EVENING PRIMROSE

Oenothera biennis aka EPO, Evening Star, Sun Drop

History

In the past, Native Americans used evening primrose to treat bruises and wounds They also used it to treat skin inflammation, gastrointestinal problems, and sore throats. It was also used during the 17th century and called the "King's cure-all "

How does it work?

The seeds of evening primrose contain 7-10% gamma linoleic acid (GLA). GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid which is then converted to dihomo-gamma linoleic acid (DGLA). DGLA is a precursor for prostaglandins and thromboexnes. Prostaglandins help regulate the immune system and thromboxanes help regulate inflammation It can also help prevent the formation of proinflammatory molecules.

Safety

Overall, evening primrose is likely safe when used orally and appropriately. It has been shown to be safe up to 6 grams daily for 1 year It is considered possibly safe for children, pregnant women, and lactating women when used orally.

What is it used for?

Evening primrose oil is used for rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, premenstrual syndrome, breast pain, menopause symptoms, and diabetic nerve pain.

Dosage Forms

Evening primrose comes in an oil form or capsule form.

Typical Serving

The typical dose of the oil form is 2-6 grams daily.

Toxic Effects

No known toxic effects.

Side Effects

The most common side effects include: abdominal pain diarrhea gasiness nausea vomiting dizziness headache

Effectiveness

There is insufficient evidence that shows that evening primrose oil is effective for rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, or breast pain.

Interactions

Drug Interactions

Moderate :

Anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs

Lithium

Lopinavir/Ritonavir (Kaletra)

Phenothiazines

Minor:

Cytochrome P450 2C

Condition Interactions:

Bleeding disorders

Epilepsy/Seizure Disorder

Before operation

Professional Opinion

"As a pharmacy student, I don't believe there is sufficient evidence for evening primrose to be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, menopause symptoms, or breast pain. If used, it should not be replacing any therapies and should be used with caution."

"Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) Oil in Management of Female Ailments"

In this clinical study, researchers tested the effects of evening primrose oil on women's health. Data was gathered from several scientific resources and compiled together. Based off of the mutiple resources, the clinical studies concluded that evening primrose oil had therapeutic potential for pre-menstrual syndrome, hot flashes, gestational diabetes, and cervical ripening They also concluded that there were no adverse effects in the mice they were testing on.

References

Stover Seed, Showy Evening Primrose Accessed April 4, 2023

Evening Primrose. Lexi-Drugs. lexicomp. Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Riverwoods,iL. Accessed February 24, 2023 http://online lexi com

Evening Primrose. Food, Herbs, and Supplements. Natural Medicines. Accessed February 24, 2023 Welcome to the Natural Medicines Research Collaboration (therapeuticresearch com)

Mahboubi, Mohaddese. Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) Oil in Management of Female Ailments. J Menopausal Med 2019; 25(2):74-82