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." ~C. Reyes
"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. 3
Stover Seed, Showy Evening Primrose. Accessed April 4, 2023
References 1. Evening Primrose. Lexi-Drugs. lexicomp. Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Riverwoods,iL. Accessed February 24, 2023 http://online.lexi.com 2. Evening Primrose. Food, Herbs, and Supplements. Natural Medicines. Accessed February 24, 2023 Welcome to the Natural Medicines Research Collaboration (therapeuticresearch.com) 3. Mahboubi, Mohaddese. Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) Oil in Management of Female Ailments. J Menopausal Med. 2019; 25(2):74-82