Evening primrose has been used in the United States before the arrival of European settlers, with a list of applications ranging from the treatment of simple allergies to conditions such as cancer. Studies evaluating its ability to treat cysts most frequently focus on cysts occurring in the breasts. Over the past two decades this research has found evening primrose to be safe for use, but of questionable effectiveness.
Cysts and Your Body
The word cyst simply refers to a pocket of tissue surrounding air, fluid, pus or some other material. Cysts can form in any tissue in the body, including your brain, lungs, eyes, kidneys, liver, breasts, and even bones. Cysts are most common on the skin, for instance those caused by acne. Most cysts are benign, or not cancerous.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil, or EPO, is made from the seeds of the evening primrose wildflower common to North America. A rich source of healthy omega-6 fatty acids, EPO is also taken for a host of ailments, including eczema, PMS, arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, symptoms of menopause, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, Raynaud's disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, pregnancy-induced hypertension, ADHD, asthma, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, Sjogren's syndrome, breast pain and other conditions. There are indications EPO may help with some of these, while for others there is little to no evidence.
Specific Studies of EPO on Cysts
A 1990 study in "Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences" looked at whether women with breast cysts saw improvement after taking EPO. Though EPO contributed to these women getting more essential fatty acids, the study did not show a difference in breast cysts between women who took EPO and those who did not. The study was particularly definitive as it followed 200 women, who took tablets six times daily, for an entire year.
A Review of All Studies on EPO and Cysts
A review of all research on EPO was published in 2009 in "American Family Physician." The researchers were similarly unable to find definitive evidence of EPO's effectiveness at treating breast pain, associated with breast cysts. The authors concluded that more research on EPO needs to be done. Because of the general lack of evidence, the Mayo Clinic lists EPO as possibly effective for breast cysts.
Further Considerations
EPO taken at 2 to 8 grams daily is safe for adults, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Talk to your doctor if you are considering adding EPO to your diet, or as a treatment for a health condition, including cysts. If you have cysts, have your doctor examine each individually.
References
- PubMed Health: Cyst: Oct. 28, 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Evening Primrose Oil: Oct. 27, 2008
- "The British Journal of Surgery"; Plasma Fatty Acid Profiles in Benign Breast Disorders; Gateley C.A., et al; May, 1992
- "Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences"; A Randomized Trial of Dietary Intervention With Essential Fatty Acids in Patients With Categorized Cysts; Mansel R.E., et al; 1990
- "American Family Physician"; Evening Primrose Oil; Bayles B. and Usatine R.; Dec., 2009
- Mayo Clinic; Breast Cysts; Alternative Medicine; May 22, 2010
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