Evening primrose oil (EPO) is obtained from the seeds of the evening primose plant, a perennial found in North America. The leaves, roots and flowers of the evening primrose are all edible; the plan was used as a food source for many Native American tribes.
The evening primrose contains an essential fatty acid called gamma linolenic acid (GLA). The body does not produce essential fatty acids so the must be ingested through food. GLA and omega-3 fatty acids together produce a second type of prostaglandin, called E1. This type of prostaglandin helps reduce inflammation and aids in digestion.
EPO is often taken in 3 doses a day of 1000-2000 mg, which can contain 270-540 mg of GLA—an amount often used in research. EPO is generally considered safe, but it should be taken with food to avoid nausea. People with temporal lobe epilepsy should never take EPO.*
EPO may interact with:
- aspirin
- neuroleptic agents
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
- warfarin
The effect of EPO on pregnant and nursing women is unknown and therefore should be avoided by these persons.
Theoretically, EPO may interfere with medications used to treat epilepsy and should be avoided by persons taking anti-epileptic drugs. EPO may affect blood clotting and should not be taken with herbal preparations or medications that have the same effect.
