Evening primrose is a weed with pale yellow flowers that open at night. It is common as grass in the English countryside and a favorite herbal cure of gypsies. It is said to be useful in treating hyperacidity, high blood pressure, rheumatism, arthritis, and insomnia.

Much of the excitement surrounding this wild plant comes from its small seeds which contain an oil rich in gamma linoleic acid or GLA for short. The only other source of GLA is mother's milk.

What makes GLA special? Researchers said it helps the body manufacture prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) which is present in every organ and keeps things in order.

Does this justify taking primrose oil capsules regularly? It all depends on your health. If you drink a lot, are old and suffering from a viral infection, cancer, and lack of insulin, zinc, magnesium or vitamin B6, you might benefit from taking primrose oil, according to Mark Brieklin in "Understanding in Vitamins and Minerals."

However, for those who have a balanced diet, they don't need this special supplement. After all, the body can manufacture GLA from another essential fatty acid called linoleic acid. In "Health or Hoax", Arnold Bender said a dietary shortage of linoleic acid is quite unusual since it is "present in all diets even in poor communities."

Besides, even if you lack linoleic acid which is needed for GLA production, you can always get it cheap from eating whole grains, nuts, seeds, vegetables and their oils, especially corn and soybean oil. This is a better alternative than buying primrose oil supplements.

What about primrose oil's other special benefits? Health food promoters claim it is an effective reducing aid, can slow the aging process, and protect users from cancer. So far, none of these claims have been proven.

"Scattered evidence merely suggest that because the GLA in primrose oil stimulates prostaglandin E1, it may protect against blood clots, arthritis, schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis and boost our ability to recover from stress," Bricklin said.

While the jury is out on the benefits of evening primrose oil, don't rely on this supplement to lose weight. A better alternative is Zylorin, a powerful fat burner that will enhance your diet and exercise program. For details, go to