Evening primrose oil
Evening primrose oil is pressed from the seeds of evening primrose (Oenothera biennis). It contains omega-6 fats, including gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
Also listed as Evening Primrose, Evening Primrose Extract, Evening Primrose Powder
What it is studied for
The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.
What is in evening primrose oil?
The oil comes from evening primrose seeds and contains omega-6 fats, including gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA. Its fatty-acid content helps explain the research interest, but does not itself demonstrate symptom relief. 1
Key studies
The most recent publications linked to Evening primrose oil's ratings.
Why people take it
SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.
Questions people ask
Is traditional use the same as proven efficacy?
No. EMA explicitly bases its dry-skin itching indication on longstanding use despite insufficient clinical-trial evidence. 2
Does the negative eczema result apply to every skin complaint?
No. It specifically concerns oral treatment of eczema. It should not be stretched into a verdict on every skin condition or topical preparation. 3
Is 4 g a recommended daily dose?
No. The figure comes from a subgroup in a lipid meta-analysis whose overall results were null, not a general dosing recommendation. 4
Can I use it with warfarin?
The Cochrane review flags a possible increase in bleeding with warfarin. This combination needs a medication review rather than an assumption that an oil is harmless. 3
Sources
- Evening Primrose Oil NCCIH
- Oenotherae oleum: herbal medicinal product European Medicines Agency
- Oral evening primrose oil and borage oil for eczema Cochrane, 2013
