Oil from the seeds of the evening primrose flower, rich in GLA.
Why it’s used: Traditionally used by women for comfort through the monthly cycle.
Evening primrose, Oenothera biennis, is a wildflower native to North America whose pale yellow flowers open in the evening. Its small seeds are pressed to make evening primrose oil, which is unusual because it contains gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, an omega-6 fat that is rare in everyday foods.
The oil typically contains around 8 to 10 per cent GLA, alongside a larger amount of linoleic acid. Other sources of GLA include borage (starflower) oil and blackcurrant seed oil. The body can make GLA itself from linoleic acid, then uses it to produce signalling molecules involved in many normal processes.
Evening primrose oil has traditionally been used by women for comfort through the monthly cycle, and it has a long history of use for skin. In the UK it was once a licensed medicine for eczema and breast pain, but those licences were withdrawn in 2002 because evidence did not support the benefit, not because of safety concerns. Today it is sold as a food supplement, usually in softgels.
2 findings behind this ingredient. Hover a card for the detail and the source.
Randomised controlled trial in 126 premenopausal women with cyclical breast pain given 1,000 mg evening primrose oil twice daily, vitamin E, both, or placebo for 6 months. Evening primrose oil alone reduced pain severity more than placebo, and the combination worked best.
Narrative review of clinical studies on evening primrose oil in women, mostly on cyclical breast pain and premenstrual syndrome. It concluded the oil showed benefit but needs regular use for 4 to 6 months; the author works for a herbal medicine company.
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GLA, or gamma-linolenic acid, is an omega-6 fatty acid found in a few seed oils, including evening primrose, borage and blackcurrant seed. The body also makes small amounts from linoleic acid and uses it to produce signalling molecules involved in normal processes.
In 2002, UK regulators withdrew the medicine licences for evening primrose oil products for eczema and breast pain because the evidence did not show they worked well enough. It was not a safety decision, and the oil remains available as a food supplement.
Speak to your midwife or GP first. The evidence on safety in pregnancy is inconclusive, and its use around labour is not established as safe. It may also affect bleeding, which matters if you are pregnant or due to have surgery.
Information only, not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.
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