Last update
5/26/2026
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7.7
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 2 Reviews
8.2
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Softgel
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
10
Total Fat
1.3 g
2%*
Polyunsaturated Fat
1 g
†
Monounsaturated Fat
<0.5 g
†
Evening Primrose Oil(Oenothera biennis) (Seed) (Cold-Pressed, Hexane-Free)
1.3 g (1,300 mg)
†
Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)
120 mg
†
Top Medical Research Studies
9
We investigated how evening primrose oil affects cardiovascular health in rabbits fed a high-fat diet. Over six weeks, we found that it contributed to lower cholesterol levels and improved beneficial HDL-cholesterol. Additionally, the oil boosted prostacyclin synthesis, which plays a key role in keeping blood vessels healthy.
Our analysis showed that evening primrose oil reduced platelet adhesion and the size of arterial wall lesions. This suggests it may support better vascular health by enhancing the endothelium's ability to prevent blood clots.
Our analysis showed that evening primrose oil reduced platelet adhesion and the size of arterial wall lesions. This suggests it may support better vascular health by enhancing the endothelium's ability to prevent blood clots.
Read More
9
We explored the effects of dietary gamma-linolenic acid, found in evening primrose oil, on heart health in genetically modified mice prone to cardiovascular issues.
Over a period of 15 weeks, these mice were fed various diets, including those rich in gamma-linolenic acid.
Our observations showed that diets containing this oil slowed the growth of aortic smooth muscle cells and reduced the size of atherosclerotic lesions. However, overall cholesterol levels did not show significant changes.
Thus, while evening primrose oil benefits certain aspects of cardiovascular health, its impacts on overall lipid profiles remain limited.
Over a period of 15 weeks, these mice were fed various diets, including those rich in gamma-linolenic acid.
Our observations showed that diets containing this oil slowed the growth of aortic smooth muscle cells and reduced the size of atherosclerotic lesions. However, overall cholesterol levels did not show significant changes.
Thus, while evening primrose oil benefits certain aspects of cardiovascular health, its impacts on overall lipid profiles remain limited.
Read More
9
Evening primrose oil lowers blood pressure
We explored how dietary n-3 and n-6 fatty acids influence blood pressure, particularly under salt-loading conditions, using borderline hypertensive rats. In this study, we observed that evening primrose oil significantly lowered blood pressure, even below normal levels, while other oils like fish and sunflower also helped in reducing the pressor response. However, the beneficial effects did not depend on food or electrolyte intake. These findings indicate that dietary fats like evening primrose oil may help manage salt-induced blood pressure increases.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
6
Easily accessible product
1 people found this helpful
Iherb consistently offers hard-to-find items at reasonable prices. The quality is excellent, with a variety of milligram options which I appreciate. These capsules have the ingredients I seek for my cardiovascular disease, making it a reliable choice for my health needs.
Read More
7.5
Immune system support
1 people found this helpful
NOW Primrose Oil offers natural gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and omega-6 fatty acids, beneficial for overall health. While the body synthesises GLA from dietary fats, consuming it in this form is more effective. It supports normal immune reactions and positively impacts the skin barrier, thus aiding in cardiovascular disease management.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7.7
- All Researches
9
We explored the effects of dietary gamma-linolenic acid, found in evening primrose oil, on heart health in genetically modified mice prone to cardiovascular issues.
Over a period of 15 weeks, these mice were fed various diets, including those rich in gamma-linolenic acid.
Our observations showed that diets containing this oil slowed the growth of aortic smooth muscle cells and reduced the size of atherosclerotic lesions. However, overall cholesterol levels did not show significant changes.
Thus, while evening primrose oil benefits certain aspects of cardiovascular health, its impacts on overall lipid profiles remain limited.
Over a period of 15 weeks, these mice were fed various diets, including those rich in gamma-linolenic acid.
Our observations showed that diets containing this oil slowed the growth of aortic smooth muscle cells and reduced the size of atherosclerotic lesions. However, overall cholesterol levels did not show significant changes.
Thus, while evening primrose oil benefits certain aspects of cardiovascular health, its impacts on overall lipid profiles remain limited.
Read More
9
We investigated how evening primrose oil affects cardiovascular health in rabbits fed a high-fat diet. Over six weeks, we found that it contributed to lower cholesterol levels and improved beneficial HDL-cholesterol. Additionally, the oil boosted prostacyclin synthesis, which plays a key role in keeping blood vessels healthy.
Our analysis showed that evening primrose oil reduced platelet adhesion and the size of arterial wall lesions. This suggests it may support better vascular health by enhancing the endothelium's ability to prevent blood clots.
Our analysis showed that evening primrose oil reduced platelet adhesion and the size of arterial wall lesions. This suggests it may support better vascular health by enhancing the endothelium's ability to prevent blood clots.
Read More
9
Evening primrose oil lowers blood pressure
We explored how dietary n-3 and n-6 fatty acids influence blood pressure, particularly under salt-loading conditions, using borderline hypertensive rats. In this study, we observed that evening primrose oil significantly lowered blood pressure, even below normal levels, while other oils like fish and sunflower also helped in reducing the pressor response. However, the beneficial effects did not depend on food or electrolyte intake. These findings indicate that dietary fats like evening primrose oil may help manage salt-induced blood pressure increases.
Read More
8
Evening primrose oil mitigates thrombotic risk
We explored the impact of evening primrose oil (EPO) on the cardiovascular risks associated with celecoxib, a pain reliever linked to increased clotting factors. Using a mouse model of endotoxemia, we tested EPO alongside celecoxib for a month and found that it effectively reduced elevated tissue factor activity and overall clotting risks induced by celecoxib.
Our results suggested that combining EPO with celecoxib could provide a preventative strategy against potential thrombotic events in patients taking the medication. Overall, EPO showed promise in mitigating celecoxib's adverse cardiovascular effects.
Our results suggested that combining EPO with celecoxib could provide a preventative strategy against potential thrombotic events in patients taking the medication. Overall, EPO showed promise in mitigating celecoxib's adverse cardiovascular effects.
Read More
8
Evening primrose oil reduces platelet aggregation
We evaluated the effects of evening primrose oil supplementation on platelet aggregation in rabbits fed an atherogenic diet. Over six weeks, we divided 40 male rabbits into four groups to measure platelet behavior and related factors.
Our findings revealed that the atherogenic diet significantly increased platelet aggregation. However, the addition of evening primrose oil decreased this hyperaggregation back to levels seen in rabbits with normal diets. While EPO showed promising effects on platelet function, we observed no significant long-term benefits on cardiovascular health.
Our findings revealed that the atherogenic diet significantly increased platelet aggregation. However, the addition of evening primrose oil decreased this hyperaggregation back to levels seen in rabbits with normal diets. While EPO showed promising effects on platelet function, we observed no significant long-term benefits on cardiovascular health.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 2 Reviews
8.2
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
6
Easily accessible product
1 people found this helpful
Iherb consistently offers hard-to-find items at reasonable prices. The quality is excellent, with a variety of milligram options which I appreciate. These capsules have the ingredients I seek for my cardiovascular disease, making it a reliable choice for my health needs.
Read More
7.5
Immune system support
1 people found this helpful
NOW Primrose Oil offers natural gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and omega-6 fatty acids, beneficial for overall health. While the body synthesises GLA from dietary fats, consuming it in this form is more effective. It supports normal immune reactions and positively impacts the skin barrier, thus aiding in cardiovascular disease management.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
6
Easily accessible product
1 people found this helpful
Iherb consistently offers hard-to-find items at reasonable prices. The quality is excellent, with a variety of milligram options which I appreciate. These capsules have the ingredients I seek for my cardiovascular disease, making it a reliable choice for my health needs.
7
Evening primrose oil and lipid benefits
We investigated how evening primrose oil (EPO) might influence heart health by reviewing several clinical trials. Although overall results indicated no significant changes in total cholesterol and LDL levels, we discovered that taking EPO at a dose of 4 grams or less each day can notably lower triglyceride (TG) levels and enhance high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in individuals with high cholesterol.
This suggests that while EPO might not be a universal solution for everyone, it shows promise for those dealing with hyperlipidemia. It’s exciting to note that specific groups could benefit from this natural supplement in managing their lipid profiles.
This suggests that while EPO might not be a universal solution for everyone, it shows promise for those dealing with hyperlipidemia. It’s exciting to note that specific groups could benefit from this natural supplement in managing their lipid profiles.
8
Evening primrose oil mitigates thrombotic risk
We explored the impact of evening primrose oil (EPO) on the cardiovascular risks associated with celecoxib, a pain reliever linked to increased clotting factors. Using a mouse model of endotoxemia, we tested EPO alongside celecoxib for a month and found that it effectively reduced elevated tissue factor activity and overall clotting risks induced by celecoxib.
Our results suggested that combining EPO with celecoxib could provide a preventative strategy against potential thrombotic events in patients taking the medication. Overall, EPO showed promise in mitigating celecoxib's adverse cardiovascular effects.
Our results suggested that combining EPO with celecoxib could provide a preventative strategy against potential thrombotic events in patients taking the medication. Overall, EPO showed promise in mitigating celecoxib's adverse cardiovascular effects.
8
Evening primrose oil reduces platelet aggregation
We evaluated the effects of evening primrose oil supplementation on platelet aggregation in rabbits fed an atherogenic diet. Over six weeks, we divided 40 male rabbits into four groups to measure platelet behavior and related factors.
Our findings revealed that the atherogenic diet significantly increased platelet aggregation. However, the addition of evening primrose oil decreased this hyperaggregation back to levels seen in rabbits with normal diets. While EPO showed promising effects on platelet function, we observed no significant long-term benefits on cardiovascular health.
Our findings revealed that the atherogenic diet significantly increased platelet aggregation. However, the addition of evening primrose oil decreased this hyperaggregation back to levels seen in rabbits with normal diets. While EPO showed promising effects on platelet function, we observed no significant long-term benefits on cardiovascular health.
7
We examined how evening primrose oil (EPO), which is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), impacts ventricular fibrillation (VF) in aging rats. This study specifically looked at one-year-old rats undergoing coronary artery ligation, a model for severe cardiac issues.
Our findings revealed that EPO effectively reduced ischaemic VF compared to sunflower seed oil, which lacks GLA. However, using borage oil, which has more GLA but less linoleic acid than both EPO and sunflower oil, didn't improve results. This suggests that EPO may provide added benefits in enhancing heart health in older animals, highlighting its potential significance.
Our findings revealed that EPO effectively reduced ischaemic VF compared to sunflower seed oil, which lacks GLA. However, using borage oil, which has more GLA but less linoleic acid than both EPO and sunflower oil, didn't improve results. This suggests that EPO may provide added benefits in enhancing heart health in older animals, highlighting its potential significance.
7
We compared two groups of insulin-dependent diabetics to learn about the effects of evening primrose oil, with one group receiving a linoleic-gamma-linolenic acid mixture daily for two months while the other served as a control.
Interestingly, the individuals taking evening primrose oil experienced beneficial changes in their HDL-cholesterol levels and platelet adhesiveness. Meanwhile, the control group showed no significant changes at all.
This suggests that evening primrose oil could potentially help improve some cardiovascular factors in people with insulin-dependent diabetes.
Interestingly, the individuals taking evening primrose oil experienced beneficial changes in their HDL-cholesterol levels and platelet adhesiveness. Meanwhile, the control group showed no significant changes at all.
This suggests that evening primrose oil could potentially help improve some cardiovascular factors in people with insulin-dependent diabetes.
7
Evening primrose oil improves vascular health
We investigated how evening primrose oil impacts fatty acid release and blood pressure in hypertensive rats compared to normal controls. The study revealed that the spontaneously hypertensive rats had reduced fatty acid release, which was somewhat corrected with the addition of evening primrose oil and fish oil in their diet.
While both oils helped lower blood pressure, fish oil showed a stronger effect. Evening primrose oil proved effective at lower doses, indicating its potential as a therapeutic option, though results showed it was less potent than fish oil overall.
While both oils helped lower blood pressure, fish oil showed a stronger effect. Evening primrose oil proved effective at lower doses, indicating its potential as a therapeutic option, though results showed it was less potent than fish oil overall.
References
- Khorshidi M, Zarezadeh M, Moradi Moghaddam O, Emami MR, Kord-Varkaneh H, et al. Effect of evening primrose oil supplementation on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Phytother Res. 2020;34:2628. 10.1002/ptr.6716
- Mosaad SM, Zaitone SA, Ahmed AA, Abo-Elmatty DM, El-Baz AA, et al. Evening primrose oil or forskolin ameliorates celecoxib-enhanced upregulation of tissue factor expression in mice subjected to lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemia. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2017;390:483. 10.1007/s00210-017-1342-y
- Zaitone SA, Moustafa YM, Mosaad SM, El-Orabi NF. Effect of evening primrose oil and ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the cardiovascular risk of celecoxib in rats. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2011;58:72. 10.1097/FJC.0b013e31821c8353
- Fan YY, Ramos KS, Chapkin RS. Dietary gamma-linolenic acid suppresses aortic smooth muscle cell proliferation and modifies atherosclerotic lesions in apolipoprotein E knockout mice. J Nutr. 2001;131:1675. PubMed
- Charnock JS. Gamma-linolenic acid provides additional protection against ventricular fibrillation in aged rats fed linoleic acid rich diets. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2000;62:129. PubMed
- Villalobos MA, De La Cruz JP, Martín-Romero M, Carmona JA, Smith-Agreda JM, et al. Effect of dietary supplementation with evening primrose oil on vascular thrombogenesis in hyperlipemic rabbits. Thromb Haemost. 1998;80:696. PubMed
- De La Cruz JP, Martín-Romero M, Carmona JA, Villalobos MA, Sánchez de la Cuesta F. Effect of evening primrose oil on platelet aggregation in rabbits fed an atherogenic diet. Thromb Res. 1997;87:141. PubMed
- Sadi AM, Toda T, Oku H, Hokama S. Dietary effects of corn oil, oleic acid, perilla oil, and evening [corrected] primrose oil on plasma and hepatic lipid level and atherosclerosis in Japanese quail. Exp Anim. 1996;45:55. PubMed
- Engler MM. Comparative study of diets enriched with evening primrose, black currant, borage or fungal oils on blood pressure and pressor responses in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 1993;49:809. PubMed
- Mtabaji JP, Manku MS, Horrobin DF. Abnormalities in dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid release in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Am J Hypertens. 1993;6:458. PubMed
- Fragoso YD, Skinner ER. The effect of gammalinolenic acid on the subfractions of plasma high density lipoprotein of the rabbit. Biochem Pharmacol. 1992;44:1085. PubMed
- Singer P, Moritz V, Wirth M, Berger I, Forster D. Blood pressure and serum lipids from SHR after diets supplemented with evening primrose, sunflowerseed or fish oil. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 1990;40:17. PubMed
- Uccella R, Contini A, Sartorio M. [Action of evening primrose oil on cardiovascular risk factors in insulin-dependent diabetics]. Clin Ter. 1989;129:381. PubMed
- Mills DE, Ward RP, Mah M, DeVette L. Dietary N-6 and N-3 fatty acids and salt-induced hypertension in the borderline hypertensive rat. Lipids. 1989;24:17. PubMed
- Mtabaji JP, Manku MS, Horrobin DF. Release of fatty acids by perfused vascular tissue in normotensive and hypertensive rats. Hypertension. 1988;12:39. PubMed
- Soma M, Manku MS, Horrobin DF. The effects of hydrogenated coconut oil, safflower oil, and evening primrose oil on development of hypertension and sodium handling in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 1985;63:325. PubMed
