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Herbal Products pp 211–231Cite as

Evening Primrose

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Part of the book series: Forensic Science and Medicine ((FSM))

Abstract

Evening primrose oil (OEP) is a dietary supplement that contains essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) and has been investigated in-depth for its effectiveness for conditions that are associated with a deficiency in essential fatty acids. OEP has a good safety profile with mild side effects and rare serious adverse events. OEP should not be taken during pregnancy, prior to surgery, in patients at risk for seizures or taking phenothiazine-related medications, antiplatelets, thrombolytics, low-molecular-weight heparins, or anticoagulants. There have been no reports of toxic ingestion, mortality, or teratogenicity with OEP supplementation, and usage during lactation is presumed to be safe. The German Commission E has not approved the use of OEP for any condition at this time. OEP is possibly effective for essential fatty acid deficiency and breast pain, and for rheumatoid arthritis after 6 months of treatment. Efficacy of OEP has not been clearly established for the following: atopic eczema, premenstrual syndrome, hot flashes, night sweats, preeclampsia, shortening duration of labor, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or chronic fatigue syndrome.

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Authors
  1. Margaret B. Artz
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN

    Timothy S. Tracy PhD

  2. SafetyCall International, PLLC, Clinical Services, Bloomington, MN

    Richard L. Kingston PharmD

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© 2007 Humana Press Inc.

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Artz, M.B. (2007). Evening Primrose. In: Tracy, T.S., Kingston, R.L. (eds) Herbal Products. Forensic Science and Medicine. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-383-7_14

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