Evening Primrose Oil

Also known as: EPO, oenothera biennis, GLA oil

Grade C — Preliminaryfatty acidskin-hairhormonal
2000–4000 mgWith meals; split into 2 doses for higher amounts

Rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid. Used for skin conditions, PMS, and inflammation. Evidence is moderate. Takes weeks to show effects. Avoid with seizure medications.

✨Skin & Hair😊Mood
Last reviewed: 2026-03-12

Quick Facts

Evidence

Grade C

Studies

1

Interactions

2

Forms

1

Evidence Rating: Grade C — Preliminary

Limited human trials, mostly animal or in-vitro data. Promising but not yet proven in robust human studies.

Interaction Warnings

Blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin)Moderate

GLA may have mild antiplatelet effects — increases bleeding risk with anticoagulants.

Seizure medications (phenothiazines)Moderate

May lower seizure threshold in susceptible individuals.

Important Notes

  • Active component is gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid
  • May take 6-12 weeks for skin benefits to appear
  • Traditionally used for PMS, eczema, and breast tenderness — evidence is mixed
  • Avoid in seizure disorders or with seizure-lowering medications

Clinical Evidence (1 study)

Evening primrose oil supplementation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Khorshidi M et al. (2020) — Phytother Res

EPO supplementation significantly reduced inflammatory markers and improved lipid profiles

View on PubMed

Alternatives to Consider

These supplements target similar goals and may be worth considering alongside or instead of Evening Primrose Oil.

Biotin

Grade B

Water-soluble B vitamin important for fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Commonly used for hair/nail support — evidence is stronger in true deficiency. Important: stop before lab tests.

✨ Skin & Hair

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)

Grade B

Essential for CoA synthesis (energy metabolism, fat breakdown, hormone production). Deficiency rare but supplement shows promise for acne and stress-related fatigue.

✨ Skin & Hair

Lysine

Grade B

Essential amino acid best known for cold sore (herpes simplex) prevention. Also evidence for anxiety reduction when combined with arginine. Enhances calcium absorption. Vegans are at higher risk of deficiency.

✨ Skin & Hair

Related Supplements

DIM (Diindolylmethane)

Grade C — Preliminary

Metabolite of cruciferous vegetables that promotes favorable estrogen metabolism. Shifts estrogen toward less potent metabolites. Research primarily in hormone balance and cancer prevention.

Biotin

Grade B — Moderate Evidence

Water-soluble B vitamin important for fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Commonly used for hair/nail support — evidence is stronger in true deficiency. Important: stop before lab tests.

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)

Grade B — Moderate Evidence

Essential for CoA synthesis (energy metabolism, fat breakdown, hormone production). Deficiency rare but supplement shows promise for acne and stress-related fatigue.

Lysine

Grade B — Moderate Evidence

Essential amino acid best known for cold sore (herpes simplex) prevention. Also evidence for anxiety reduction when combined with arginine. Enhances calcium absorption. Vegans are at higher risk of deficiency.

🧪 Get Your Personalized Stack

See how Evening Primrose Oil fits with your goals and current supplements — AI-powered, evidence-graded recommendations.

⚕️ Important Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you take medications or have health conditions.

DoseGrade does not sell supplements and has no affiliate relationships with supplement manufacturers.