Evidence supporting the use of: Evening primrose oil
For the health condition: Breasts (swelling and tenderness)

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Synopsis

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

Evening primrose oil (EPO) has a long history of traditional use, especially for various women’s health concerns, including breast pain (mastalgia) typically associated with the menstrual cycle. The rationale behind its use is that EPO is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid believed to help modulate inflammatory processes and possibly correct imbalances in essential fatty acids that might contribute to breast tenderness and swelling. In traditional and naturopathic medicine, EPO has been recommended to alleviate cyclical breast pain and discomfort. Scientific studies investigating EPO for mastalgia have produced mixed results. Some small randomized controlled trials from the 1980s and 1990s suggested a modest benefit compared to placebo, but more recent and larger studies have failed to show a significant effect. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that the evidence supporting EPO for breast pain is weak, inconsistent, or no better than placebo. Major guidelines, such as those from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), typically do not recommend EPO due to insufficient evidence of efficacy. In summary, while evening primrose oil is widely used and recommended in traditional and alternative medicine practices for breast swelling and tenderness, robust scientific validation is lacking. Women interested in trying EPO should consult with a healthcare professional, especially as it may interact with certain medications or have side effects in some individuals.

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