Evening Primrose

Herbal Supplements

Susan Spinasanta
Medical Writer
SpineUniverse
Desert Hot Springs, CA

The Basics

Evening Primrose, or simply primrose, is also known as EPO (evening primrose oil). The seeds of this plant contain two essential fatty acids: gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and linoleic acid (LA). Both GLA and LA help to reduce pain and inflammation.

More specifically, EPO is beneficial in treating forms of dermatitis (i.e. eczema), breast pain resulting from PMS (premenstrual syndrome), menstrual cramps, hot flashes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Sources

Evening Primrose is available in the following forms: oil, or encapsulated oil (preferred).

Guidelines and Cautions

Always follow package directions.

Store out of direct sunlight. Refrigerate the oil and/or capsules to keep it from becoming rancid.

Diarrhea (loose stools) and stomach pain may result from a dose that is too high. Other side effects include headache and nausea.

Women who are pregnant should discuss evening primrose with a medical professional prior to consumption.

A drug interaction can occur when evening primrose is combined with medication taken for schizophrenia. Prior to taking evening primrose, seek the advice of a medical professional.

As with any vitamin, herb, or supplement - always consult a medical professional prior to incorporating these substances into your diet.

George D. Picetti, III, MD



In reviewing the above supplements several observations were noted. First of all there are no scientific papers that review the efficacy of these supplements in refereed journals. Therefore we are not able to comment on how effective they are on a scientific level. These supplements are not held to the same standards as other medications, and thus the dose and concentration may differ among different brands or companies. Although many people claim to have good results from taking these and other supplements, it is always best to discuss this with your doctor before taking these supplements. If you are taking any supplement and are scheduled for surgery, it is imperative that you tell your surgeon and anesthesiologist. Some of these supplements can cause significant changes in your body’s chemical functions, such as slowing blood clot formation, which can be a serious problem during surgery.

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