vitamin E.

In our formula, GLA, a fatty acid from the omega-6 family, accounts for 10% of the evening primrose oil used, a naturally characteristic concentration of this oil.

A virgin oil obtained from the seeds

Evening primrose, or Oenothera biennis, is a plant native to North America that is now widely cultivated and naturalised in Europe. Its yellow flowers open mainly in the evening and notably attract nocturnal pollinating insects.

Our oil is obtained from the plant’s small seeds by first cold pressing in order to preserve its natural qualities as effectively as possible. This mechanical process produces a virgin oil while limiting exposure to heat and without using extraction solvents.

GLA: a directly available omega-6

The body can normally produce GLA from dietary linoleic acid using an enzyme called delta-6-desaturase. Providing GLA directly bypasses this first conversion step.

Once absorbed, GLA can be elongated into DGLA, or dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid. The latter is used to produce several local lipid messengers, including series-1 prostaglandins. These short-lived substances contribute to coordinating numerous physiological responses in tissues.

GLA is therefore not a hormone and does not directly alter the production of oestrogen or progesterone. Its value lies in its role as a lipid precursor, which explains the traditional use of evening primrose oil to support women’s comfort during the different phases of the cycle.

Lipid support for the skin barrier

The skin’s surface layer can be compared to an assembly of cells surrounded by a lipid cement. This organisation limits water evaporation and helps the skin remain supple, smooth and comfortable.

Omega-6 fatty acids contribute to the composition of this lipid environment. GLA and its derivatives can become incorporated into membrane lipids and contribute to the formation of mediators that support skin balance. This intake may be particularly valuable when the skin becomes dry, uncomfortable or more reactive.

The European Medicines Agency also documents the traditional use of oil obtained by pressing or extracting evening primrose seeds for the comfort of dry skin.

Vitamin E: complementary antioxidant protection

Four capsules provide 20 mg of natural vitamin E, equivalent to 166% of the NRV according to the composition table.

This fat-soluble vitamin comes into contact with the fats that make up cell membranes. It helps neutralise certain oxidising molecules before they sustain a chain reaction capable of damaging these lipids. It therefore contributes to protecting cells against oxidative stress.

Vitamin E thus logically complements a formula mainly composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

A formula suited to different stages of a woman’s life

Changes during the menstrual cycle or menopause may be accompanied by variations in general comfort and the appearance of the skin. Thanks to its direct supply of GLA, evening primrose oil can be incorporated into a nutritional approach designed to support these periods.

As part of a beauty routine, it is particularly recognised for promoting skin comfort, hydration and suppleness, while contributing to its antioxidant protection through vitamin E.

Key features

• 2,000 mg of virgin evening primrose oil per four capsules;

• oil obtained by first cold pressing;

• 200 mg of GLA, representing 10% of the oil;

• 20 mg of natural vitamin E;

• 166% of the NRV for vitamin E;

• bottle of 200 capsules;

• approximately one and a half months of supplementation at four capsules per day.

Who is this product for?

Lady Onagre may be particularly suitable for:

• adults whose skin lacks suppleness or comfort;

• women wishing to support their comfort during the different phases of the cycle;

• women going through a period of hormonal transition, particularly around menopause;

• people looking for a virgin plant oil obtained by first cold pressing;

• those wishing to combine a supply of GLA with a significant dose of antioxidant vitamin E;

• people who prefer to consume evening primrose oil in capsule rather than liquid form.

Ingredient synergy

• GLA is the active ingredient primarily responsible for the skin’s lipid support;

• it can be converted into DGLA, which is itself used to produce local lipid messengers;

• this intake contributes to the lipid environment needed to maintain a functional skin barrier;

• vitamin E complements this action by protecting cells against oxidative stress;

• evening primrose oil acts as both the source and natural matrix for GLA.

In Lady Onagre, vitamin E fully performs its nutritional role by contributing to the protection of cells against oxidative stress.

What does the science say?

A clinical trial conducted in Germany and published in 2005 assessed the influence of oral evening primrose oil supplementation on various measurable skin parameters.

The study included 40 healthy adults, comprising 22 women and 18 men aged 32 to 56. Participants were randomly divided into two groups of 20. Neither the participants nor the researchers responsible for the measurements knew which product had been assigned to each group.

For 12 weeks:

• the first group received six 500 mg evening primrose oil capsules per day, providing 3,000 mg of oil and 345 mg of GLA;

• the placebo group received identical capsules containing medium-chain triglycerides;

• both preparations also contained 8 mg of dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate;

• the capsules were taken in two divided doses, morning and evening, with meals.

The researchers measured hydration, water loss through the skin, firmness, elasticity, fatigue resistance, roughness and redness at the start of the trial, after four weeks and after twelve weeks.

No significant difference was visible after four weeks. After twelve weeks, compared with placebo, the group that received evening primrose oil showed:

• a 12.9% improvement in hydration;

• a 7.7% improvement in transepidermal water loss, indicating better water retention;

• a 4.7% improvement in elasticity;

• a 16.7% improvement in firmness;

• a 14.2% improvement in fatigue resistance;

• a 21.7% improvement in roughness.

The reported statistical significance levels ranged from p = 0.034 to p = 0.001.

These results indicate that regular intake of GLA-rich evening primrose oil may support hydration, barrier function and certain mechanical properties of the skin in healthy adults.

Full reference: Muggli R. Systemic evening primrose oil improves the biophysical skin parameters of healthy adults. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2005;27(4):243-249. PubMed PMID 18492193 — DOI 10.1111/j.1467-2494.2005.00274.x