What is evening primrose oil ?

Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a plant native to the Americas. Its yellow flowers open at sunset. The oil in its seeds contains omega-6 fatty acids. Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA is an omega-6 essential fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory effects in the body. People use evening primrose oil for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause symptoms, arthritis, high cholesterol, acne, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse evening primrose oil with other plants or oils that are sources of GLA and omega-6 fatty acids, such as black currant, borage, and flaxseed oil.

What are the uses & effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for Nerve damage caused by diabetes. Research shows that taking evening primrose oil daily for 6-12 months improves symptoms of nerve damage caused by diabetes. Osteoporosis. Taking evening primrose oil with fish oil and calcium seems to decrease bone loss and increase bone density in elderly people with osteoporosis. Possibly Ineffective for Asthma. Taking evening primrose oil by mouth doesn't seem to improve asthma symptoms. Breast pain (mastalgia). Taking evening primrose oil by mouth doesn't seem to reduce breast pain. There is interest in using evening primrose for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

What are the side effects?

Evening primrose oil is likely safe for most people when taken in doses up to 6 grams daily for up to 1 year. It might cause mild side effects including upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, and headache in some people. When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if evening primrose is safe or what the side effects might be.

What are the precautions and warnings?

Evening primrose oil is likely safe for most people when taken in doses up to 6 grams daily for up to 1 year. It might cause mild side effects including upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, and headache in some people. When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if evening primrose is safe or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy: Taking evening primrose oil by mouth is possibly safe during pregnancy. Taking up to 4 grams by mouth daily for up to 10 weeks seems to be safe. But until this is confirmed, be cautious. Taking evening primrose during the last weeks of pregnancy might delay labor. Don't use this product close to the end of pregnancy. Breast-feeding: It is possibly safe to take evening primrose oil while breast-feeding, but it's best to check with your healthcare provider first. Children: Evening primrose is possibly safe when taken by mouth in doses up to 6 grams daily. It is also possibly safe when applied to the skin. Bleeding disorders: Evening primrose might increase the chance of bruising and bleeding. Don't use it if you have a bleeding disorder. Epilepsy or another seizure disorder: Evening primrose might make seizures more likely in some people. Surgery: Evening primrose might increase the chance of bleeding during or after surgery. Stop using it at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

What are the interactions?

Major InteractionDo not take this combination Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with EVENING PRIMROSE OIL Evening primrose might slow blood clotting. Taking evening primrose along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.Moderate InteractionBe cautious with this combination Phenothiazines interacts with EVENING PRIMROSE OIL Taking evening primrose with phenothiazines might increase the risk of a seizure in some people. Lopinavir/Ritonavir (Kaletra) interacts with EVENING PRIMROSE OIL Evening primrose might decrease how quickly the body breaks down lopinavir / ritonavir. Taking evening primrose along with lopinavir / ritonavir might increase the effects and side effects of lopinavir / ritonavir. Lithium interacts with EVENING PRIMROSE OIL Evening primrose might decrease the levels of lithium in the body. Taking evening primrose along with lithium might decrease the effects of lithium.Minor InteractionBe watchful with this combination Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with EVENING PRIMROSE OIL Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Evening primrose might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

What is the dosing?

Evening primrose oil has most often been used by adults in doses of 2-6 grams by mouth daily for 3-12 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.