Evidence supporting the use of: Evening primrose oil
For the health condition: PMS (general)

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Synopsis

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

Evening primrose oil (EPO) is primarily used to support premenstrual syndrome (PMS) based on traditional and popular use rather than robust scientific validation. The oil is extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose plant (Oenothera biennis) and is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid. Historically, herbalists and traditional medicine practitioners have recommended EPO for women's health issues, including PMS symptoms such as breast tenderness, mood swings, and bloating. The rationale is that GLA may help correct hormonal imbalances or modulate inflammatory processes involved in PMS.

However, scientific studies on EPO's efficacy for PMS have produced inconsistent results. Several small, randomized controlled trials have investigated its impact, with some reporting mild to moderate benefits, while others found no significant difference compared to placebo. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that evidence is insufficient or weak to recommend EPO as a reliable treatment for PMS. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists does not endorse EPO for PMS management due to the lack of strong evidence. Nonetheless, EPO continues to be widely used based on anecdotal reports and its longstanding popularity in traditional and alternative medicine.

In summary, evening primrose oil's use for PMS is rooted in tradition, with limited and mixed scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness.

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