Evening Primrose Oil
herbs
Evening primrose oil is derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant and contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid. It has been traditionally used to support hormonal balance, skin health, and inflammatory conditions.
Benefits
Dosage
Typical Dose
1,000-3,000 mg daily
Upper Limit
3,000 mg daily
Timing
With meals to enhance absorption
Forms & Bioavailability
Softgel capsules
High absorption when taken with food; standardised GLA content (typically 8-10%)
Liquid oil
Direct consumption allows flexible dosing; similar absorption to capsules when consumed with fat
Side Effects
Interactions
Research Summary
Clinical evidence supports evening primrose oil's role in managing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and hormonal-related breast pain, with several randomised controlled trials demonstrating modest efficacy. Research on skin conditions like eczema shows promising but mixed results, requiring further investigation. Long-term safety is generally established, though more robust studies are needed for optimal dosing protocols.
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