Evidence supporting the use of: Evening primrose oil
For the body system: Ovaries
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Evening primrose oil (EPO) has a long history of traditional use in women's health, especially for issues related to the reproductive system such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopausal symptoms, and general support of ovarian function. The oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid thought to influence prostaglandin production and hormone balance. Historical and anecdotal reports suggest that EPO may help alleviate symptoms like breast pain and menstrual discomfort.
However, scientific evidence supporting the use of evening primrose oil specifically for “ovary support” is limited and inconclusive. Clinical trials investigating its effects on PMS and menopausal symptoms have produced mixed results, with systematic reviews often concluding that there is insufficient high-quality evidence to confirm its effectiveness. While some women report subjective improvements in symptoms, placebo-controlled studies do not consistently corroborate these findings.
Overall, EPO’s application for ovarian support is grounded mainly in traditional and folk medicine rather than in robust scientific validation. It is not considered a primary or evidence-based intervention for ovarian health by major medical organizations, though it remains popular in holistic and alternative health circles.
Other ingredients that support Ovaries
8-PrenylnaringeninActaea spicata
Agnuside
Aletris
amino acids
Ashoka
ashwagandha
barbasco
berry
black cohosh
blessed thistle
broccoli
bugbane
casticin
chaste tree
Clary sage
cohosh
cruciferous
damiana
DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
dioscorea
dong quai
dong quai root
egg
estrogen
evening primrose oil
false unicorn root
fatty acids
fennel
fish
folate
folic acid
formononetin
genistein
Ginsenosides
herbal blend (proprietary)
inositol
inositol phosphate
iodine
isoflavones
l-carnitine
Labisia pumila
licorice root
lignans
Lilium humboldtii
lingzhi
maca
macaenes
magnesium
omega-3 fatty acids
Osthole
peony
Phytoestrogens
protein
Puerain
pumpkin
raspberry
royal jelly
Shataverins
Soy
soybean
spearmint leaf
trace minerals
vitamin B
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin E
Vitex Agnus-Castus
Vitexicarpin
Wild yam
Other body systems supported by evening primrose oil
BreastsFemale Reproductive System
Joints
Ovaries
Prostaglandins
Reproductive System
Skin
Vagina
Products containing evening primrose oil
Pure Encapsulations
E.P.O. 500 mg
Pure Encapsulations
E.P.O. 500 mg
