Oenothera biennis

Oenothera biennis, commonly known as evening primrose, is a versatile perennial herb cherished in traditional medicine. Renowned for its vibrant yellow blooms, this plant offers therapeutic benefits through its oils and extracts. It is widely utilized to support hormonal balance, skin health, and inflammatory relief, embodying nature's healing potential.

  • Scientific name: Oenothera biennis
  • Family: Onagraceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Myrtaleales, it is classified under the family Onagraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Oenothera.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Myrtales WCVP
Family Onagraceae WCVP
Genus Oenothera WCVP

Distribution

This plant, known as Oenothera biennis, exhibits a specific presence across several regions in Northern Europe. Its documented distribution includes the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. It can also be found growing within the northern landscapes of Finland. Furthermore, the species is established throughout the territories of Great Britain and Ireland. Finally, its range extends into the rugged environments of Norway.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP

Chemicals

Oenothera biennis has 28 reported phytochemicals identified across 40 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include evening primrose oil, gallic acid, gamma linolenic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, catechin.

Total chemicals
28
Scientific sources
40

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
evening primrose oil 3 ★★☆☆☆
gallic acid 3 ★★☆☆☆
gamma linolenic acid 3 ★★☆☆☆
gamma-linolenic acid 3 ★★☆☆☆
catechin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
linoleic acid 2 ★☆☆☆☆
linolic acid 2 ★☆☆☆☆
methyl gallate 2 ★☆☆☆☆
1,3,6-trigalloylglucose 1 ★☆☆☆☆
1-Oxohederagenin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Oenothera biennis has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor, Antioxidant.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Oenothera biennis has 22 reported medicinal uses identified across 27 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Multiple sclerosis, atopic dermatitis, cervical ripening, mastalgia, premenstrual syndrome.

Total uses
22
Scientific sources
27

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Multiple sclerosis 2 ★☆☆☆☆
atopic dermatitis 2 ★☆☆☆☆
cervical ripening 2 ★☆☆☆☆
mastalgia 2 ★☆☆☆☆
premenstrual syndrome 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Alzheimer's disease 1 ★☆☆☆☆
anxiety 1 ★☆☆☆☆
asthma 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diabetic complications 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dilation 1 ★☆☆☆☆