Evening Primrose

The oil from the seeds, the plant in infusion and the root are used as a food supplement. It contains 14% essential oil rich in cis-linolenic acid (70%) and gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) (10%), both precursors of prostaglandins, as well as palmitic acid (10%) and stearic acid (10%). Attributed properties: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiplatelet. There is controversial evidence ^{(WHO 2002)} of its efficacy in atopic dermatitis, premenstrual syndrome ^{(Hardy 2000)}, mastalgia ^{(Wetzig 1994)}, multiple sclerosis, psychiatric disorders and rheumatic diseases, including Raynaud's syndrome ^{(Anderson 2004, Chrubasik 2002)}. Its efficacy as a labour inducer is disputed, and serious adverse effects have been reported with the use of evening primrose oil during pregnancy. ^{(Dante 2014)}

The administration of evening primrose oil for several months to breastfeeding mothers increases the levels of fatty acids in milk without causing adverse effects in either the mother or the infant. ^{(Cant 1991)}

Cis and gamma-linoleic acids are natural constituents of breast milk ^{(Amir 2011)}. The total concentration of fat and linolenic acid in banked milk is reduced due to pasteurisation and freezing ^{(Vázquez 2014, García-Lara 2013 and 2012, Wardell 1981)}. The addition of evening primrose oil ingredients to commercial infant formulas for premature babies is suggested. ^{(Woltil 1999)}

The administration of AGL to mothers does not prevent the onset of atopic dermatitis in infants. ^{(Kitz 2006)}

There is no evidence that evening primrose oil is effective in treating Raynaud's phenomenon of the nipple. ^{(Anderson 2004)}

It is a plant widely used by breastfeeding mothers ^{(Amer 2015)}. Given its lack of toxicity, moderate consumption is considered acceptable during breastfeeding. ^{(The Royal 2013)}