Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that causes muscle weakness, often affecting the eyelids first. This disease occurs most commonly in women younger than 40 and men older than 60, but it can occur at any age. A number of medications help to control the symptoms of MG. Some alternative practitioners advise evening primrose oil, which contains omega-6 fatty acids, but no clinical studies have shown this to be an effective treatment. Do not take evening primrose oil to treat MG without your doctor's approval.
Use
Evening primrose oil contains two omega-6 fatty acids, linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid. Evening primrose oil has been tested as a treatment against other autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis. It has also been tested as a treatment for multiple sclerosis, another disorder that causes muscle weakness. Because of the similar names, some people confuse MG and MS.
Effectiveness
Myasthenia gravis affects the acetylcholine receptors at the junction of the nerves and muscles, which disrupts transmission of impulses to the muscle. An autoimmune reaction, in which the immune system attacks its own body cells, appears to cause MG. Medications that help the disorder include drugs that suppress the immune system and drugs that improve neuromuscular transmission. Evening primrose oil has been tested in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, but well-designed studies have shown no benefit in either, according to Drugs.com.
Risks
Evening primrose oil can lower the seizure threshold, making it more likely that you will have a seizure if you have a seizure disorder. Do not use this supplement if you're prone to seizures unless your doctor agrees. Omega-6 fatty acids can decrease blood platelets' ability to stick together, which could cause excessive bleeding if you take other blood-thinning medications.
Considerations
About 50 percent of those with MG have complete remission from symptoms when they have their thymus gland removed, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The thymus gland plays a role in regulating the immune system. If you have or think you have MG, see your doctor for proven treatments and medications.
