Products
Pure evening primrose oil and evening primrose oil soft capsules are available in pharmacies and drugstores from various suppliers. Furthermore, body care products and cosmetics are available. The capsules are also known as EPO capsules. EPO stands for Evening Primrose Oil, English for evening primrose oil.
Stem plant
Evening primrose L., of the evening primrose family, is native to North America. The plant is so named because the flowers open in the evening.
Medicinal drug
Evening primrose seeds (Oenotherae semen) are used as a medicinal herb.
Ingredients
Evening primrose oil (Oenotherae oleum) is the fatty oil obtained from the seeds of or by extraction and/or by pressing. It exists as a clear, pale yellow to yellow liquid and is practically insoluble in water. The main constituents include linoleic acid, γ-linolenic acid, oleic acid and palmitic acid. The majority of these are unsaturated fatty acids.
Effects
Evening primrose oil is taken for the supplementation of essential unsaturated fatty acids, primarily γ-linolenic acid. Its efficacy for eczema treatment is controversial (e.g., Bamford et al., 2013).
Indications for use
- For the supportive treatment and symptomatic relief of atopic eczematous skin diseases with accompanying itching.
- As a dietary supplement, for example, with increased blood lipid levels.
- For the manufacture of personal care products and cosmetics.
- Various other areas of application.
Dosage
According to the package insert. The intake depends on the product. Evening primrose oil should be administered with food. An effect occurs only after about 8 to 12 weeks.
Contraindications
Evening primrose oil is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity. Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Epileptic seizures have occurred in isolated cases in patients treated with phenothiazines. Interactions with antithrombotics cannot be ruled out.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, and headache. Rarely, allergic reactions have been reported.
