Evening Primrose Oil
Also indexed as: Black Currant Seed Oil, EPO, Oenothera biennis
Evening primrose oil (EPO), comes from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. Like black currant seed oil and borage oil, EPO contains gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid that the body converts to a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin E1 (PGE1).
Where is it found?
EPO is found primarily in supplements. Its presumed active ingredient, GLA, can also be found in black currant seed oil and borage oil supplements. However, it is not known whether the effects of these three oils in the body are the same.
Evening primrose oil has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
| Science Ratings | Health Concerns |
|---|---|
 |
Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes |
 |
Eczema Fibrocystic breast disease Osteoporosis (in combination with fish oil) Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Rheumatoid arthritis Skin ulcers |
 |
Alcohol withdrawal Atherosclerosis Attention deficit disorder Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Intermittent claudication Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Multiple sclerosis Raynaud’s disease Scleroderma Sjogren’s syndrome Tardive dyskinesia |
| Reliable
and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies
suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal
or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health
benefit. |
|
Who is likely to be deficient?
Those with premenstrual syndrome,1 diabetes,2 scleroderma,3 Sjogren’s syndrome,4 tardive dyskinesia,5 eczema,6 and other skin conditions7 can have a metabolic block that interferes with the body’s ability to make GLA. In preliminary research, supplementation with EPO has helped people with these conditions.8 9 10 11 12
There is evidence that alcoholics may be deficient in GLA, and a double-blind study suggested that alcohol withdrawal may be facilitated with EPO supplementation.13 Many people in Western societies may be at least partially GLA-deficient as a result of aging, glucose intolerance, high dietary fat intake, and other problems. People with deficiencies would presumably benefit from supplemental GLA intake from EPO, black currant seed oil, or borage oil.
How much is usually taken?
Although many people may have inadequate levels of GLA, the optimal intake for this nutrient remains unknown. Researchers often use 3,000–6,000 mg of EPO per day, which provides approximately 270–540 mg of GLA.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
EPO has been reported to exacerbate symptoms of temporal lobe epilepsy, which can sometimes be mistaken for schizophrenia.14 15
Other nutrients are needed by the body, along with EPO, to make PGE1. Consequently, some experts suggest that magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, niacin, and vitamin B6 should be taken along with EPO.
Are there any drug
interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with evening primrose oil. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
References
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires September 2008.