Evening Primrose Oil
- Latin
- Oenothera biennis seed oil
Evening primrose oil is a gamma-linolenic-acid supplement promoted for eczema, breast pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and menopausal symptoms. Reviews have not established a clear benefit for these conditions, and its bleeding and antiretroviral interaction signals deserve attention.
Also Known As
Latin: Oenothera biennis seed oil
Traditional Context
Evening primrose is not a classical Traditional Chinese Medicine material. The plant has a distinct Native American history, while the concentrated seed oil is a modern supplement form.
Primary Actions
- Plant juices and leaves were traditionally used for skin, wound, and digestive complaints
Secondary Actions
- The seed oil is now used as a concentrated source of gamma-linolenic acid
Classical References
- Native American plant-use traditions
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Gamma-linolenic acid
- Linoleic acid
- Oleic acid
Studied Effects
- Inflammatory conditions, with insufficient evidence for routine use
- Atopic dermatitis and breast pain, without established benefit
- Platelet function and bleeding time
PubMed References
- The effect of Oenothera biennis (Evening primrose) oil on inflammatory diseases: a systematic review of clinical trials. (2024)
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of nutritional and dietary interventions in randomized controlled trials for skin symptoms in children with atopic dermatitis and without food allergy: An EAACI task force report. (2024)
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Pregnancy without obstetric guidance
- Active bleeding disorders or use before surgery without medical guidance
Cautions
- Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, and headache can occur.
- Pregnancy data are inconclusive, and attempted labor induction has produced inconsistent results and complications.
- Commercial products may contain additional ingredients with different safety profiles.
Drug Interactions
Evening primrose oil may add to anticoagulant or antiplatelet effects and increase bleeding time. Human data also suggest higher antiretroviral levels, while a possible blood pressure effect remains uncertain.
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelet medicines … Gamma-linolenic acid may reduce platelet activity and increase bleeding time. (Major) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs
- Antiretroviral medicines … Human research found increased antiretroviral levels and a possible increase in adverse effects. (Moderate) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs
- Blood pressure medicines … Population data associate evening primrose oil with increased blood pressure, but a direct medication interaction has not been established. (Uncertain) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs
Conditions
- Eczema Research ★☆☆☆☆ JSON
- Breast Pain Research ★☆☆☆☆ JSON
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Research ★☆☆☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Evening Primrose Oil used for?
Evening Primrose Oil is traditionally used to Plant juices and leaves were traditionally used for skin, wound, and digestive complaints. Research has investigated its effects on: Inflammatory conditions, with insufficient evidence for routine use; Atopic dermatitis and breast pain, without established benefit.
What are other names for Evening Primrose Oil?
Evening Primrose Oil is also known as EPO, Evening Primrose Seed Oil. In TCM: Oenothera biennis seed oil.
Is Evening Primrose Oil safe during pregnancy?
Evening Primrose Oil is not recommended during pregnancy. Pregnancy data are inconclusive, and attempted labor induction has produced inconsistent results and complications.
What are the contraindications for Evening Primrose Oil?
Evening Primrose Oil should not be used in: Pregnancy without obstetric guidance; Active bleeding disorders or use before surgery without medical guidance. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
Does Evening Primrose Oil interact with any medications?
Evening Primrose Oil may interact with: Anticoagulants and antiplatelet medicines - Gamma-linolenic acid may reduce platelet activity and increase bleeding time. - (Major severity); Antiretroviral medicines - Human research found increased antiretroviral levels and a possible increase in adverse effects. - (Moderate severity); Blood pressure medicines - Population data associate evening primrose oil with increased blood pressure, but a direct medication interaction has not been established. - (Uncertain severity). Always inform your healthcare provider of any herbal supplements you are taking.