Evening Primrose (Not Applicable)
Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a plant native to North America, traditionally used by indigenous peoples for various ailments. While it is not a traditional Ayurvedic herb, its oil (Evening Primrose Oil, EPO) has gained popularity in modern co...
Botanical name: Oenothera biennis.
Classical attributes
- Virya: []
- Vipaka: []
Dosha effects
- vata: unknown
- kapha: unknown
- pitta: unknown
Clinical evidence
Meta-analyses and numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comprising dozens of studies, have largely yielded inconsistent or limited evidence of significant benefit for Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) across various conditions. While some older or smaller studies suggested benefits for atopic dermatitis, PMS, and diabetic neuropathy, later, larger, and more robust trials, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, have generally failed to demonstrate consistent efficacy over placebo. Modest benefits have been suggested for cyclical mastalgia and as an adjunct in rheumatoid arthritis, but EPO shows no significant benefit for menopausal hot flashes or cervical ripening, and may carry risks for the latter.