Infertility can be challenging to treat, and while modern medical interventions may be effective, they are often expensive. For this reason, some individuals turn to herbal remedies and supplements, such as evening primrose oil, as alternative methods to improve fertility.
1. What is Evening Primrose Oil?
Evening primrose oil is derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant, which is native to North America. This plant blooms at night and has yellow flowers, earning it the name "evening primrose oil." Traditionally, various parts of the plant, like its leaves and roots, were used medicinally. The oil, however, is extracted specifically from the seeds.
2. How is Evening Primrose Oil Used?
Evening primrose oil contains omega-6 fatty acids, such as gamma-linolenic acid, which are known to help the body combat inflammation. Evening primrose oil is typically sold in capsule form and is taken orally. In some cases, evening primrose oil capsules are applied directly to the skin to treat localized conditions or inflammation.
3. Potential Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil has been studied for its role in managing various conditions, including:
• Eczema: It may help relieve symptoms like itching, dryness, and redness.
• Bone and joint pain: Some individuals, particularly those with diabetes, may experience nerve damage leading to pain and discomfort in bones and joints. When taken at night, evening primrose oil has been shown to help alleviate these symptoms.
• Skin health: evening primrose oil is popular among women for its anti-aging properties and its ability to reduce wrinkles. It is also a common ingredient in beauty serums.
• Perimenopause symptoms: evening primrose oil may help reduce symptoms like hot flashes and irritability associated with perimenopause.
• Hyperactivity in children: In a study involving children aged 6–12 with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), combining evening primrose oil with fish oil over six months helped improve focus and reduce impulsive behavior.
• Hot flashes: evening primrose oil may alleviate discomfort and hot flashes during perimenopause and menopause, providing comfort to some women.
• Bone health: Studies suggest that combining evening primrose oil with fish oil and calcium may slow bone loss.
While evening primrose oil offers potential benefits, incorrect doses may cause side effects like headaches and stomach discomfort. It is considered safe for up to six months of use, but prolonged use should only occur under a doctor’s supervision.
4. Does evening primrose oil increase fertility?
Infertility is a difficult condition to treat. Modern medical interventions can be effective but are often expensive. Therefore, it is not surprising that some people turn to herbs and supplements, like evening primrose oil, as alternative treatments.
However, there is no evidence in medical literature to support the use of herbs or supplements for treating infertility. Research shows that herbs, evening primrose oil, and certain supplements marketed to improve fertility are not convincing. Below are some findings on commonly studied herbs and supplements:
• L-Carnitine: Used in male infertility treatment, studies show no improvement in sperm production or motility when combining acetyl-L-Carnitine with L-Carnitine.
• Vitamin E: Some studies found a link between vitamin E and improved sperm motility in men with low sperm count or poor sperm movement. Other studies show no fertility improvement when vitamin E is combined with vitamin C or selenium.
• Coenzyme Q10: Research suggests coenzyme Q10 may improve sperm count or motility, but it has not been proven to increase pregnancy chances. In mice, coenzyme Q10 improves egg quality, but these results have not been confirmed in humans. More research is needed.
• Folic Acid: Some studies suggest folic acid taken with zinc may improve sperm count, but more research is needed to determine if this affects conception.
• Vitamin C: Preliminary research suggests vitamin C may help with certain types of female infertility. More studies are needed to clarify if it improves fertility in men and women.
Although herbal supplements are often marketed as "natural," this does not guarantee their safety. Caution is needed when selecting and using herbal products
In conclusion, there is no research proving that evening primrose oil increases fertility.
5. Who should not use evening primrose oil?
Evening primrose oil may interact with certain medications. Before combining evening primrose oil with other medications, consult your doctor for guidance. Absolute contraindications if you take:
• Blood thinners like warfarin.
• Medications for high cholesterol, such as lovastatin (Altoprev, Mevacor), as their effectiveness may decrease.
• Certain HIV medications or drugs for severe mental and emotional disorders.
Pregnant women should avoid evening primrose oil as it may lead to complications during labor or preterm birth. If you are planning surgery, stop using it at least two weeks before to reduce bleeding risk. People with epilepsy, schizophrenia, or those under anesthesia may have an increased risk of seizures when using evening primrose oil.
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Articles refer to sources: webmd.com, healthline.com, mayoclinic.org
