Evening primrose oil is derived from the seeds of the evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) plant. It has various popular uses and is widely available in supplement form.
One of the most important ingredients in evening primrose oil (EPO) is gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is also found in other plant-based oils.
The recommended dose of evening primrose oil is four 500 milligrams (mg) capsules twice a day.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is characterized by behavioral, emotional, and physical symptoms around the time of menstruation. These can include cramps, bloating, and mood changes.
A 2019 review found that individuals who took 1.5 g of EPO daily for 3 months experienced a decrease in the severity of PMS symptoms.
Menopause is a natural transition that typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 years. During menopause, individuals may experience a variety of symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats.
According to a 2021 study postmenopausal participants who took 1,000 mg of EPO twice a day for 8 weeks saw decreased frequency and severity of night sweats.
EPO may be beneficial in helping to manage nerve pain from diabetes.
One study from 2014 found that a combination of vitamin E and EPO helped in the management of mild to moderate diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is a complication from diabetes that involves damage to the nerves and nervous system.
Research on EPO for eczema is limited and varied.
For example, a 2018 Korean study found that EPO helped to improve symptoms of eczema in the participants who received it.
However, a 2020 review of 27 studies found that EPO had little to no effect in managing eczema.
Natural supplements like EPO may be effective in helping to manage skin conditions such as eczema. However, individuals should discuss their use with a healthcare professional before trying them.
Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue characterized by thickening and hardening of various tissues, including the skin and other organs.
Raynaud’s phenomenon – which can cause the fingers to go numb and cold – is sometimes associated with scleroderma.
A 2021 review found that EPO may increase blood flow and reduce inflammation. This can help the effects of Raynaud’s phenomenon. Research found that individuals with scleroderma, EPO not only helped to manage Raynaud’s phenomenon, it also helped with:
- pain in the hands and feet
- skin texture
- ulcers
- telangiectasia, a condition that causes tiny blood vessels to widen and show in lines or patterns on the skin
The FDA does not monitor supplements and care should be given to choosing a brand that is know for purity, accuracy of dose, and quality.
It is possible to be allergic to EPO or its forms. There are also other potential risks when using EPO.
Drug interactions bleeding
There is a blood-thinning effect with EPO, so there may be a higher risk of bleeding for people taking the blood-thinner warfarin.
Individuals taking blood-thinning medication should discuss the use of EPO or other natural supplements with their healthcare professional before use.
Seizures
There have been reports that EPO can potentially trigger seizures in people with epilepsy. However, other research has shown that it may have no effect at all.
Healthcare professionals who treat individuals with epilepsy can discuss the risks and benefits of complementary treatments like EPO.
Evening primrose oil is a natural supplement that has several potential benefits. These include helping to reduce PMS and menopause symptoms and helping to manage eczema.
There are potential risks of using any supplement. Individuals should discuss the use of supplements like evening primrose oil with their healthcare professional.(Medical News Today)
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Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by Markus MacGill and Mandy French — Updated on October 17, 2024
