Last update
5/24/2026
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 5 Researches
7
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 2 Reviews
8.5
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Softgel
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
15
Total Fat
1.5 g
2%**
Polyunsaturated Fat
1 g
***
Evening Primrose Oil (Seed) providing:
1300 mg
***
Linoleic Acid
949 mg
***
Gamma-Linolenic Acid
117 mg
***
Top Medical Research Studies
7
EPO shows symptom relief potential
This study explored whether evening primrose oil (EPO) could replace non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Over 12 months, we noticed that patients taking EPO showed notable subjective improvements and were able to reduce their NSAID intake.
However, a follow-up after three months of placebo indicated that while they felt better initially, their symptoms returned.
Importantly, EPO didn't change underlying disease progression, meaning it may not be a cure but can support symptom relief.
Over 12 months, we noticed that patients taking EPO showed notable subjective improvements and were able to reduce their NSAID intake.
However, a follow-up after three months of placebo indicated that while they felt better initially, their symptoms returned.
Importantly, EPO didn't change underlying disease progression, meaning it may not be a cure but can support symptom relief.
Read More
8
EPO shows promise for arthritis
We explored the effects of evening primrose oil (EPO) on rheumatoid arthritis, a condition marked by inflammation and dangerous new blood vessel formation. In our study, we used male albino rats with induced arthritis to see how EPO, alone or combined with common medications like aspirin and celecoxib, could help.
The results were promising, showing that EPO could normalize body weight and reduce harmful levels of specific inflammatory markers. Moreover, it helped decrease inflammation and improve overall joint health. Although combining EPO with other treatments enhanced its effects, we observed that EPO alone provides significant benefits in managing arthritis symptoms.
The results were promising, showing that EPO could normalize body weight and reduce harmful levels of specific inflammatory markers. Moreover, it helped decrease inflammation and improve overall joint health. Although combining EPO with other treatments enhanced its effects, we observed that EPO alone provides significant benefits in managing arthritis symptoms.
Read More
7
Moderate evidence on evening primrose oil
We evaluated the potential benefits of evening primrose oil in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through a systematic review that included 22 studies. Results suggest that oils high in gamma linolenic acid (like evening primrose oil) may help reduce pain and improve disability in RA patients.
However, while some data supports these benefits, side effects were noted, and the effectiveness wasn’t consistent across all studies. Overall, there’s moderate evidence supporting evening primrose oil’s role in managing RA symptoms, but more rigorous research is needed to strengthen these findings.
However, while some data supports these benefits, side effects were noted, and the effectiveness wasn’t consistent across all studies. Overall, there’s moderate evidence supporting evening primrose oil’s role in managing RA symptoms, but more rigorous research is needed to strengthen these findings.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
7.5
Pain level improved
1 people found this helpful
Evening Primrose has easy-to-swallow capsules that are small in size. They are definitely helping with my pain level. I have a spinal injury along with knee arthritis.
Read More
9
Age-appropriate benefits
This company's quality is well-known, with age-appropriate ingredients. Evening primrose is recommended for use from age 35, and the large package benefits hair and skin. It has a pleasant taste, providing excellent benefits for skin, hair, and overall women’s health, including arthritis.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 5 Researches
7
- All Researches
9
We examined the impact of evening primrose oil combined with fish oil on patients with rheumatoid arthritis through a 12-week study involving 60 participants. The results showed that both fish oil and the combination with evening primrose oil led to significant improvements in symptoms, like reduced disease activity scores and fewer tender joints.
However, while evening primrose oil contributed positively, the study emphasized the notable benefits of omega-3 fatty acids alone as well. Overall, this suggests a potential pathway for improving arthritis symptoms through these supplements.
However, while evening primrose oil contributed positively, the study emphasized the notable benefits of omega-3 fatty acids alone as well. Overall, this suggests a potential pathway for improving arthritis symptoms through these supplements.
Read More
8
EPO shows promise for arthritis
We explored the effects of evening primrose oil (EPO) on rheumatoid arthritis, a condition marked by inflammation and dangerous new blood vessel formation. In our study, we used male albino rats with induced arthritis to see how EPO, alone or combined with common medications like aspirin and celecoxib, could help.
The results were promising, showing that EPO could normalize body weight and reduce harmful levels of specific inflammatory markers. Moreover, it helped decrease inflammation and improve overall joint health. Although combining EPO with other treatments enhanced its effects, we observed that EPO alone provides significant benefits in managing arthritis symptoms.
The results were promising, showing that EPO could normalize body weight and reduce harmful levels of specific inflammatory markers. Moreover, it helped decrease inflammation and improve overall joint health. Although combining EPO with other treatments enhanced its effects, we observed that EPO alone provides significant benefits in managing arthritis symptoms.
Read More
7
Moderate evidence on evening primrose oil
We evaluated the potential benefits of evening primrose oil in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through a systematic review that included 22 studies. Results suggest that oils high in gamma linolenic acid (like evening primrose oil) may help reduce pain and improve disability in RA patients.
However, while some data supports these benefits, side effects were noted, and the effectiveness wasn’t consistent across all studies. Overall, there’s moderate evidence supporting evening primrose oil’s role in managing RA symptoms, but more rigorous research is needed to strengthen these findings.
However, while some data supports these benefits, side effects were noted, and the effectiveness wasn’t consistent across all studies. Overall, there’s moderate evidence supporting evening primrose oil’s role in managing RA symptoms, but more rigorous research is needed to strengthen these findings.
Read More
7
EPO shows symptom relief potential
This study explored whether evening primrose oil (EPO) could replace non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Over 12 months, we noticed that patients taking EPO showed notable subjective improvements and were able to reduce their NSAID intake.
However, a follow-up after three months of placebo indicated that while they felt better initially, their symptoms returned.
Importantly, EPO didn't change underlying disease progression, meaning it may not be a cure but can support symptom relief.
Over 12 months, we noticed that patients taking EPO showed notable subjective improvements and were able to reduce their NSAID intake.
However, a follow-up after three months of placebo indicated that while they felt better initially, their symptoms returned.
Importantly, EPO didn't change underlying disease progression, meaning it may not be a cure but can support symptom relief.
Read More
4
We conducted a six-month double-blind study exploring the effects of evening primrose oil on rheumatoid arthritis.
In total, 40 patients participated, with half receiving evening primrose oil and the other half a placebo.
While we noted a slight improvement in morning stiffness at three months with evening primrose oil, olive oil showed more significant reductions in pain and overall joint issues at the six-month mark.
This suggests that evening primrose oil provides only mild benefits, while olive oil may have important, previously overlooked advantages.
In total, 40 patients participated, with half receiving evening primrose oil and the other half a placebo.
While we noted a slight improvement in morning stiffness at three months with evening primrose oil, olive oil showed more significant reductions in pain and overall joint issues at the six-month mark.
This suggests that evening primrose oil provides only mild benefits, while olive oil may have important, previously overlooked advantages.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 2 Reviews
8.5
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
7.5
Pain level improved
1 people found this helpful
Evening Primrose has easy-to-swallow capsules that are small in size. They are definitely helping with my pain level. I have a spinal injury along with knee arthritis.
Read More
9
Age-appropriate benefits
This company's quality is well-known, with age-appropriate ingredients. Evening primrose is recommended for use from age 35, and the large package benefits hair and skin. It has a pleasant taste, providing excellent benefits for skin, hair, and overall women’s health, including arthritis.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
9
We examined the impact of evening primrose oil combined with fish oil on patients with rheumatoid arthritis through a 12-week study involving 60 participants. The results showed that both fish oil and the combination with evening primrose oil led to significant improvements in symptoms, like reduced disease activity scores and fewer tender joints.
However, while evening primrose oil contributed positively, the study emphasized the notable benefits of omega-3 fatty acids alone as well. Overall, this suggests a potential pathway for improving arthritis symptoms through these supplements.
However, while evening primrose oil contributed positively, the study emphasized the notable benefits of omega-3 fatty acids alone as well. Overall, this suggests a potential pathway for improving arthritis symptoms through these supplements.
8
EPO shows promise for arthritis
We explored the effects of evening primrose oil (EPO) on rheumatoid arthritis, a condition marked by inflammation and dangerous new blood vessel formation. In our study, we used male albino rats with induced arthritis to see how EPO, alone or combined with common medications like aspirin and celecoxib, could help.
The results were promising, showing that EPO could normalize body weight and reduce harmful levels of specific inflammatory markers. Moreover, it helped decrease inflammation and improve overall joint health. Although combining EPO with other treatments enhanced its effects, we observed that EPO alone provides significant benefits in managing arthritis symptoms.
The results were promising, showing that EPO could normalize body weight and reduce harmful levels of specific inflammatory markers. Moreover, it helped decrease inflammation and improve overall joint health. Although combining EPO with other treatments enhanced its effects, we observed that EPO alone provides significant benefits in managing arthritis symptoms.
7
Moderate evidence on evening primrose oil
We evaluated the potential benefits of evening primrose oil in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through a systematic review that included 22 studies. Results suggest that oils high in gamma linolenic acid (like evening primrose oil) may help reduce pain and improve disability in RA patients.
However, while some data supports these benefits, side effects were noted, and the effectiveness wasn’t consistent across all studies. Overall, there’s moderate evidence supporting evening primrose oil’s role in managing RA symptoms, but more rigorous research is needed to strengthen these findings.
However, while some data supports these benefits, side effects were noted, and the effectiveness wasn’t consistent across all studies. Overall, there’s moderate evidence supporting evening primrose oil’s role in managing RA symptoms, but more rigorous research is needed to strengthen these findings.
4
We conducted a six-month double-blind study exploring the effects of evening primrose oil on rheumatoid arthritis.
In total, 40 patients participated, with half receiving evening primrose oil and the other half a placebo.
While we noted a slight improvement in morning stiffness at three months with evening primrose oil, olive oil showed more significant reductions in pain and overall joint issues at the six-month mark.
This suggests that evening primrose oil provides only mild benefits, while olive oil may have important, previously overlooked advantages.
In total, 40 patients participated, with half receiving evening primrose oil and the other half a placebo.
While we noted a slight improvement in morning stiffness at three months with evening primrose oil, olive oil showed more significant reductions in pain and overall joint issues at the six-month mark.
This suggests that evening primrose oil provides only mild benefits, while olive oil may have important, previously overlooked advantages.
References
- Veselinovic M, Vasiljevic D, Vucic V, Arsic A, Petrovic S, et al. Clinical Benefits of n-3 PUFA and ɤ-Linolenic Acid in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Nutrients. 2017;9. 10.3390/nu9040325
- El-Sayed RM, Moustafa YM, El-Azab MF. Evening primrose oil and celecoxib inhibited pathological angiogenesis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in adjuvant-induced arthritis: novel role of angiopoietin-1. Inflammopharmacology. 2014;22:305. 10.1007/s10787-014-0200-5
- Cameron M, Gagnier JJ, Chrubasik S. Herbal therapy for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011. 10.1002/14651858.CD002948.pub2
- Brzeski M, Madhok R, Capell HA. Evening primrose oil in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and side-effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Br J Rheumatol. 1991;30:370. PubMed
- Belch JJ, Ansell D, Madhok R, O'Dowd A, Sturrock RD. Effects of altering dietary essential fatty acids on requirements for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a double blind placebo controlled study. Ann Rheum Dis. 1988;47:96. PubMed
