Evening Primrose
(Oenothera biennis)

General Info

Active Forms

Absorption

Dietary Sources

Dosage Info

Dosage Range 500mg-8 grams (standardized extract) daily. Most Common Dosage 1500mg (standardized extract) daily. Dosage Forms		Adult RDI Adult ODA

Overview

Interactions

Drug/Herb Interactions
•	Antipsychotic medications
•	Anticoagulant medications
•	Antiplatelet medications
•	Anticonvulsants

Fatty acids are an important part of normal homeostasis. The human body can produce all but two fatty acids. These are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Both must be obtained through the diet or by the use of supplements. Obtaining a balance of these two fatty acids is essential. Essential fatty acids play a variety of important roles. They are needed for building cell membranes and are precursors for production of hormones and prostaglandins. Modern diets tend to be lacking in quality sources of fatty acids. In fact, some estimates are that as much as 90 percent of Americans may be deficient in EFA. Fatty acid deficiency may play an important role in the cause and morbidity of many diseases.

Toxicities & Precautions

General
No known toxicity.

Health Conditions
Should not be taken by patients diagnosed with epilepsy.(1)

Based on pharmacology, use with caution in individuals with bleeding disorders.(2)

Side Effects
Slight nausea, indigestion and loose stools may occur with overdosage.

Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
If pregnant or nursing, consult a physician before use.

Age Limitations
Do not use in children under 2 years of age unless recommended by a physician.

Symptoms & Causes of Deficiency

Footnotes

¹ Dines KC, et al. Nerve Function in Galactosaemic Rats: Effects of Evening Primrose Oil and Doxazosin. Eur J Pharmacol. 1995;281(3):303-09.
View Abstract
² PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 2000:299.

Evening Primrose(Oenothera biennis)

Evening Primrose
(Oenothera biennis)