Health Tips

Evening primrose oil (EPO) is made from the seeds of the flowers of Oenothera biennis, a plant native to North America. The plant has traditionally been used to treat many conditions, such as bruises, hemorrhoids, digestive problems and sore throats. 

In today’s age, you may easily find EPO supplements in various retail pharmacies. The health benefits of EPO are well-received by many people. These benefits are closely linked to its high content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid found in plant oil.

However, is EPO as good as it sounds? Let’s look at the scientific evidence.

1. EPO is used to treat various skin conditions.

EPO has been used for eczema (a condition in which the skin becomes inflamed, itchy or scaly because of allergies or other irritation). Besides, it also has been used for treating acne, psoriasis and other skin conditions. EPO is usually applied directly on the skin to confer these benefits. 

However, scientific evidence does not seem to support this claim. A meta-analysis showed that EPO does not significantly improve eczema symptoms. Other larger and better reported studies did not show convincing effects of EPO in the treatment of eczema either.

2. EPO is used to relieve premenstrual symptoms (PMS).

Premenstrual symptoms (PMS) refers to the collective discomforts women experience prior to having their menstruation. An old study published in the 80s has found out that EPO is highly effective for treatment of depression and irritability associated with PMS, breast pain and tenderness and fluid retention associated with PMS. It was believed that some women experience PMS because they’re sensitive to normal prolactin levels in the body. GLA in the EPO converts to a substance in the body (prostaglandin E1) thought to help prevent prolactin from triggering PMS. Nonetheless, a better designed study conducted in 2009 has refuted the benefits of EPO in relieving PMS, stating that it confers no significant benefits with regards to PMS. 

3. EPO is used to relieve menopausal hot flashes. 

If EPO does not offer much benefits for premenstrual symptoms, how about menopausal symptoms? There are conflicting results about the benefits of EPO with regards to menopause.

A study evaluating various effects of over-the-counter products in menopausal women found out that EPO did not offer significant benefits in hot flashes management. In contrast, another 6-week randomised controlled trial revealed that EPO indeed relieves menopausal hot flashes. More studies are required to look into the use of EPO among menopausal women.

4. EPO is used to ease bone pain.

GLA is a powerful anti-inflammatory compound. Its high content in EPO has sparked the interest of the scientific community to look into its benefits in reducing tissue inflammation and pain. Indeed, according to a 2011 systematic review, the GLA in EPO has the potential to reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain without causing unwanted side effects. Its benefits on other types of bone and tissue pain is unknown at the moment.

Is EPO safe?

EPO is generally considered safe for most people to use short term. However, individuals who fall under the following categories should be caution when deciding whether to take EPO:

• Taking warfarin or aspirin concurrently with EPO - This is because EPO, a herbal supplement, may enhance the effect of warfarin and aspirin, which may lead to adverse effects such as bleeding, bruising and altered mental status due to internal bleeding in the brain. If you are taking warfarin or aspirin, consult your doctor or pharmacist before initiating any herbs and supplements. 

• Pregnant - There is no safety study on the use of EPO during pregnancy and therefore is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

• Taking anticonvulsant (medication to treat seizure) with EPO - Evening primrose oil and anticonvulsant together may reduce the effectiveness of anticonvulsant, therefore should be avoided or used with caution.

Dislcaimer: This article is a summary and does not have all information about the product. It does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask a doctor or pharmacist for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
 

Written by

Ms Joyce Toh