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Fatty Acid

Evening Primrose Oil

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Evening Primrose Oil. GLA omega-6 for skin and PMS.

How it works. GLA converted to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Mixed for PMS (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 500–1300 mg GLA.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with Collagen peptides, Vitamin C.

Common forms. Available as Capsule or softgel, Powder, Sublingual or buccal, Liposomal liquid.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Evening Primrose Oil. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Evening Primrose Oil. GLA omega-6 for skin and PMS.

Key compound: gamma-linolenic acidC18H30O2 · 278.4 g/mol

What it is

GLA omega-6 for skin and PMS.

Food sources

Endogenously produced or biosynthesized moleculeStandardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplementCombined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity

Goals

Women's HealthSkin, Hair & Nails

How it works

GLA converted to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.

Pathways

  • GLA converted to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins

Effects

  • +Mixed for PMS supports

What the research supports

Mixed for PMSmoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
500–1300 mg GLA
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Evening Primrose Oil use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Collagen peptidesProvides amino acid substrate for connective tissue synthesis.
  • Vitamin CRequired cofactor for collagen hydroxylation.

Common forms

  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

EPO for PMS ↗
Meta-analysis · Med J Aust · 1990

No clear benefit over placebo.

PubMed: Evening Primrose Oil — Mixed for PMS ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Evening Primrose Oil and "Mixed for PMS". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Evening Primrose Oil — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Evening Primrose Oil and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

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