Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)

Evidence-based guide to Evening Primrose: benefits, dosage, safety and interactions.

Evidence

Mixed: 2021 meta-analysis (n=1,752) found no significant benefit over placebo for mastalgia overall; earlier trials specific to cyclical breast pain were positive. Mechanism is sound; pooled clinical data is not conclusive.

Traditional use and mechanism

Cyclical mastalgia (breast pain); PMS inflammatory symptoms; skin conditions (eczema, atopic dermatitis); perimenopausal skin changes. Native American medicinal use for skin and pain predates modern research.

Safety

Generally safe. Serious adverse events uncommon in clinical trials. Most common: mild GI upset. 2021 Adni et al. meta-analysis (13 RCTs, n=1,752): no significant benefit over placebo for mastalgia overall — honest reporting required. Mechanism remains sound; cyclical subtype may respond differently.