Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Evening primrose oil (EPO) is most commonly used in the context of breast lumps for the management of cyclical mastalgia (cyclical breast pain), which is frequently associated with benign breast lumps such as fibrocystic breast changes. Several clinical studies and reviews have evaluated EPO for this indication, with mixed results. The proposed mechanism is that EPO provides gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid that may help correct abnormal fatty acid metabolism in some women with breast pain and benign breast lumps, potentially reducing inflammation and pain.

A number of randomized controlled trials have investigated EPO for cyclical mastalgia, with some showing modest benefit compared to placebo, while others found no significant effect. A 2011 Cochrane review concluded that there is little consistent evidence that EPO is more effective than placebo in reducing breast pain. However, because EPO is generally well tolerated and some women report improvement, it continues to be used as an adjunct or alternative to conventional therapies.

It is important to note that EPO is not used to treat malignant breast lumps (breast cancer), and there is no evidence it reduces the risk of cancer. Its use is primarily for symptom management in benign breast conditions. The evidence rating is 2, reflecting weak but existent scientific support for its efficacy in managing breast pain and associated benign lumps.

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Pure Encapsulations E.P.O. 500 mg
Pure Encapsulations E.P.O. 500 mg