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What Is Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)?

Evening primrose oil is a dietary supplement derived from the seeds of Oenothera biennis, a flowering plant native to North America.
In Bangladesh, it is usually sold as capsules and softgels. These have gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a type of healthy fat that may help lower swelling and support hormone balance (Sharifi et al., 2024).

Where Can You Buy Evening Primrose Supplements in Bangladesh?

Evening primrose oil (EPO) is available in pharmacies, e-commerce platforms, and Unani/Herbal medicine shops across Bangladesh.

Popular purchase options:

  • Daraz, Chaldal, Othoba
  • Lazz Pharma, Apollo Pharmacy
  • Ayurvedic & Unani outlets in Dhaka, Sylhet, Chattogram
Product Type
Dosage
Price Range (BDT)
Softgel Capsules 500–1300 mg ৳500 – ৳1,800 (per 60–90 caps)
EPO + Vitamin E Combo 1000 mg + 15 IU ৳950 – ৳1,600
Cold-Pressed EPO 1000 mg ৳1,200 – ৳2,200

What Are the Health Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil?

Evening primrose oil is used to support women’s health, improve skin, and manage inflammation. GLA, its main compound, may help control prostaglandin production for hormone balance (Ghavi et al., 2023).

Evidence-Based Benefits

Health Condition
Possible Effect
Study Reference
PMS & Breast Pain
 May reduce mastalgia symptoms Ahmad Adni et al., 2021
Menopausal Symptoms
 May ease hot flashes & mood swings Ghavi et al., 2023
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
 Limited benefit; inconsistent results Bamford et al., 2013 (Cochrane Review)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
 Anti-inflammatory effects observed Sharifi et al., 2024
Labor Induction
 Unclear efficacy, used in late pregnancy Hutcherson et al., 2022
Benefits are usually mild to moderate and depend on dose and duration. Research results remain mixed.

Is Evening Primrose Oil Safe for Daily Use?

For most adults, taking evening primrose oil by mouth at recommended doses for up to 12 weeks is considered safe.

Safety Summary

Group
Safety Status
Adults (General)
 Likely safe
Pregnant women
 Caution advised in late pregnancy
Breastfeeding women
 May increase GLA in breast milk; no adverse effect reported
Children
 Not well studied
Epilepsy/Schizophrenia patients
 Avoid use due to seizure risk

Reported Side Effects:

  • Nausea, bloating, or loose stools
  • Headache or dizziness
  • Skin rash (rare)
  • Increased bleeding risk in some users
Warning: Avoid before surgery or with anticoagulants. Discontinue use 2 weeks before medical procedures.

What Drugs and Supplements Interact with Evening Primrose?

Evening primrose oil may affect how other medicines work, especially those handled by certain liver enzymes or those that affect how your blood clots.

Key Interactions

Substance
Interaction Risk
Warfarin, Aspirin, Clopidogrel
 Increased bleeding risk
NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
 May enhance bleeding tendency
Phenothiazines (e.g., Chlorpromazine)
 May increase seizure risk
CYP3A4 substrates (e.g., Lovastatin)
 Metabolism may be affected
Lopinavir-ritonavir (HIV treatment)
 Slowed drug breakdown
Consult your doctor if you take blood thinners, antipsychotics, or HIV medication.

How to Take Evening Primrose Oil Supplements

Form
Common Dosage
Recommended Use
Softgels/Capsules 500–1300 mg Once or twice daily with meals
Cold-Pressed Oil 1 tsp (1000 mg equiv.) Mixed with food or drinks
Combination Formula (EPO + Vitamin E) 1000 mg Improves skin & PMS support

Dosage Guidance:

  • Breast pain: 1000 mg/day for 6+ weeks
  • PMS/Menopause: 500–2000 mg/day depending on symptoms
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: Higher doses (2000–3000 mg) under medical supervision
Daily use for 6–12 weeks is usually needed to assess effects.

Evening Primrose Oil in Traditional and Herbal Medicine

In Bangladesh, evening primrose is gaining popularity in herbal gynecology, especially for:
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
  • Hot flashes and menopausal discomfort
  • Joint inflammation (Unani & Ayurvedic integration)
Traditionally, local herbal practitioners may combine EPO with:
  • Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
  • Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
  • Black cohosh or fennel

Nutritional Composition of Evening Primrose Oil (per 1000 mg)

Compound
Amount
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) 80–120 mg
Linoleic acid 700–750 mg
Oleic acid 60–70 mg
Vitamin E (in fortified versions) 10–15 IU
GLA is the main ingredient that helps lower inflammation and support hormone balance.

What Does Scientific Research Say?

Study
Key Finding
Source
Ahmad Adni et al., 2021 EPO reduced breast pain in mastalgia patients IJERPH
Sharifi et al., 2024 Positive effect on inflammatory markers in arthritis BMC Complementary Medicine
Bamford et al., 2013 No significant impact on eczema Cochrane Library
Ghavi et al., 2023 EPO improved hormonal balance in menopause Iranian Journal of Nursing
Hutcherson et al., 2022 Mixed results for labor induction Pharmacy (Basel)

FAQs on Evening Primrose Oil

Is evening primrose safe for daily use?

Yes, short-term use of 500–1300 mg/day is generally safe for adults.

Can evening primrose oil help with PMS?

Some studies show it may reduce breast pain and hormonal discomfort in PMS.

What’s the best time to take evening primrose oil?

With meals, once or twice daily, to reduce GI side effects and improve absorption.

Does it help with menopause symptoms?

Yes, some women report relief from hot flashes and mood swings, but the evidence is mixed.

Is evening primrose safe during pregnancy?

Avoid during early pregnancy. Use only in late-term under medical supervision.
Full articles available via PubMed and NCCIH