Research
Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)
70 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.
Studies
Sorted by quality and recency
Herbal Medicine in Children and Adults With Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 51 RCTs on herbal interventions for atopic dermatitis, including 20 RCTs specifically on evening primrose oil (EPO). While EPO showed no significant difference in atopic dermatitis severity compared to placebo, other herbs like sunflower, licorice, and St. John's wort showed promising results.
The effect of Oenothera biennis (Evening primrose) oil on inflammatory diseases: a systematic review of clinical trials.
Systematic review of clinical trials assessing the effects of evening primrose oil (EPO) on various inflammatory conditions. Mixed results were found for rheumatoid arthritis, with some studies showing improvements and others not. EPO showed some positive effects on skin hydration and barrier function, but no significant effects on other conditions like chronic hand dermatitis or psoriasis.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Evening Primrose Oil for Mastalgia Treatment.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 trials with 1752 patients evaluating evening primrose oil (EPO) for mastalgia treatment. EPO showed no significant difference in reducing breast pain compared to placebo, topical NSAIDs, danazol, or vitamin E, and did not increase adverse events.
The effect of evening primrose oil on labor induction and cervical ripening: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials on the effect of evening primrose oil on labor induction and cervical ripening in pregnant women. The meta-analysis found no significant difference between intervention and control groups in terms of Bishop score changes, indicating no approved effectiveness of evening primrose oil for cervical ripening.
Effect of evening primrose oil supplementation on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs assessing the effect of evening primrose oil (EPO) on lipid profile. EPO supplementation had no significant effect on TC, TG, LDL, and HDL overall, but subgroup analysis showed a significant reduction in TG at doses ≤4 g/day and a significant increase in HDL in hyperlipidemic subjects.
Oral evening primrose oil and borage oil for eczema.
Meta-analysis of 27 studies with 1596 participants assessing oral evening primrose oil and borage oil for eczema. Both oils failed to significantly improve global eczema symptoms compared to placebo. The review suggests that these oils are not effective treatments for eczema.
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?
Meta-analysis of 26 clinical studies with 1207 patients showing that Efamol evening primrose oil has a beneficial effect on itch/pruritus, crusting, oedema, and redness in atopic eczema, apparent between 4 and 8 weeks after treatment initiation. The effect is reduced with increased steroid use.
Effects of evening primrose oil on treating painful diabetic neuropathy: a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial.
RCT assessing the efficacy of Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) in treating painful diabetic neuropathy. Patients were divided into three groups, with Groups A and B receiving EPO and showing significant reductions in pain scores. Group A achieved the most improvement. EPO could be a valuable alternative therapy for managing painful diabetic neuropathy.
The Use of Evening Primrose Oil for Cervical Ripening in Low-Risk Women with Term Pregnancy: A Randomized Double-Blinded Controlled Trial.
RCT investigating the use of evening primrose oil (EPO) for cervical ripening in low-risk term pregnant women. The EPO group showed a significantly higher Bishop score and reduced need for labor induction compared to the placebo group, suggesting EPO as a safe and efficient approach for cervical ripening.
Comparison of the effect of vaginal misoprostol and evening primrose oil capsule with misoprostol alone on the consequences of abortion in women with intrauterine fetal death: a randomized clinical trial.
This randomized clinical trial compared the effects of vaginal misoprostol plus evening primrose oil capsule with misoprostol alone on abortion outcomes in women with intrauterine fetal death. The experimental group showed a significantly shorter induction-to-fetal expulsion interval, lower mean dose of misoprostol, reduced pain intensity, and decreased need for curettage compared to the control group.
Effect of Evening Primrose Oil Supplementation on Biochemical Parameters and Nutrition of Patients Treated with Isotretinoin for Acne Vulgaris: A Randomized Double-Blind Trial.
RCT evaluating the effect of evening primrose oil supplementation on biochemical parameters in acne vulgaris patients treated with isotretinoin. The combination treatment improved lipid profiles and transaminase activity compared to isotretinoin alone, but had no effect on dietary energy and ingredient content.
Effect of Evening Primrose Oil Supplementation on Selected Parameters of Skin Condition in a Group of Patients Treated with Isotretinoin-A Randomized Double-Blind Trial.
RCT evaluating the effect of evening primrose oil supplementation on skin condition in acne patients treated with isotretinoin. Evening primrose oil increased skin hydration, but there were no differences between groups in transepidermal water loss, skin oiliness, weight loss, and BMI.
Impact of evening primrose oil consumption on psychological symptoms of postmenopausal women: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial.
A double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial assessed the efficacy and safety of evening primrose oil on psychological symptoms in postmenopausal women. The study found a significant reduction in psychological symptoms in the intervention group compared to placebo, suggesting potential benefits of evening primrose oil for postmenopausal psychological symptoms.
Evidence-based management of Mastalgia: a meta-analysis of randomised trials.
Meta-analysis of RCTs comparing Bromocriptine, Danazol, Evening Primrose Oil (EPO), and Tamoxifen for mastalgia. EPO did not offer any advantage over placebo in pain relief, while Bromocriptine, Danazol, and Tamoxifen showed significant benefits.
Comparison of Misoprostol and Evening Primrose Oil on Cervical Preparation Before Gynecological Surgery.
RCT comparing the efficacy and safety of 2000 mg vaginal evening primrose oil (EPO) to 200 µg vaginal misoprostol for cervical ripening before gynecological procedures in 40 patients. EPO was significantly more effective for cervical ripening and resulted in lower pain complaints compared to misoprostol.
Effect of Evening Primrose Oil and Vitamin B6 on Pain Control of Cyclic Mastalgia Associated with Fibrocystic Breast Changes: A Triple-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Triple-blind RCT comparing evening primrose oil (EPO) and vitamin B6 for pain control in cyclic mastalgia among 94 patients. Both EPO and vitamin B6 significantly reduced breast pain severity compared to placebo, with no significant difference between the two treatments.
Evening primrose oil and labour, is it effective? A randomised clinical trial.
A triple blind placebo controlled RCT evaluated the effects of evening primrose oil on the duration of pregnancy and labour in 80 nulliparous low-risk women. The study found no significant differences between the EvPO and placebo groups in terms of gestational age at delivery, need for induction or augmentation of labour, duration of labour stages, neonatal weight, and Apgar scores.
Immunomodulatory and therapeutic effects of Hot-nature diet and co-supplemented hemp seed, evening primrose oils intervention in multiple sclerosis patients.
Double-blind randomized trial assessing the effects of co-supplemented hemp seed and evening primrose oils with a Hot-nature diet on 100 MS patients. Significant improvements in clinical scores and immunological parameters were observed in groups receiving the oils, while the olive oil group showed less improvement.
The effect of oral evening primrose oil on menopausal hot flashes: a randomized clinical trial.
A 6-week randomized clinical trial with 56 menopausal women comparing evening primrose oil to placebo for hot flashes. Evening primrose oil significantly improved hot flash severity and HFRDIS scores compared to placebo.
Vitamin E and evening primrose oil for management of cyclical mastalgia: a randomized pilot study.
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of vitamin E, evening primrose oil (EPO), and their combination for pain control in women with cyclical mastalgia. The study found a trend toward reduction in cyclical mastalgia with vitamin E and EPO individually and in combination, though individual treatment groups did not show significant differences compared to placebo.
Oral omega-6 essential fatty acid treatment in contact lens associated dry eye.
RCT evaluating the effects of evening primrose oil (EPO) on contact lens associated dry eye in 76 female soft contact lens wearers over 6 months. The EPO group showed significant improvement in dryness symptoms and overall lens comfort, with increased tear meniscus height at 6 months.
Evening primrose oil is effective in atopic dermatitis: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.
RCT evaluating the efficacy and safety of evening primrose oil (EPO) in atopic dermatitis. 96% of patients in the EPO group showed improvement compared to 32% in the placebo group after 5 months, with no significant adverse effects reported.
Dietary fish and evening primrose oil with vitamin E effects on semen variables in cockerels.
The study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil, evening primrose oil, and vitamin E on semen variables in cockerels. Fish oil increased docosahexaenoic acid in sperm phospholipids, while evening primrose oil increased n-6 polyunsaturates with higher vitamin E. Sperm concentration decreased with low vitamin E but improved with higher vitamin E in fish oil groups. Motile spermatozoa proportion improved with increased vitamin E in all treatments.
Evening primrose oil and fish oil for severe chronic mastalgia: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.
RCT evaluating the effect of evening primrose oil and fish oil on breast pain in premenopausal women with severe chronic mastalgia. Neither evening primrose oil nor fish oil showed a clear benefit over control oils in reducing days with breast pain.
Lack of effect of supplementation with essential fatty acids on bone mineral density in healthy pre- and postmenopausal women: two randomized controlled trials of Efacal v. calcium alone.
Two randomized controlled trials compared the effects of Efacal (containing calcium, evening primrose oil, and marine fish oil) versus calcium alone on bone mineral density in healthy pre- and postmenopausal women. Both groups showed changes in BMD, but there were no significant differences between the Efacal and control groups. No evidence was found to support a beneficial effect of Efacal on BMD.
Is evening primrose oil of value in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome?
A systematic literature search and attempted meta-analysis of clinical trials on evening primrose oil for premenstrual syndrome. Seven placebo-controlled trials were found, but only five were clearly randomized. The two most well-controlled studies showed no beneficial effects for EPO, suggesting it is of little value in managing premenstrual syndrome.
A randomized trial of dietary intervention with essential fatty acids in patients with categorized cysts.
A randomized double-blind trial of 200 women with breast cysts comparing Efamol (evening primrose oil) to placebo for one year. Recurrent cyst formation was slightly lower in the Efamol group, but not significantly. The treatment was well tolerated with a 7% dropout rate.
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.
Meta-analysis of nine placebo-controlled trials of evening primrose oil (Epogam) for atopic eczema. Significant improvements in eczema severity were observed with Epogam compared to placebo, particularly in reducing itch. Positive correlation found between clinical improvement and rise in plasma fatty acid levels.
Clinical experience of drug treatments for mastalgia.
Randomised trials and open studies in 291 patients with severe persistent breast pain showed that evening primrose oil produced a good or useful result in 45% of those with cyclical mastalgia and 27% of those with non-cyclical mastalgia. Danazol and bromocriptine were also tested, with varying response rates.
Effectiveness of a herbal formula in women with menopausal syndrome.
RCT of 120 women with menopausal symptoms comparing Lady 4 (evening primrose oil, damiana, ginseng, royal jelly) to placebo. The Lady 4 group showed significantly better improvement in Menopause Rating Scale II scores, with 86.7% rating the therapy as 'much improved' or 'very much improved'.
Epogam evening primrose oil treatment in atopic dermatitis and asthma.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT of 58 children with atopic dermatitis and asthma treated with Epogam evening primrose oil or placebo for 16 weeks. Plasma concentrations of essential fatty acids increased in the Epogam group, but no significant difference in eczema or asthma symptoms was found between groups.
Effect of oral gamolenic acid from evening primrose oil on menopausal flushing.
RCT evaluating the efficacy of gamolenic acid from evening primrose oil in treating menopausal hot flushes and sweating. The study found no significant benefit of gamolenic acid over placebo in reducing menopausal flushing.
Placebo-controlled trial of essential fatty acid supplementation in atopic dermatitis.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study investigated the response of patients with atopic dermatitis to essential fatty acid supplements, specifically evening primrose oil and fish oil. Of 123 subjects recruited, 102 completed the treatment period. The study found no effect of essential fatty acid supplementation on atopic dermatitis.
Plasma fatty acid profiles in benign breast disorders.
The study measured fatty acid profiles in women with mastalgia and breast cysts before and during treatment with evening primrose oil. Treatment improved fatty acid profiles towards normal, though this was not necessarily associated with a clinical response.
Effects of a combination of evening primrose oil (gamma linolenic acid) and fish oil (eicosapentaenoic + docahexaenoic acid) versus magnesium, and versus placebo in preventing pre-eclampsia.
A placebo-controlled, partially double-blinded clinical trial compared evening primrose oil and fish oil to Magnesium Oxide and placebo in preventing pre-eclampsia in pregnant women. The combination of evening primrose oil and fish oil significantly reduced the incidence of edema compared to placebo.
The effects of evening primrose oil, safflower oil and paraffin on plasma fatty acid levels in humans: choice of an appropriate placebo for clinical studies on primrose oil.
RCT comparing the effects of evening primrose oil, safflower oil, and paraffin on plasma fatty acid levels in humans over 10 days. Evening primrose oil raised the level of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) but had no significant effect on arachidonic acid, while safflower oil raised the levels of linoleic and arachidonic acids.
Mastalgia refractory to drug treatment.
Study of 126 patients with mastalgia unresponsive to first line therapy, evaluating second and third line treatments. Danazol showed high response rates, while bromocriptine and evening primrose oil had poor second line response rates.
A study of evening primrose seed oil in atopic asthma.
Double blind placebo controlled study of evening primrose oil (Efamol) in atopic asthmatics over eight weeks. No effect on asthma control or histamine challenge tests, but alteration in fatty acid profile observed.
A long-term study on the use of evening primrose oil (Efamol) in atopic children.
Long-term study on oral supplementation of evening primrose oil in children with atopic eczema. Treated children showed dramatic improvement in clinical condition after 4 weeks, maintained over 20 weeks, with changes in fatty acid composition.
Atopic eczema unresponsive to evening primrose oil (linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids).
This study used a double-blind, blocked crossover design to assess the effect of evening primrose oil as an oral supplement in 123 patients with atopic eczema. No significant effect was observed on erythema, scale, excoriation, lichenification, or overall severity.
Atopic dermatitis and essential fatty acids: a biochemical basis for atopy?
Double blind, controlled crossover study of dietary supplementation with evening primrose oil in 99 patients with atopic dermatitis. Evening primrose oil improved atopic dermatitis, with an abnormality of the enzyme delta-6-desaturase proposed to explain the biochemical findings. The therapeutic effect is unlikely to be mediated through a primarily immunological mechanism.
A double-blind evaluation of evening primrose oil as an antiobesity agent.
Double-blind 12-week RCT of evening primrose oil (EPO) in 100 women with substantial obesity. No significant difference in weight loss was observed between the EPO and placebo groups, suggesting any antiobesity property of EPO is clinically insignificant.
Effect of topically applied evening primrose oil on epidermal barrier function in atopic dermatitis as a function of vehicle.
RCT assessing the effect of topically applied evening primrose oil on epidermal barrier function in atopic dermatitis. The study found that evening primrose oil stabilized the stratum corneum barrier when applied in a water-in-oil emulsion, but not in an amphiphilic emulsion.
Effects of oral supplementation with evening primrose oil for six weeks on plasma essential fatty acids and uremic skin symptoms in hemodialysis patients.
RCT of 16 hemodialysis patients comparing gamma-linolenic acid-rich evening primrose oil to linoleic acid supplementation for 6 weeks. EPO significantly increased plasma dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid and improved uremic skin symptoms, suggesting a shift towards less inflammatory eicosanoid metabolism.
Effect of a supplementary dietary evening primrose oil mixture on hoof growth, hoof growth rate and hoof lipid fractions in horses: a controlled and blinded trial.
Controlled and blinded trial assessing the effect of oral supplementation with evening primrose oil mixture on hoof growth, growth rate, and lipid content in horses. No significant differences were observed between treatment and control groups for hoof horn growth or growth rate, but significant changes in lipid fractions were noted within the treatment group.
Evening primrose oil (Epogam) in the treatment of chronic hand dermatitis: disappointing therapeutic results.
A 24-week double-blind placebo-controlled trial with 39 patients assessed the effects of evening primrose oil (600 mg/day of GLA) on chronic hand dermatitis. No statistical difference in clinical improvement was found between the Epogam and placebo groups, and no changes in lipid composition or skin ultrastructure were detected.
Essential fatty acid supplementation in chronic hepatitis B.
RCT of 10 patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving 4 g daily of evening primrose oil for 12 months. Compared to placebo, no improvement was observed in biochemical or histological indices of liver damage or in the rate of loss of circulating e antigen.
A double-blind placebo controlled trial of Efamol Marine on skin and joint symptoms of psoriatic arthritis.
Double-blind placebo-controlled trial of Efamol Marine (evening primrose oil and fish oil) in 38 patients with psoriatic arthritis. No clinical improvement in skin or joint symptoms was observed, and NSAID requirements remained unchanged. Some laboratory evidence of anti-inflammatory effect was noted, suggesting altered prostaglandin metabolism.
Evening primrose oil and marine oil in the treatment of psoriasis.
Double-blind parallel trial of 37 patients with chronic stable plaque psoriasis, studying dietary supplementation with n-3 (marine oil) and n-6 (evening primrose oil) essential fatty acids. No significant improvement in clinical severity of psoriasis or change in transepidermal water loss was observed.
A randomized controlled study of evening primrose oil and fish oil in ulcerative colitis.
RCT of 43 patients with stable ulcerative colitis comparing MaxEPA, super evening primrose oil, and olive oil placebo for 6 months. Evening primrose oil improved stool consistency compared to MaxEPA and placebo, with effects maintained 3 months post-treatment. No significant differences in stool frequency, rectal bleeding, or disease relapse among groups.
The effect of essential fatty acids on epidermal atrophy due to topical steroids.
RCT studying the effect of topical n-6 essential fatty acids in the form of evening primrose oil on epidermal atrophy caused by a potent topical steroid in 24 normal volunteers. The addition of evening primrose oil did not prevent steroid-induced epidermal atrophy.
Evening primrose oil and fish oil in non-insulin-dependent-diabetes.
RCT studying the effects of evening primrose oil and fish oil on glucose and lipid metabolism, prostaglandin levels, and body composition in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes. The treatment group showed significant increases in EPA and DGLA in lipoprotein fractions and a decrease in urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2 excretion, suggesting improvements in lipid and thromboxane metabolism.
A double-blind comparison of olive oil and a combination of evening primrose oil and fish oil in the management of canine atopy.
A double-blind RCT comparing olive oil to a combination of evening primrose oil and fish oil in managing canine atopy over eight weeks. Dogs on the combination maintained their condition, while those switched to olive oil deteriorated, suggesting the combination's effectiveness in controlling atopy.
Comparison of the clinical efficacy of two commercial fatty acid supplements (EfaVet and DVM Derm Caps), evening primrose oil, and cold water marine fish oil in the management of allergic pruritus in dogs: a double-blinded study.
Double-blinded clinical trial in 20 dogs with atopy or idiopathic pruritus comparing the efficacy of evening primrose oil, cold water marine fish oil, DVM Derm Caps, and EfaVet. Five dogs showed a good-to-excellent reduction in pruritus with at least one product. Clinical response was individualized and not dependent on various factors.
Evening primrose oil in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and side-effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
RCT of 40 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and gastrointestinal lesions due to NSAIDs, comparing evening primrose oil (gamma-linolenic acid) to placebo (olive oil) over 6 months. Gamma-linolenic acid reduced morning stiffness at 3 months, while olive oil reduced pain and articular index at 6 months.
The effect of maternal supplementation with linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids on the fat composition and content of human milk: a placebo-controlled trial.
Placebo-controlled trial of evening primrose oil supplementation in 39 lactating women over 8 months. The supplemented group showed increased total fat and essential fatty acid contents in milk, while the placebo group showed declines.
Supplementation with evening primrose oil in atopic dermatitis: effect on fatty acids in neutrophils and epidermis.
The study investigated the effect of oral supplementation with evening primrose oil on the fatty acid composition in the epidermis and neutrophils of 15 patients with atopic dermatitis. The supplementation resulted in a significant increase in dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid in neutrophil phospholipids and favorable changes in the epidermal fatty acid composition.
Paradoxical effects of essential fatty acid supplementation on lipid profiles and sweat electrolytes in cystic fibrosis.
RCT of evening primrose oil supplementation in 16 cystic fibrosis patients over 12 months. Linoleic acid levels increased initially but returned to baseline after discontinuation. Sweat sodium concentrations fell after 6 weeks, while sweat chloride remained unchanged.
Evening primose oil and fish oil are ineffective as supplementary treatment of bronchial asthma.
Cross-over study in 29 asthmatics comparing evening primrose oil or fish oil supplementation to olive oil placebo over 10 weeks. No differences were found in peak flow rates, symptoms, or drug consumption. Plasma PGE2 levels increased during fish oil treatment, but no changes in other prostanoids were observed. Concludes that these oils are ineffective as supplementary treatment for bronchial asthma.
Effects of gammalinolenic acid on plasma lipoproteins and apolipoproteins.
RCT with 19 hypercholesterolemic patients using evening primrose oil rich in gammalinolenic acid versus safflower oil placebo over 16 weeks. Evening primrose oil decreased low density lipoprotein-cholesterol and plasma apolipoprotein B in patients without hypertriglyceridemia.
Evening primrose oil in rheumatoid arthritis: changes in serum lipids and fatty acids.
RCT studying the effects of evening primrose oil on serum lipids and fatty acids in 18 patients with rheumatoid arthritis over 12 weeks. Evening primrose oil increased serum linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, and arachidonic acid, while decreasing eicosapentaenoic acid, which may not be favorable for rheumatoid arthritis.
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.
Double-blind placebo-controlled study of 49 RA patients comparing evening primrose oil (EPO) and EPO/fish oil to placebo over 12 months. EPO and EPO/fish oil led to subjective improvement and reduced NSAID use without worsening disease activity. Benefits were not sustained after switching to placebo.
Evening primrose oil (Efamol) in the treatment of children with atopic eczema.
RCT studying the effects of evening primrose oil (Efamol) on 24 children with atopic eczema. The study found significant improvement in eczema symptoms in children treated with evening primrose oil compared to placebo. Significant changes in plasma fatty acid composition were observed, but neutrophil and lymphocyte fatty acid composition did not relate to disease activity.
The effect of dietary fatty acids on the gastric production of prostaglandins and aspirin-induced injury.
RCT with 20 healthy volunteers investigating the effect of evening primrose oil supplementation on gastric PGE2 release and aspirin-induced mucosal injury. Evening primrose oil increased PGE2 release but did not protect against aspirin-induced gastric blood loss.
The effects of essential fatty acid supplementation by Efamol in hyperactive children.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study of essential fatty acid supplementation (evening primrose oil; Efamol) in 31 hyperactive children. EFA supplementation resulted in significant changes in fatty acid levels and improvements in parent ratings on attention and motor excess, but minimal effects on other cognitive and performance measures.
Evening primrose oil in the treatment of atopic eczema: effect on clinical status, plasma phospholipid fatty acids and circulating blood prostaglandins.
Double-blind trial of 25 patients with atopic eczema receiving either oral evening primrose oil or placebo for 12 weeks. The EPO group showed significant improvement in eczema severity, inflammation, and body surface involvement compared to placebo. EPO increased dihomogammalinolenic acid in plasma phospholipid fatty acids, but did not alter plasma levels of certain prostaglandins.
Patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome treated for two months with evening primrose oil.
RCT of 28 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome treated for 8 weeks with evening primrose oil (Efamol). The study aimed to assess improvements in ocular and oral clinical status and changes in EFA levels. Significant improvement in ocular status was observed compared to start-values, but not compared to placebo. Plasma and erythrocyte levels of DGLA increased significantly during treatment.
Effects of dietary supplementation with n-6 and n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on serum lipoproteins and platelet function in hypertriglyceridaemic patients.
RCT with 27 hypertriglyceridaemic patients comparing evening primrose oil rich in gammalinolenic acid (GLA) and a marine oil concentrate containing n-3 fatty acids. GLA supplementation showed no effect on platelet function or serum lipoproteins, while n-3 fatty acids significantly decreased triglycerides and slightly increased HDL and LDL cholesterol.
Evening primrose oil (Efamol) in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon: a double blind study.
Double-blind study of 21 patients with Raynaud's phenomenon comparing evening primrose oil (EPO) to placebo. The EPO group experienced fewer attacks and improved severity of attacks and coldness of hands, though no changes were observed in hand temperatures or cold challenge plethysmography. Some antiplatelet effects and changes in blood prostanoids were noted.
Essential fatty acids in the plasma phospholipids of patients with atopic eczema.
Study measured essential fatty acids in plasma phospholipids of 41 adults with atopic eczema and 50 controls. Linoleic acid was elevated, while its metabolites were reduced. Treatment with oral evening primrose oil partially corrected the n-6 EFA abnormality but had no effect on n-3 EFAs.