Uses of Evening Primrose Oil | Benefits, Side Effects & Dosage

Evening primrose oil is a natural, plant-based supplement that has been used for many years to treat many different ailments. Unsure whether this natural oil will meet your needs? We’ve examined the potential benefits of evening primrose oil and the scientific evidence behind the health claims. Read on to see the potential benefits of this super plant oil!

What is Evening Primrose Oil?

Evening primrose oil is a natural supplement that comes from a plant (Oenothera biennis) which blooms at night.1 The plant has been used for centuries for a variety of conditions.1 The active ingredient in evening primrose is the fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA.1

 

What Does Evening Primrose Oil Do?

GLA is an unsaturated fatty acid, which means it’s heart healthy and has anti-inflammatory properties.2 It is extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose plant and sold typically in capsule form.

Similar to the widely available supplement Omega-3 fatty acids, GLA falls under the Omega-6 fatty acid classification. Due to GLA’s anti-inflammatory properties, people use it for a variety of skin and inflammatory diseases, from acne to menstrual cramps to rheumatoid arthritis.1 We’ll examine these common uses and the evidence that might support each application.

Robert Thorne

Robert Thorne

Automotive & Future Transportation Editor

Robert Thorne covers electric vehicle innovations, autonomous driving systems, global mobility trends, and automotive engineering developments.

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