Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 16 Researches
6.5
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 31 Reviews
7.4
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Softgel
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
15
Total Fat
1.5 g
2%‡
Evening Primrose Seed Oil (Oenothera biennis)
1,300 mg
†
GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid)
130 mg
†
Top Medical Research Studies
9
We explored the effects of evening primrose oil on children's atopic eczema over a 20-week period. Initially, we observed that kids who took this oil showed significant improvement in their skin conditions after just four weeks. Remarkably, those benefits continued throughout the entire treatment duration. Along with these clinical improvements, we also noted changes in the fatty acid composition in the children's blood cells. Despite these positive findings, it's worth noting that opinions about the effectiveness of evening primrose oil vary among researchers, making the overall consensus somewhat unclear.
Read More
7
We explored the effects of evening primrose oil (EPO) on Korean patients with mild atopic dermatitis through a well-structured randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical study.
Fifty participants took either EPO or a placebo for four months. By the end of the study, those who received EPO showed significant improvements in their eczema symptoms compared to the placebo group.
While some slight improvements in skin hydration and transepidermal water loss were noted, they weren't statistically significant. Overall, we found EPO to be a safe and effective option for managing mild atopic dermatitis.
Fifty participants took either EPO or a placebo for four months. By the end of the study, those who received EPO showed significant improvements in their eczema symptoms compared to the placebo group.
While some slight improvements in skin hydration and transepidermal water loss were noted, they weren't statistically significant. Overall, we found EPO to be a safe and effective option for managing mild atopic dermatitis.
Read More
7
We examined the effects of evening primrose oil on eczema by studying 40 patients over eight weeks. The participants were split into two groups: one receiving 160 mg daily and the other 320 mg twice daily.
Both groups showed a reduction in eczema symptoms as measured by the Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) scores. Interestingly, while the higher dose group had more significant fatty acid level improvements, both doses appeared effective in managing eczema symptoms.
Overall, this study suggests that evening primrose oil may help alleviate eczema without notable side effects.
Both groups showed a reduction in eczema symptoms as measured by the Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) scores. Interestingly, while the higher dose group had more significant fatty acid level improvements, both doses appeared effective in managing eczema symptoms.
Overall, this study suggests that evening primrose oil may help alleviate eczema without notable side effects.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Eczema relief benefits
24 people found this helpful
Evening primrose oil is vital for women's hormonal health and rich in linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids. It’s effective against skin conditions like eczema and alleviates several PMS and menopause symptoms. This oil promotes hormonal balance, improves skin, and may even aid hair quality. Overall, it has a cleansing effect on the body, reinforcing my immune system and my skin condition.
Read More
9
Eases eczema issues
5 people found this helpful
Evening primrose oil effectively alleviates PMS and menopause symptoms while also addressing eczema. I've experienced Regulatory benefits from it, including improved skin condition and relief from irritability. It’s valuable for those with menstrual and hormonal disorders, and using it has positively impacted my skin, helping with moisture levels and reducing eczema flare-ups.
Read More
9
Immediate results
2 people found this helpful
We saw immediate effects in reducing both internal inflammation and eczema symptoms, offering significant relief.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 16 Researches
6.5
- All Researches
9
Evening primrose oil shows promise
We examined nine controlled trials to understand how evening primrose oil, specifically Epogam, impacts atopic eczema.
Both patients and doctors noted significant improvements in skin symptoms, such as dryness and itchiness, especially in the initial parallel studies.
However, while improvements were observed in crossover trials, the difference compared to placebo didn’t reach statistical significance for doctor scores.
Importantly, patients experienced a notable reduction in itch severity, underscoring Epogam's potential benefits for those struggling with eczema.
Both patients and doctors noted significant improvements in skin symptoms, such as dryness and itchiness, especially in the initial parallel studies.
However, while improvements were observed in crossover trials, the difference compared to placebo didn’t reach statistical significance for doctor scores.
Importantly, patients experienced a notable reduction in itch severity, underscoring Epogam's potential benefits for those struggling with eczema.
Read More
9
We investigated the effects of evening primrose oil on children with atopic eczema. In a focused study, 24 children were divided into two groups: one received a higher dose of evening primrose oil, while the other got a placebo.
After just four weeks, we observed significant improvement in eczema symptoms among those treated with evening primrose oil compared to the placebo group. This suggests that evening primrose oil can positively influence children's eczema, potentially due to its impact on essential fatty acids.
After just four weeks, we observed significant improvement in eczema symptoms among those treated with evening primrose oil compared to the placebo group. This suggests that evening primrose oil can positively influence children's eczema, potentially due to its impact on essential fatty acids.
Read More
9
We explored the effects of evening primrose oil on children's atopic eczema over a 20-week period. Initially, we observed that kids who took this oil showed significant improvement in their skin conditions after just four weeks. Remarkably, those benefits continued throughout the entire treatment duration. Along with these clinical improvements, we also noted changes in the fatty acid composition in the children's blood cells. Despite these positive findings, it's worth noting that opinions about the effectiveness of evening primrose oil vary among researchers, making the overall consensus somewhat unclear.
Read More
8
Anti-inflammatory potential of EPO
The study explored the anti-inflammatory effects of long-chain fatty alcohols derived from evening primrose oil (EPO). We discovered that these compounds reduced nitric oxide production and curbed the secretion of certain inflammatory cytokines in lab tests using murine macrophages.
However, while the results point to the potential benefits of EPO in managing inflammation, this study primarily involved in vitro analyses, meaning further research is needed to establish its effectiveness specifically for eczema in humans. Overall, evening primrose oil shows promise, but significant clinical benefits for eczema should be approached with caution.
However, while the results point to the potential benefits of EPO in managing inflammation, this study primarily involved in vitro analyses, meaning further research is needed to establish its effectiveness specifically for eczema in humans. Overall, evening primrose oil shows promise, but significant clinical benefits for eczema should be approached with caution.
Read More
8
Mixed results on evening primrose oil
We explored the effectiveness of evening primrose oil as a treatment for atopic eczema. Controlled clinical trials displayed marked improvements in patients, with reductions in inflammation, dryness, and overall eczema severity compared to the control group. Although some meta-analyses support these positive findings, conflicting results from crossover trials regarding itching relief suggest that more research is necessary.
Overall, evening primrose oil appears to be a safe option, but we still need more studies to fully understand its benefits and efficacy.
Overall, evening primrose oil appears to be a safe option, but we still need more studies to fully understand its benefits and efficacy.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 31 Reviews
7.4
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Eczema relief benefits
24 people found this helpful
Evening primrose oil is vital for women's hormonal health and rich in linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids. It’s effective against skin conditions like eczema and alleviates several PMS and menopause symptoms. This oil promotes hormonal balance, improves skin, and may even aid hair quality. Overall, it has a cleansing effect on the body, reinforcing my immune system and my skin condition.
Read More
9
Eases eczema issues
5 people found this helpful
Evening primrose oil effectively alleviates PMS and menopause symptoms while also addressing eczema. I've experienced Regulatory benefits from it, including improved skin condition and relief from irritability. It’s valuable for those with menstrual and hormonal disorders, and using it has positively impacted my skin, helping with moisture levels and reducing eczema flare-ups.
Read More
9
Immediate results
2 people found this helpful
We saw immediate effects in reducing both internal inflammation and eczema symptoms, offering significant relief.
Read More
10
Eczema alleviated
1 people found this helpful
Since I started taking evening primrose oil in January 2021, I've noticed my chest pains disappeared shortly after, and the eczema-like allergy I developed from medication has vanished. It genuinely works!
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9
Eczema improvement
1 people found this helpful
I’d like to share my experience with evening primrose oil. After three years of struggling with eczema on my hands, it disappeared completely within a week of taking it. Alongside that, my menstrual cycle also returned to normal, with less pain.
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Frequently Asked Questions
9
Eczema improvement
1 people found this helpful
I’d like to share my experience with evening primrose oil. After three years of struggling with eczema on my hands, it disappeared completely within a week of taking it. Alongside that, my menstrual cycle also returned to normal, with less pain.
7.5
Eczema improvement
3 people found this helpful
Evening primrose oil has significantly helped with my eczema, which has improved remarkably since I started taking it. My mother, who is premenopausal, also found relief from her symptoms after a two-month course. This product normalises hormonal balance and offers various other health benefits, making it a valuable addition to one’s routine.
9
Less itching
1 people found this helpful
This oil has improved my skin tremendously, especially my eczema, which I struggled with for over 20 years. It has significantly diminished my itching.
8
Supports eczema treatment
9 people found this helpful
Evening primrose oil, derived from the primrose plant, is an excellent source of gamma-linolenic acid, crucial for cellular health. It reduces inflammation and helps treat menstrual discomfort and eczema symptoms. I recommend taking it with meals for enhanced absorption. It's been effective for my skin condition, providing noticeable relief from irritation linked to eczema.
9
Smooth skin
3 people found this helpful
After using evening primrose oil, my mother's sensitive skin has improved significantly, and her eczema issues have subsided, leaving her skin much smoother.
7.5
Alleviates eczema discomfort
4 people found this helpful
Evening primrose oil is excellent for reducing inflammation and aiding skin conditions, including eczema. It has improved my skin's appearance and eased menopause symptoms significantly. Moreover, the combination with omega-3 and calcium has improved my overall health. This oil has become indispensable for me, especially for managing eczema during stressful times.
7.5
Eczema assistance
1 people found this helpful
Evening primrose oil is very beneficial for women over 40. It normalises hormonal balance and has a positive effect on skin diseases, including eczema and psoriasis. It's advisable to take it with Omega-3 for balance.
7
Helps with eczema
4 people found this helpful
Evening primrose pills are a fantastic supplement for skin health, specifically for conditions like eczema. I take one to two pills daily, and I've noticed smoother skin as a result. I highly recommend them for anyone looking to improve their skin's texture and reduce eczema flare-ups.
7.5
Eczema treatment
2 people found this helpful
Evening primrose oil has normalised my lipid metabolism and is beneficial for weight loss while possessing anti-inflammatory properties. It's been particularly effective in treating my eczema and atopic dermatitis.
4
We conducted a systematic review to understand how evening primrose oil (EPO) might help with inflammatory conditions, including eczema. The review included a range of studies comparing EPO with a placebo or other treatments.
While some studies indicated benefits of EPO in various inflammatory disorders, the evidence is mixed. Specifically for eczema, EPO did show some positive effects, but it didn't work for all types of dermatitis.
The overall research remains inconclusive, and we need more high-quality studies to clarify EPO's effectiveness as a treatment.
While some studies indicated benefits of EPO in various inflammatory disorders, the evidence is mixed. Specifically for eczema, EPO did show some positive effects, but it didn't work for all types of dermatitis.
The overall research remains inconclusive, and we need more high-quality studies to clarify EPO's effectiveness as a treatment.
7
We assessed the effects of Efamol evening primrose oil (EPO) on atopic eczema through a comprehensive analysis of multiple clinical trials.
The results indicate that EPO can help reduce symptoms like itching, crusting, swelling, and redness after about 4 to 8 weeks of use.
However, it's important to note that its effectiveness may diminish alongside the frequent use of strong steroids. There seems to be growing complexity in how individuals respond, suggesting that some may not benefit as much due to varying metabolic factors.
Further studies are essential to untangle these nuances and fully understand the role of fatty acids in eczema management.
The results indicate that EPO can help reduce symptoms like itching, crusting, swelling, and redness after about 4 to 8 weeks of use.
However, it's important to note that its effectiveness may diminish alongside the frequent use of strong steroids. There seems to be growing complexity in how individuals respond, suggesting that some may not benefit as much due to varying metabolic factors.
Further studies are essential to untangle these nuances and fully understand the role of fatty acids in eczema management.
7
We examined the effects of evening primrose oil on eczema by studying 40 patients over eight weeks. The participants were split into two groups: one receiving 160 mg daily and the other 320 mg twice daily.
Both groups showed a reduction in eczema symptoms as measured by the Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) scores. Interestingly, while the higher dose group had more significant fatty acid level improvements, both doses appeared effective in managing eczema symptoms.
Overall, this study suggests that evening primrose oil may help alleviate eczema without notable side effects.
Both groups showed a reduction in eczema symptoms as measured by the Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) scores. Interestingly, while the higher dose group had more significant fatty acid level improvements, both doses appeared effective in managing eczema symptoms.
Overall, this study suggests that evening primrose oil may help alleviate eczema without notable side effects.
1
We aimed to investigate how evening primrose oil, known for its linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids, affects patients with atopic eczema. Employing a robust double-blind, blocked crossover design, we randomly assigned 123 participants to treatment groups to ensure clear results.
Despite our thorough methodology, we found no significant improvement in symptoms like erythema or overall severity. This suggests that evening primrose oil may not be an effective oral supplement for those struggling with this condition.
Despite our thorough methodology, we found no significant improvement in symptoms like erythema or overall severity. This suggests that evening primrose oil may not be an effective oral supplement for those struggling with this condition.
8
Mixed results on evening primrose oil
We explored the effectiveness of evening primrose oil as a treatment for atopic eczema. Controlled clinical trials displayed marked improvements in patients, with reductions in inflammation, dryness, and overall eczema severity compared to the control group. Although some meta-analyses support these positive findings, conflicting results from crossover trials regarding itching relief suggest that more research is necessary.
Overall, evening primrose oil appears to be a safe option, but we still need more studies to fully understand its benefits and efficacy.
Overall, evening primrose oil appears to be a safe option, but we still need more studies to fully understand its benefits and efficacy.
7
Evidence review on alternative therapies
We examined the effectiveness of various complementary and alternative therapies for eczema through a review of randomized controlled trials.
Our analysis included 70 studies, focusing on treatments such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, and evening primrose oil.
While we found some promising options, including certain botanical oils and evening primrose oil, the overall quality and size of the studies were inconsistent.
Ultimately, more rigorous research is needed to establish reliable treatment recommendations that can effectively assist those managing eczema.
Our analysis included 70 studies, focusing on treatments such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, and evening primrose oil.
While we found some promising options, including certain botanical oils and evening primrose oil, the overall quality and size of the studies were inconsistent.
Ultimately, more rigorous research is needed to establish reliable treatment recommendations that can effectively assist those managing eczema.
References
- Vassilopoulou E, Comotti A, Douladiris N, Konstantinou GΝ, Zuberbier T, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of nutritional and dietary interventions in randomized controlled trials for skin symptoms in children with atopic dermatitis and without food allergy: An EAACI task force report. Allergy. 2024;79:1708. doi:10.1111/all.16160
- Sharifi M, Nourani N, Sanaie S, Hamedeyazdan S. The effect of Oenothera biennis (Evening primrose) oil on inflammatory diseases: a systematic review of clinical trials. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2024;24:89. doi:10.1186/s12906-024-04378-5
- Chung BY, Park SY, Jung MJ, Kim HO, Park CW. Effect of Evening Primrose Oil on Korean Patients With Mild Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study. Ann Dermatol. 2018;30:409. doi:10.5021/ad.2018.30.4.409
- Vieira BL, Lim NR, Lohman ME, Lio PA. Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Atopic Dermatitis: An Evidence-Based Review. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2016;17:557.
- Montserrat-de la Paz S, García-Giménez MD, Ángel-Martín M, Pérez-Camino MC, Fernández Arche A. Long-chain fatty alcohols from evening primrose oil inhibit the inflammatory response in murine peritoneal macrophages. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;151:131. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2013.10.012
- Chung BY, Kim JH, Cho SI, Ahn IS, Kim HO, et al. Dose-dependent effects of evening primrose oil in children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis. Ann Dermatol. 2013;25:285. doi:10.5021/ad.2013.25.3.285
- Bamford JT, Ray S, Musekiwa A, van Gool C, Humphreys R, et al. Oral evening primrose oil and borage oil for eczema. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;2013:CD004416. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004416.pub2
- Morse NL, Clough PM. A meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials of Efamol evening primrose oil in atopic eczema. Where do we go from here in light of more recent discoveries?. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2006;7:503.
- Kerscher MJ, Korting HC. Treatment of atopic eczema with evening primrose oil: rationale and clinical results. Clin Investig. 1992;70:167.
- Morse PF, Horrobin DF, Manku MS, Stewart JC, Allen R, et al. Meta-analysis of placebo-controlled studies of the efficacy of Epogam in the treatment of atopic eczema. Relationship between plasma essential fatty acid changes and clinical response. Br J Dermatol. 1989;121:75.
- Bordoni A, Biagi PL, Masi M, Ricci G, Fanelli C, et al. Evening primrose oil (Efamol) in the treatment of children with atopic eczema. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1988;14:291.
- Biagi PL, Bordoni A, Masi M, Ricci G, Fanelli C, et al. A long-term study on the use of evening primrose oil (Efamol) in atopic children. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1988;14:285.
- Schalin-Karrila M, Mattila L, Jansen CT, Uotila P. Evening primrose oil in the treatment of atopic eczema: effect on clinical status, plasma phospholipid fatty acids and circulating blood prostaglandins. Br J Dermatol. 1987;117:11.
- Galland L. Increased requirements for essential fatty acids in atopic individuals: a review with clinical descriptions. J Am Coll Nutr. 1986;5:213.
- Bamford JT, Gibson RW, Renier CM. Atopic eczema unresponsive to evening primrose oil (linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids). J Am Acad Dermatol. 1985;13:959.
- Manku MS, Horrobin DF, Morse NL, Wright S, Burton JL. Essential fatty acids in the plasma phospholipids of patients with atopic eczema. Br J Dermatol. 1984;110:643.
