Evening Primrose Oil Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Evening Primrose Oil Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements
In animal studies, gamma-linolenic acid (an ingredient of evening primrose oil) is reported to lower blood pressure. Theoretically, evening primrose oil may have additive effects when taken concomitantly with thyme, because a fixed combination of thyme fluid extract and primrose root tincture (Bronchicum Tropfen) has been used in studies to treat bronchitis.
Primrose oil may potentially interact with herbs and supplements used to treat arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, seizures, viral infections, and psychosis. Antineoplastics may also interact with evening primrose oil.
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Evening Primrose Oil Interactions with Drugs

Evening Primrose Oil Interactions with Drugs

Because of reported seizures in people taking evening primrose oil alone or in combination with certain medications used to treat mental illness, patients should use caution when combining evening primrose oil with medications like chlorpromazine (Thorazine®), thioridazine (Mellaril®), trifluoperazine (Stelazine®), or fluphenazine (Prolixin®). In people with a history of seizures, doses of anti-seizure medications may require adjustment because evening primrose oil may increase the risk of seizures.

An ingredient of evening primrose oil, gamma-linolenic acid, is reported to lower blood pressure in animal studies. Although human studies do not show clear changes in blood pressure, people taking certain blood pressure medications should consult with a healthcare professional before starting evening primrose oil.

Possible additive effects may occur when evening primrose oil is taken with anticoagulants (blood thinners) and drugs used to treat arthritis.

Interactions may also occur with the following: antineoplastic agents, anti-obesity agents, antiviral agents, CNS stimulants, drugs metabolized by the liver, gastrointestinal treatments, and neurological agents.
Evening Primrose oil ...evening-primrose-oil-oral

Evening Primrose Oil Side Effects and Warnings

Evening Primrose Oil Side Effects and Warnings
Several reports describe seizures in individuals taking evening primrose oil (EPO). Some of these seizures developed in people with a previous seizure disorder, or in individuals taking evening primrose oil in combination with anesthetics. Based on these reports, people with seizure disorders should not take EPO. Evening primrose oil should be used cautiously with drugs used to treat mental illness such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine®), thioridazine (Mellaril®), trifluoperazine (Stelazine®), or fluphenazine (Prolixin®), due to an increased risk of seizure. Other reports describe occasional headache, abdominal pain, nausea, and loose stools in people taking evening primrose oil . In animal studies, gamma-linolenic acid (an ingredient of evening primrose oil) is reported to decrease blood pressure.

Evening primrose oil ....

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Evening Primrose Oil Precautions:

Evening Primrose Oil Precautions:

Evening Primrose Oil is generally safe when used in recommended dosages. Reported side effects are rare and mild, and include nausea, stomach pain, and headache. Stomach pain and loose stools may be indications that the dosage is too high.

Omega-6 supplements, including GLA and EPO, should not be used if you have a seizure disorder because there have been reports of these supplements inducing seizures.

EPO should not be taken if you have bleeding problems or a blood disorder.

Taking EPO while breastfeeding is considered safe as breast milk actually contains both LA and GLA.
Evening Primrose Oil.....
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What's Evening Primrose Oil Made Of

What's Evening Primrose Oil Made Of?:

Evening Primrose Oil is extracted from the seeds and prepared as medicine using a chemical called hexane. The seeds contain up to 25% essential fatty acids including linoleic acid (LA) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Both LA and GLA belong to the omega-6 family of fatty acids. The vast majority of North Americans get too much omega-6 fatty acid in their diet. However, there are different types of omega-6 fatty acids. Some are health promoting, such as those found in evening primrose oil (EPO), while others can be more harmful, such as those typically found in the standard American diet. The body needs a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to function normally. Omega-3 oils can be found in cold water fish such as salmon, as well as some plant sources, or in dietary supplements.

Other sources of GLA include spirulina (a blue-green algae), borage, hemp, and black currant oils.
Evening Primrose oil.....
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Evening Primrose Oil Plant Description

Evening Primrose Oil Plant Description:

A circle of leaves grows close to the ground around evening primrose stems after the first year it is planted. Flowers bloom after sunset, June through September, or on overcast days during the second year. The leaves grow on both sides of the stem at alternating levels. This monograph focuses on the seed from which the oil is extracted. Evening Primrose Oil....
evening-primrose-oil-uses-based-on scientific research

EVENING PRIMROSE OIL Uses based on scientific evidence

EVENING PRIMROSE OIL Uses based on scientific evidence

Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

There are several studies of evening primrose oil taken by mouth for eczema. Large well-designed studies are needed before a strong recommendation can be made. Evening primrose oil is approved for skin disorders in several countries outside of the United States. B

Breast cancer

Not enough information is available to advise the use of evening primrose oil for breast cancer. Breast cysts

The limited available research does not demonstrate that evening primrose oil has a significant effect on treating breast cysts. C

Breast pain (mastalgia)

Although evening primrose oil is used for breast pain in several European countries, high-quality human studies using this treatment are lacking. Bronchitis

There is evidence that primrose oil, in combination with thyme, may have some benefits in the treatment of acute bronchitis. More studies are needed to examine the effectiveness of primrose oil alone as a therapy for bronchitis. C

Chronic fatigue syndrome/post-viral infection symptoms

Not enough information is available to advise the use of evening primrose oil for symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome or fatigue following a viral infection. C
Diabetes
A small number of laboratory studies and theory suggests that evening primrose oil may be helpful in diabetes, but more information is needed before a firm recommendation can be made. C

Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage)

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), one of the components of evening primrose oil, may be helpful in people with diabetic neuropathy. It is theorized that primrose oil may be helpful in patients with MS based on laboratory studies. Limited evidence is available in humans. C
Obesity/weight loss
Initial human study is unclear about the effects that evening primrose oil may have on weight loss. C

Osteoporosis

Primrose oil has been suggested as a possible treatment for bone loss/osteoporosis. However, osteoporosis studies using primrose oil as a treatment are lacking. Well-designed human trials are needed before primrose oil can be recommended for osteoporosis therapy. C

Pre-eclampsia/high blood pressure of pregnancy

Raynaud's phenomenon

Not enough scientific information is available to advise the use of evening primrose oil for Raynaud's phenomenon. C

Rheumatoid arthritis

Benefits of evening primrose oil in the treatment of arthritis have not clearly been shown. Not enough scientific information is available to advise the use of evening primrose oil for dry skin. C

Asthma

Available evidence does not support the use of evening primrose oil as a treatment for asthma. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Small human studies show a lack of benefit from evening primrose oil in ADHD. Cardiovascular health

Early study of evening primrose oil shows a lack of beneficial effects on cardiovascular function and health. D

Menopause (flushing/bone metabolism)

Available studies do not show evening primrose oil to be helpful with these potential complications of menopause. More evidence of effectiveness is needed before primrose can be recommended as a treatment for menopausal symptoms. D

Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)

Small human studies do not report that evening primrose oil is helpful for the symptoms of PMS. D

Psoriasis

Initial research does not show a benefit from evening primrose oil in the treatment of psoriasis. D

Schizophrenia

Results from studies of mixed quality do not support the use of evening primrose oil for schizophrenia. A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use..

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