Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Evening Primrose Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Way

Evening Primrose label
See full label image
Softgel Capsule Category: Fat/fatty Acid
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Evening Primrose against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Evening Primrose is a dietary supplement by Nature's Way with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for heart health, healthy cooking fat, skin moisturizing.Based on those ingredients, 308 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Evening Primrose Oil, Oleic Acid. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Evening Primrose by Nature's Way

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Evening Primrose by Nature's Way — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
Prefer a human? Send your question to our licensed pharmacists — free, answered by email within 24 hours.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Evening Primrose by Nature's Way

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 30, 2026

What’s inside

Partial disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Partial

Most active ingredients list an amount, but at least one is hidden in a blend or missing.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 4 of its 6 active ingredients.
  • “Evening Primrose Oil” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (500 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Evening Primrose by Nature's Way is a softgel capsule with 6 active ingredients, all fatty acids and related compounds from evening primrose oil. The product contains gamma-linolenic acid, omega-6 fatty acids, monounsaturated fat, linoleic acid, oleic acid, and polyunsaturated fat — a blend of the natural fats that make up the oil itself.

The capsules also contain gelatin, glycerin, and purified water as inactive ingredients (the capsule shell and preservatives).

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Coronary heart disease (CHD) — rated "Possibly Effective" (Oleic Acid) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Hypercholesterolemia — rated "Possibly Effective" (Oleic Acid) (Natural Medicines).

The omega-6 fatty acids in this product are rated possibly ineffective for hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), cardiovascular disease, child development, and multiple sclerosis based on the evidence we hold. Oleic acid, another ingredient here, is rated possibly effective for high cholesterol and coronary heart disease.

Overall, the supplement evidence for evening primrose oil in these areas is mixed and modest.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Oleic Acid Evening Primrose Omega-6 Fatty Acids

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Omega-6 fatty acids from food are generally well tolerated, but the safety of concentrated supplements like evening primrose oil is not well established. The research notes that very high omega-6 intake, especially when omega-3 intake is low, may carry risks — higher ratios of omega-6 to omega-3 are thought to increase cardiovascular risk, and some studies link high omega-6 levels to cancer risk and mood symptoms, though the role remains unclear.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding, omega-6 fatty acids from this product are rated possibly unsafe, so talk with your doctor before taking it if you're pregnant or nursing. Oleic acid safety in pregnancy is not well studied at supplement doses, though food amounts are considered safe.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Oleic Acid Evening Primrose Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Oleic Acid.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 86 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take antidiabetes drugs (blood sugar medications), talk with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this product — oleic acid may increase how much they lower your blood sugar. No other medication interactions are documented for the ingredients we could check, but that doesn't guarantee none exist with your specific medications.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glancePartially disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you're looking at evening primrose oil for cholesterol or heart health, the evidence is modest. If you take diabetes medications, check with your doctor or pharmacist first — oleic acid may boost their effects.

Omega-6 supplements aren't as well studied as food sources, and the balance with omega-3 matters; discuss this product with your own healthcare provider before starting, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or managing blood sugar or heart health.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 6 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 22, 2021.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Evening Primrose, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Way
Barcode (UPC) 033674154168
Net contents 100 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 22, 2021
DSLD ID 243080
Product type Fat/fatty Acid
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Evening Primrose by Nature's Way, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
UPC/BARCODE
033674154168
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories5 Calorie(s)--
Total Fat0.5 Gram(s)1%
Trans Fat0 Gram(s)--
Cholesterol0 mg--
Gamma-Linolenic Acid45 mg--
Omega-6 Fatty Acids385 mg--
Monounsaturated Fat0 Gram(s)--
Saturated Fat0 Gram(s)--
Linoleic Acid340 mg--
Oleic Acid30 mg--
Polyunsaturated Fat0 Gram(s)--
Evening Primrose Oil500 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Glycerin, purified Water

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula

Nature's Way Evening Primrose Oil is the highest quality oil-guaranteed to contain 45 mg gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) per serving.

Cold-pressed oil 500 mg per softgel with 45 mg Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)

Formulation

Cold-pressed and unrefined

No chemical solvents, starch, or artificial colors

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Safety sealed with inner seal. Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking any medications, consult a healthcare professional before use.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright 2020 Distributed by Nature's Way Brands, LLC

General Statements

Please recycle

Nature's Way since 1969

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommendation: Adults swallow 1 softgel 3 to 6 times daily.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Evening Primrose by Nature's Way label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Evening Primrose label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Evening Primrose by Nature's Way

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Oleic Acid

Interacts with
86 drugs
30 mg per serving

Oleic acid is a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat found mainly in olive oil, canola oil, avocados, and nuts. As part of a Mediterranean-style diet, it...

Oleic Acid monograph & interactions

Evening Primrose Oil

Interacts with
233 drugs
500 mg per serving

Evening primrose oil is a seed oil rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid, that is popularly used for skin conditions, PMS, and bre...

Evening Primrose Oil monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Glycerin, Purified Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Evening Primrose by Nature's Way Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Evening Primrose?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
308Drugs
234 Moderate 74 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Evening Primrose Oil 233
Oleic Acid 86

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Evening Primrose interact with 308 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

2 of the 2 ingredients in Evening Primrose interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Evening Primrose Oil Oleic Acid

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Evening Primrose with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Evening Primrose Oil5 drug types · 233 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, evening primrose oil may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Evening primrose oil contains gamma linolenic acid (GLA). There is preliminary clinical evidence that GLA can reduce platelet aggregation and prolong bleeding time.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, concomitant use of lithium with evening primrose oil might decrease lithium levels and effects.
In a case report, a patient on a stable dose of lithium for 10 years experienced a reduction in lithium levels after taking evening primrose oil 500 mg daily. Baseline levels were 0.69 mmol/L, which decreased to 0.37 mmol/L after 2 months and 0.23 mmol/L after 3 months of use. Lithium levels increased within 6 weeks of discontinuing evening primrose oil, to 0.73 mmol/L; no clinical effects were noted.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lopinavir/Ritonavir (Kaletra)

Theoretically, evening primrose oil might increase the levels and effects of lopinavir.
In a case report, an HIV patient who took evening primrose oil (Efamol) along with lopinavir/ritonavir experienced an increase in serum levels of lopinavir to 15.2 mg/L. Six weeks after discontinuing evening primrose oil, levels of lopinavir returned to the normal range of 5-10 mg/L. When re-challenged with evening primrose oil for a week, the patient's lopinavir levels increased from 6.69 to 8.11 mg/L. It is suspected that evening primrose oil increases levels of lopinavir by inhibiting cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes lopinavir. However, this effect has not been reported in other research.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenothiazines

Theoretically, taking evening primrose oil with phenothiazines might increase the risk of convulsions.
Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). There is some concern that taking supplements containing GLA might cause seizures, or lower the seizure threshold, when taken with phenothiazines. In one report, three patients with schizophrenia who had received phenothiazines developed EEG changes suggestive of temporal lobe epilepsy after starting treatment with GLA, although none experienced an actual seizure. In another report, two patients with schizophrenia who were stabilized on phenothiazines developed seizures when evening primrose oil 4 grams daily was added. One of these patients had a prior history of seizures. It is unclear whether evening primrose oil had any additive epileptogenic effects with the phenothiazines; there is no evidence that taking evening primrose oil alone causes seizures.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, evening primrose may increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP2C9 substrates.
In vitro research shows that linoleic acid, a constituent of evening primrose oil, inhibits CYP2C9.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Evening Primrose Oil full monograph & interactions

Oleic Acid1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, oleic acid might increase the effects of antidiabetes drugs. Preliminary clinical research in patients with type 2 diabetes taking oral hypoglycemic drugs shows that eating a diet rich in oleic acid from olive oil decreases fasting blood glucose levels when compared to eating a diet rich in linoleic acid from sunflower oil. It is unknown if taking oleic acid supplements would have this effect or if this change is clinically significant. Until more is known, use caution. Dose adjustment may be necessary. Some antidiabetes drugs include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Oleic Acid full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Evening Primrose, from the product label.

Nature's Way

See all Nature's Way products
Name
Nature's Way Brands, LLC
City
Green Bay
State
WI
ZipCode
54311
Phone Number
1-800-962-8873
Web Address
naturesway.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Evening Primrose by Nature's Way: Common Questions

Does Evening Primrose by Nature's Way interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Evening Primrose has a known interaction with 308 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Evening Primrose contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take evening primrose oil if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The omega-6 fatty acids in this product are rated possibly unsafe in pregnancy and breastfeeding, so you should talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it. Oleic acid safety at supplement doses during pregnancy isn't well studied either. Your healthcare provider can weigh the risks and benefits for your situation.
Will this help with high cholesterol or heart disease?
Oleic acid in this product is rated possibly effective for high cholesterol and coronary heart disease based on the evidence we hold. The omega-6 fatty acids, though, are rated possibly ineffective for those same conditions. The overall evidence for evening primrose oil is modest, so talk with your doctor about whether it fits your treatment plan.
What's the difference between the omega-6 in this product and omega-6 from my regular diet?
Dietary omega-6 from foods is fine and generally well tolerated. This supplement is a concentrated dose, and the safety of concentrated evening primrose supplements isn't well established. The balance between omega-6 and omega-3 intake also matters — very high omega-6 relative to omega-3 may carry risks.
Are there any side effects I should know about?
The product facts we hold don't list common side effects from evening primrose oil itself. However, because the safety of concentrated supplements isn't fully studied, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what to watch for, especially if you have cardiovascular or metabolic concerns.
What's gamma-linolenic acid, and why is it in here?
Gamma-linolenic acid is one of the fatty acids naturally present in evening primrose oil. It's a component of the oil itself, and it's included because it's part of the plant's natural makeup. We don't hold interaction data for it, so if you have questions about its specific role or effects, your pharmacist can explain more.
I take diabetes medication — is this product safe for me?
Oleic acid in this product may increase the effects of antidiabetes drugs, which could lower your blood sugar more than intended. Before you start, check with your doctor or pharmacist about your exact medications and whether any adjustment is needed.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Evening Primrose is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Evening Primrose label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Evening Primrose’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Oleic Acid

Interacts with 86 drugs

Oleic acid is a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat found mainly in olive oil, canola oil, avocados, and nuts. As part of a Mediterranean-style diet, it is widely viewed as a healthier replace...

Read the full Oleic Acid monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Evening Primrose

Interacts with 233 drugs

Evening primrose oil is a seed oil rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid, that is popularly used for skin conditions, PMS, and breast pain. The evidence behind most of th...

Read the full Evening Primrose monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Omega-6 fatty acids are essential fats your body needs but cannot make on its own, and most people get plenty from everyday foods like vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. Supplements such as ev...

Read the full Omega-6 Fatty Acids monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Evening Primrose's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 72 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids 20 references
  1. Godley PA. Essential fatty acid consumption and risk of breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 1995;35:91-5. PubMed
  2. Newcomer LM, King IB, Wicklund KG, Stanford JL. The association of fatty acids with prostate cancer risk. Prostate 2001;47:262-8. DOI
  3. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate. Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2005. Available at: http://www.nap.edu/books/03 DOI
  4. Colter, A. L., Cutler, C., and Meckling, K. A. Fatty acid status and behavioural symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adolescents: a case-control study. Nutr J 2008;7:8. PubMed
  5. Yamada, T., Strong, J. P., Ishii, T., Ueno, T., Koyama, M., Wagayama, H., Shimizu, A., Sakai, T., Malcom, G. T., and Guzman, M. A. Atherosclerosis and omega-3 fatty acids in the populations of a fishing village and a farming village in Japan. Atheroscler
  6. Conklin, S. M., Manuck, S. B., Yao, J. K., Flory, J. D., Hibbeln, J. R., and Muldoon, M. F. High omega-6 and low omega-3 fatty acids are associated with depressive symptoms and neuroticism. Psychosom.Med. 2007;69(9):932-934.
  7. Richardson, A. J., Cyhlarova, E., and Ross, M. A. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid concentrations in red blood cell membranes relate to schizotypal traits in healthy adults. Prostaglandins Leukot.Essent.Fatty Acids 2003;69(6):461-466. PubMed
  8. Assies, J., Lok, A., Bockting, C. L., Weverling, G. J., Lieverse, R., Visser, I., Abeling, N. G., Duran, M., and Schene, A. H. Fatty acids and homocysteine levels in patients with recurrent depression: an explorative pilot study. Prostaglandins Leukot.Es PubMed
  9. Chiplonkar, S. A., Agte, V. V., Tarwadi, K. V., Paknikar, K. M., and Diwate, U. P. Micronutrient deficiencies as predisposing factors for hypertension in lacto-vegetarian Indian adults. J Am Coll.Nutr 2004;23(3):239-247. PubMed
  10. Mamalakis, G., Kiriakakis, M., Tsibinos, G., Hatzis, C., Flouri, S., Mantzoros, C., and Kafatos, A. Depression and serum adiponectin and adipose omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in adolescents. Pharmacol.Biochem.Behav. 2006;85(2):474-479. PubMed
  11. Okuyama, H., Ichikawa, Y., Sun, Y., Hamazaki, T., and Lands, W. E. Cancers common in the USA are stimulated by omega 6 fatty acids and large amounts of animal fats, but suppressed by omega 3 fatty acids and cholesterol. World Rev Nutr Diet. 2007;96:143-1
  12. Martinez-Ramirez, M. J., Palma, S., Martinez-Gonzalez, M. A., Delgado-Martinez, A. D., de la Fuente, C., and Delgado-Rodriguez, M. Dietary fat intake and the risk of osteoporotic fractures in the elderly. Eur.J Clin Nutr 2007;61(9):1114-1120. PubMed
  13. Sonestedt, E., Gullberg, B., and Wirfalt, E. Both food habit change in the past and obesity status may influence the association between dietary factors and postmenopausal breast cancer. Public Health Nutr 2007;10(8):769-779. PubMed
  14. Simopoulos, A. P. The omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio, genetic variation, and cardiovascular disease. Asia Pac.J Clin Nutr 2008;17 Suppl 1:131-134.
  15. Harris, W. S., Mozaffarian, D., Rimm, E., Kris-Etherton, P., Rudel, L. L., Appel, L. J., Engler, M. M., Engler, M. B., and Sacks, F. Omega-6 fatty acids and risk for cardiovascular disease: a science advisory from the American Heart Association Nutrition DOI
  16. Godley, P. A., Campbell, M. K., Gallagher, P., Martinson, F. E., Mohler, J. L., and Sandler, R. S. Biomarkers of essential fatty acid consumption and risk of prostatic carcinoma. Cancer Epidemiol.Biomarkers Prev. 1996;5(11):889-895.
  17. Lee E, Kim H, Kim H, Ha EH, Chang N. Association of maternal omega-6 fatty acid intake with infant birth outcomes: Korean Mothers and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH). Nutr J 2018;17(1):47. PubMed
  18. Pawelczyk T, Trafalska E, Pawelczyk A, Kotlicka-Antczak M. Differences in omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid consumption in people at ultra-high risk of psychosis, first-episode schizophrenia, and in healthy controls. Early Interv Psychiatry 2
  19. Gardner KG, Gebretsadik T, Hartman TJ, et al. Prenatal omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and childhood atopic dermatitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2020;8(3):937-944. PubMed
  20. Luo J, Ge H, Sun J, Hao K, Yao W, Zhang D. Associations of dietary ?-3, ?-6 fatty acids consumption with sleep disorders and sleep duration among adults. Nutrients 2021;13(5):1475. PubMed

See these in context on the Omega-6 Fatty Acids monograph →

Oleic Acid 19 references
  1. Madigan C, Ryan M, Owens D, et al. Dietary unsaturated fatty acids in type 2 diabetes: higher levels of postprandial lipoprotein on a linoleic acid-rich sunflower oil diet compared with an oleic acid-rich olive oil diet. Diabetes Care 2000;23:1472-7. PubMed
  2. Gillingham, L. G., Gustafson, J. A., Han, S. Y., Jassal, D. S., and Jones, P. J. High-oleic rapeseed (canola) and flaxseed oils modulate serum lipids and inflammatory biomarkers in hypercholesterolaemic subjects. Br J Nutr 2011;105(3):417-427. PubMed
  3. Jones PJ, Senanayake VK, Pu S, Jenkins DJ, Connelly PW, Lamarche B, Couture P, Charest A, Baril-Gravel L, West SG, Liu X, Fleming JA, McCrea CE, Kris-Etherton PM. DHA-enriched high-oleic acid canola oil improves lipid profile and lowers predicted cardiova
  4. Cater, N. B., Heller, H. J., and Denke, M. A. Comparison of the effects of medium-chain triacylglycerols, palm oil, and high oleic acid sunflower oil on plasma triacylglycerol fatty acids and lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in humans. Am.J Clin.Nutr PubMed
  5. Mozaffarian D, Clarke R. Quantitative effects on cardiovascular risk factors and coronary heart disease risk of replacing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils with other fats and oils. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2009;63(Suppl 2):S22-33. PubMed
  6. Cao Y, Hou L, Wang W. Dietary total fat and fatty acids intake, serum fatty acids and risk of breast cancer: A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Int J Cancer. 2016;138(8):1894-904. doi: 10.1002/ijc.29938. PubMed
  7. FDA completes review of qualified health claim petition for oleic acid and the risk of coronary heart disease. November 2018. Available at: www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm624758.htm. Accessed January 25, 2019.
  8. Liu X, Kris-Etherton PM, West SG, et al. Effects of canola and high-oleic-acid canola oils on abdominal fat mass in individuals with central obesity. Obesity. 2016;24(11):2261-2268. PubMed
  9. Bowen KJ, Kris-Etherton PM, West SG, et al. Diets enriched with conventional or high-oleic acid canola oils lower atherogenic lipids and lipoproteins compared to a diet with a western fatty acid profile in adults with central adiposity. J Nutr. 2019;149(3 PubMed
  10. Steffen BT, Duprez D, Szklo M, Guan W, Tsai MY. Circulating oleic acid levels are related to greater risks of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. J Clin Lipidol. 2018;12(6):1404-1412. PubMed
  11. Banim PJ, Luben R, Khaw KT, Hart AR. Dietary oleic acid is inversely associated with pancreatic cancer - Data from food diaries in a cohort study. Pancreatology. 2018;18(6):655-660. PubMed
  12. Morin SJ, Gaziano JM, Djoussé L. Relation between plasma phospholipid oleic acid and risk of heart failure. Eur J Nutr. 2018;57(8):2937-2942. PubMed
  13. Samieri C, Féart C, Proust-Lima C, et al. Olive oil consumption, plasma oleic acid, and stroke incidence: the Three-City Study. Neurology. 2011;77(5):418-25. PubMed
  14. Compher CW, Kinosian BP, Rubesin SE, Ratcliffe SJ, Metz DC. Energy absorption is reduced with oleic acid supplements in human short bowel syndrome. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2009;33(1):102-8. PubMed
  15. Ben Fradj MK, Ouanes Y, Hadj-Taieb S, et al. Decreased oleic acid and marine n?-?3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in Tunisian patients with urothelial bladder cancer. Nutr Cancer. 2018;70(7):1043-1050.
  16. de Silva PS, Luben R, Shrestha SS, Khaw KT, Hart AR. Dietary arachidonic and oleic acid intake in ulcerative colitis etiology: a prospective cohort study using 7-day food diaries. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014;26(1):11-8. PubMed
  17. Higashi K, Shige H, Ito T, et al. Effect of a low-fat diet enriched with oleic acid on postprandial lipemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Lipids. 2001;36(1):1-6. PubMed
  18. Lin HC, van Citters GW, Heimer F, Bonorris G. Slowing of gastrointestinal transit by oleic acid: a preliminary report of a novel, nutrient-based treatment in humans. Dig Dis Sci. 2001;46(2):223-9. PubMed
  19. Li D, Tong Y, Li Y. Associations between dietary oleic acid and linoleic acid and depressive symptoms in perimenopausal women: The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. Nutrition. 2020 Mar;71:110602. PubMed

See these in context on the Oleic Acid monograph →

Evening Primrose 33 references
  1. Shaw D, Leon C, Kolev S, Murray V. Traditional remedies and food supplements: a 5-year toxicological study (1991-1995). Drug Saf 1997;17:342-56.
  2. Laivuori H, Hovatta O, Viinikka L, et al. Dietary supplementation with primrose oil or fish oil does not change urinary excretion of prostacyclin and thromboxane metabolites in pre-eclamptic women. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1993;49:691-4. PubMed
  3. Dove D, Johnson P. Oral evening primrose oil: its effect on length of pregnancy and selected intrapartum outcomes in low-risk nulliparous women (abstract). J Nurse Midwifery 1999;44:320-4. PubMed
  4. Guivernau M, Meza N, Barja P, Roman O. Clinical and experimental study on the long-term effect of dietary gamma-linolenic acid on plasma lipids, platelet aggregation, thromboxane formation, and prostacyclin production. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty A PubMed
  5. Cant A, Shay J, Horrobin DF. The effect of maternal supplementation with linoleic and gamma- linolenic acids on the fat composition and content of human milk: a placebo-controlled trial. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 1991;37:573-9. PubMed
  6. Keen H, Payan J, Allawi J, et al. Treatment of diabetic neuropathy with gamma-linolenic acid. The gamma-Linolenic Acid Multicenter Trial Group. Diabetes Care 1993;16:8-15.
  7. Blommers J, de Lange-De Klerk ES, Kuik DJ, et al. Evening primrose oil and fish oil for severe chronic mastalgia: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:1389-94.. DOI
  8. Cheung KL. Management of cyclical mastalgia in oriental women: pioneer experience of using gamolenic acid (Efamast) in Asia. Aust N Z J Surg 1999;69:492-4..
  9. Das UN. The lipids that matter from infant nutrition to insulin resistance. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2002;67:1-12. PubMed
  10. Wedig KE, Whitsett JA. Down the primrose path: petechiae in a neonate exposed to herbal remedy for parturition. J Pediatr 2008;152:140, 140.e1. PubMed
  11. Ty-Torredes KA. The effect of oral evening primrose oil on bishop score and cervical length amongst term gravidas. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006;195(6 Suppl 1):S30.
  12. Moodley J and Norman RJ. Attempts at dietary alteration of prostaglandin pathways in the management of pre-eclampsia. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1989;37(3):145-147. PubMed
  13. Tong M. [Treatment of hyperlipemia with evening primrose oil capsules]. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1988;8:469-71, 452-3.
  14. Holman CP and Bell AF. A trial of evening primrose oil in the treatment of chronic schizophrenia. J Orhtomolecular Psych 1983;12:302-304.
  15. Vaddadi KS. The use of gamma-linolenic acid and linoleic acid to differentiate between temporal lobe epilepsy and schizophrenia. Prostaglandins Med 1981;6(4):375-379. PubMed
  16. Zou L, Harkey MR, and Henderson GL. Effects of herbal components on cDNA-expressed cytochrome P450 enzyme catalytic activity. Life Sci 8-16-2002;71(13):1579-1589. PubMed
  17. Yoon, S., Lee, J., and Lee, S. The therapeutic effect of evening primrose oil in atopic dermatitis patients with dry scaly skin lesions is associated with the normalization of serum gamma-interferon levels. Skin Pharmacol Appl.Skin Physiol 2002;15(1):20- PubMed
  18. Bamford, J. T., Gibson, R. W., and Renier, C. M. Atopic eczema unresponsive to evening primrose oil (linoleic and gamma- linolenic acids). J Am.Acad.Dermatol. 1985;13(6):959-965.
  19. Preece PE, Hanslip JI Gilbert L. Evening primrose oil (Efamol) for mastalgia. In: Horrobin DF. Clinical Uses of Essential Fatty Acids . Montreal, Quebec: Eden;1982.
  20. Parveen, S. Sarwar G. Ali M. Channa G. A. Danazol versus oil of evening primrose in the treatment of mastalgia. Pakistan Journal of Surgery. 2007;23(1):10-13.
  21. Belch JJF, Shaw B, O'Dowd A, et al. Evening primrose oil (Efamol) as a treatment for cold-induced vasospasm (Raynaud's phenomenon). Prog Lipid Res 1986;25:335-40.
  22. Johnson, M., Ostlund, S., Fransson, G., Kadesjo, B., and Gillberg, C. Omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled trial in children and adolescents. J.Atten.Disord. 2009;12(5):394-401. PubMed
  23. Farzaneh F, Fatehi S, Sohrabi MR, Alizadeh K. The effect of oral evening primrose oil on menopausal hot flashes: a randomized clinical trial. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2013;288(5):1075-9. PubMed
  24. Puri BK. The safety of evening primrose oil in epilepsy. Prostaglandins Leukotrienes Essential Fatty Acids 2007;77:101-3. PubMed
  25. Jalloh MA, Gregory PJ, Hein D, et al. Dietary supplement interactions with antiretrovirals: a systematic review. Int J STD AIDS. 2017 Jan;28(1):4-15. PubMed
  26. Osman M, Badawi E. Evening primrose oil reducing serum lithium concentration. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2016 Oct;6(5):343-44. PubMed
  27. Kalati M, Kashanian M, Jahdi F, Naseri M, Haghani H, SHeikhansari N. Evening primrose oil and labour, is it effective? A randomized clinical trial. J Obstet Gynaecol. 2018 Feb 9:1-5.
  28. Sharif SN, Darsareh F. Impact of evening primrose oil consumption on psychological symptoms of postmenopausal women: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial. Menopause. 2020;27(2):194-198. PubMed
  29. Shahraki AD, Mirhoseini S, Movahedi M, Hajihashemy M, Haghollahi F. Comparative Study of the Effect of Vaginal use of Primrose Oil with Misoprostol on Cervical Preparation of Prim Gravid Women: A Double-blind Clinical Trial. Adv Biomed Res 2023;12:78. PubMed
  30. Shahinfar S, Abedi P, Jahanfar S, Khajehpoor M, Chashmyazdan M. The effect of evening primrose oil on cervical ripening and birth outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon 2023;9(2):e13414. PubMed
  31. Mahmoodinasab M, Loripoor M, Vazirinejad R, Aminzadeh F. Effect of misoprostol with and without evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) on induction of missed abortion. Avicenna J Phytomed 2023;13(5):454-462.
  32. Hashemi H, Hasanpoor-Azghady SB, Farahani M, Amiri-Farahani L. Comparison of the effect of vaginal misoprostol and evening primrose oil capsule with misoprostol alone on the consequences of abortion in women with intrauterine fetal death: a randomized cli
  33. Ariana S, Amjadi N, Kazemi SN, Ahmadli Z. The Use of Evening Primrose Oil for Cervical Ripening in Low-Risk Women with Term Pregnancy: A Randomized Double-Blinded Controlled Trial. Complement Med Res 2024;31(3):215-221. PubMed

See these in context on the Evening Primrose monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Keep exploring
Supplement interaction checker › Check any supplement or product against your medications Drug–drug interactions › Check two or more of your medications against each other Browse medications A–Z › Every drug we've checked against herbs & supplements NDC & pricing lookup › Find a drug’s NDCs, packaging and costs Ask a pharmacist › Free, personal answer from our licensed team