Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 16 Researches
6.5
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 26 Reviews
8.2
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
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 but hormonal benefits
14 people found this helpful
Evening primrose oil is remarkable for women's health, particularly with conditions like PMS and menopause. It helps in regulating hormonal balance and may support conception, benefiting those with gynaecological issues. Additionally, it's effective in reducing skin problems, such as dryness and eczema, while promoting overall health. Regular use potentially reduces the risk of heart disease too.
Read More
9.5
Significant reduction
9 people found this helpful
I have suffered from mild eczema for over 40 years. Despite trying various diets, topical creams, and allergy tests, nothing worked long-term. This supplement is the first thing that has significantly reduced my eczema by about 90-95%! I still get occasional breakouts, but they are shorter and milder. I take three pills daily, and the Solgar Evening Primrose Oil is gentle on my stomach—truly a life-changer!
Read More
9
Good for skin conditions
9 people found this helpful
Evening primrose oil is excellent for dry skin and issues like eczema and dermatitis. It has helped me significantly, providing noticeable relief and better skin overall.
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.
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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
Good
Based on 26 Reviews
8.2
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Eczema relief but hormonal benefits
14 people found this helpful
Evening primrose oil is remarkable for women's health, particularly with conditions like PMS and menopause. It helps in regulating hormonal balance and may support conception, benefiting those with gynaecological issues. Additionally, it's effective in reducing skin problems, such as dryness and eczema, while promoting overall health. Regular use potentially reduces the risk of heart disease too.
Read More
9.5
Significant reduction
9 people found this helpful
I have suffered from mild eczema for over 40 years. Despite trying various diets, topical creams, and allergy tests, nothing worked long-term. This supplement is the first thing that has significantly reduced my eczema by about 90-95%! I still get occasional breakouts, but they are shorter and milder. I take three pills daily, and the Solgar Evening Primrose Oil is gentle on my stomach—truly a life-changer!
Read More
9
Good for skin conditions
9 people found this helpful
Evening primrose oil is excellent for dry skin and issues like eczema and dermatitis. It has helped me significantly, providing noticeable relief and better skin overall.
Read More
10
Eczema relief
2 people found this helpful
For two years, I struggled with eczema on my fingers, causing dryness and cracking. After trying various treatments, I discovered a link between eczema and omega-6 deficiency. I started taking evening primrose oil, and now my eczema has vanished! My menstrual cycle also improved, now being 28 days instead of 35.
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9
Hormonal balance and eczema
2 people found this helpful
Due to its high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, evening primrose oil significantly helps with PMS and menopause symptoms, regulates hormonal balance, and has excellent effects on the skin, hair, and nails. It's also effective in preventing skin conditions like eczema and assists in childbirth if needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
10
Eczema relief
Very good! I love it and am amazed by the results of taking these capsules. I had eczema on my arms and legs, and after nearly a year of taking one capsule daily, it has completely disappeared. For the first time in 10 years, I am free from eczema. The quality is excellent.
9
Eczema treatment
2 people found this helpful
I purchased this for my eczema, which I couldn't get rid of. Although I’m unsure if it's solely due to the oil, my eczema on my hand has healed. I believe taking it daily would be very moisturising.
6
Eczema moisturisation focus
10 people found this helpful
Evening primrose oil is quite effective for PMS and painful menstruation. Additionally, I heard it eases childbirth and promotes skin health. After using it post-birth for progesterone, I also noticed it helps with skin moisture and particularly benefits eczema. Highly recommend this!
10
Eczema relief
2 people found this helpful
For two years, I struggled with eczema on my fingers, causing dryness and cracking. After trying various treatments, I discovered a link between eczema and omega-6 deficiency. I started taking evening primrose oil, and now my eczema has vanished! My menstrual cycle also improved, now being 28 days instead of 35.
9
Good for skin conditions
9 people found this helpful
Evening primrose oil is excellent for dry skin and issues like eczema and dermatitis. It has helped me significantly, providing noticeable relief and better skin overall.
7.5
Effective eczema treatment
2 people found this helpful
My PMS symptoms have decreased significantly since using evening primrose oil, and the condition of my skin has improved. My eczema has flared up less frequently, and my general health has stabilised. I achieved the results I wanted and am very pleased.
7.5
Improved eczema condition
19 people found this helpful
I found Solgar Evening Primrose Oil Capsules very helpful. They aid with hormonal balance and are excellent for painful menstruation. My skin has benefited noticeably, with fewer clogged pores and improved hair condition. While these capsules are part of my regimen, I do believe they have contributed significantly to alleviating my skin troubles, including eczema. Overall, I am pleased and will continue to use them. Thank you for reading!
6
Eczema treatment
1 people found this helpful
Recommended by my gynaecologist, evening primrose oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid, essential for women's health. Its properties include immunostimulation, anti-inflammation, and healing. It alleviates PMS and menopausal symptoms, corrects hormonal imbalances, and effectively treats eczema.
8
We conducted a double-blind trial comparing oral evening primrose oil (EPO) with a placebo in patients suffering from atopic eczema for 12 weeks. Those taking EPO experienced notable improvements in inflammation severity, body surface area affected, and symptoms like dryness and itch. Although the placebo group also saw some reductions in inflammation, the benefits with EPO were significantly greater. Interestingly, EPO altered plasma fatty acids but did not affect certain blood prostaglandin levels.
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.
2
We analyzed several studies to examine the effectiveness of evening primrose oil (EPO) and borage oil (BO) in treating eczema. Despite hopes that these oils might ease symptoms thanks to their beneficial components, our findings showed that neither EPO nor BO provided significant improvement compared to placebo.
Out of 27 studies involving nearly 1,600 participants, results demonstrated that both oils had effects similar to non-active treatments. Therefore, relying on these oils for eczema relief may not be the best choice.
Out of 27 studies involving nearly 1,600 participants, results demonstrated that both oils had effects similar to non-active treatments. Therefore, relying on these oils for eczema relief may not be the best choice.
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.
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.
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.
