Evening primrose oil has been studied for over 30 years for its potential effects on inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. While it is generally safe and can be effective for some people, the research has been mixed regarding its role in pain relief. Though evening primrose oil is available over the counter without a prescription, consult your doctor before taking the supplement for any health condition.
Fatty Acids in Evening Primrose Oil
The use of evening primrose oil for medical conditions dates back to the 1930's, though it has only recently been studied scientifically regarding its effects on inflammatory diseases. It comes from the seeds of the evening primrose plant, which is high in omega-6 fatty acids. Of particular interest is its content of gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, which is an essential fatty acid. Evening primrose oil also contains linolenic acid, or LA, another omega-6 fatty acid.
GLA and Inflammation
GLA is thought to play a role in reducing inflammation. Inflammation is a cause of many rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Another example is diabetic neuropathy, for which evening primrose oil is commonly used to reduce pain symptoms. It can contribute to pain relief by interfering with the body's inflammatory process. GLA is converted into substances called prostaglandins and leukotrienes, both of which play a role in reducing inflammation in the body. When taken regularly, evening primrose oil has the potential to control some of the pain symptoms for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Evening Primrose for Arthritis
It sounds great in theory, however, the actual studies regarding the use of evening primrose oil for rheumatoid arthritis have had mixed results. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there is not enough evidence one way or the other for the use of evening primrose oil in arthritis treatment, though trials have been ongoing since the 1980's. This may be because there is not enough GLA in evening primrose oil to fully affect someone with rheumatoid arthritis. Pure concentrated GLA has shown some benefits in studies; however, the doses used are greater than those that can be achieved from taking evening primrose oil supplements. The bottom line is that it may help some people, but it may not help others. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center also reported that the most positive studies for evening primrose oil and rheumatoid arthritis were those in which the supplement was taken along with the participant's usual arthritis medications.
Side Effects and Interactions
Evening primrose oil may also have some side effects. Less serious ones include headaches and nausea, though some people may experience drug interactions. Combining evening primrose oil and some schizophrenia medications may cause seizures. In addition, it may interact with certain blood thinners as well as pain medications such as NSAIDs. Always talk to your doctor before taking any type of supplement.
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