Lynn Smythe
Herbs at a Glance - Evening Primrose Oil (LINK)
November 9th 2007 07:09
Evening Primrose Flower
Common Names—evening primrose oil, EPO
Latin Name—Oenothera biennis
What It Is Used For
• Evening primrose oil has been used since the 1930s for eczema (a condition in which the skin becomes inflamed, itchy, or scaly because of allergies or other irritation).
• More recently it has been used for other conditions involving inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• Evening primrose oil is used for conditions affecting women’s health, such as breast pain associated with the menstrual cycle, menopausal symptoms, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
• It is used during pregnancy in attempts to shorten the duration of labor.
• Other conditions for which evening primrose oil is used include cancer and diabetes.
How It Is Used
Evening primrose oil is extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose. The oil is usually put into capsules for use.
What the Science Says
• Evening primrose oil may have modest benefits for eczema, and it may be useful for rheumatoid arthritis and breast pain. However, study results are mixed, and most studies have been small and not well designed.
• Evening primrose oil does not appear to affect menopausal symptoms.
• Although some clinical trials have shown a benefit of evening primrose oil for PMS, the best-designed trials found no effect.
• There is not enough evidence to support the use of evening primrose oil for other health conditions.
Side Effects and Cautions
• Evening primrose oil is well tolerated by most people. Mild side effects include gastrointestinal upset and headache.
• Evening primrose oil appears to be safe for use during pregnancy, but data are limited.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
Sources
Shahidi F, Miraliakbari H. Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:197-210.
Evening primrose oil. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on December 6, 2006.
Evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis L.). Natural Standard Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on December 6, 2006.
This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.
National Institutes of Health
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