Spotlight On Supplements: Evening Primrose Oil
The use of complementary and alternative therapies continues to increase. Over a third of older adults in the U.S. report using alternative therapies within the past year, including dietary supplements. One of these popular therapies is evening primrose oil because it is a rich source of essential fatty acids. EN sheds light on this long-used therapy and examines the evidence.
Overview: Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a tall plant native to North America that also grows in Europe and
in the Southern hemisphere. It is named for the yellow flowers that bloom in the evening from June through September. Native Americans purportedly used the leaves and roots for a wide range of ailments including skin disorders and wounds, digestive complaints, and sore throats. The evening primrose seeds contain several nutrients including antioxidants and omega-6 essential fatty acids (linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid). The dietary supplement evening primrose oil (EPO) is obtained from these seeds through extraction and is available in capsule form.
Evidence: EPO supplementation is most commonly used as a complementary treatment for conditions associated with chronic inflammation such as eczema or rheumatoid arthritis though there are conflicting results. In the most comprehensive review of the literature to date, a 2013 Cochrane review assessed the effects of EPO and borage oil on the symptoms of atopic eczema. This review
concluded that EPO and borage oil do not effectively relieve the signs and symptoms of eczema and any observed improvement were similar to placebo. The use of EPO has also been studied in other conditions including diabetic neuropathy, menopause, and allergies. As a whole, the scientific data do not support the use of EPO for the above-mentioned health conditions.
Safety and Interactions: The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that EPO is “probably safe for most people” when taken for short periods of time. Data on long-term safety is limited. High doses of EPO may cause headaches or mild gastrointestinal symptoms. The Mayo Clinic advises that individuals with schizophrenia or epilepsy, especially those taking anticonvulsants or neuroleptic agents, not to take EPO as it might increase risk of seizure. Use caution if you take an antihypertensive, anticoagulation, or antiplatelet medication since high doses of EPO may also inhibit platelet aggregation and increase risk of bleeding. Please consult with your physician before starting any new diet or supplement.
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