Evening Primrose Oil

Information from callers to the Epilepsy Helpline suggests that taking evening primrose oil (EPO) may make people with epilepsy more likely to experience seizures.

Evening primrose oil is obtained from the seeds of the evening primose flower. Although the effectiveness of EPO has not been proven conclusively, it is a very popular treatment for a variety of conditions, for example premenstrual tension (PMT) and rheumatoid arthritis.

EPO contains gamma-linolenic acid, a fatty acid which is thought to stimulate the production of a hormone-like compound called prostaglandin. Prostaglandin can lower a person's epileptic seizure threshold, making them more likely to have seizure. A number of people have contacted Epilepsy Action to report that their seizures have increased or returned after taking EPO.

There is some evidence to suggest that people with temporal lobe epilepsy in particular should avoid evening primrose oil. (See the book Evening Primrose Oil, by Judy Graham, first published 1984). EPO should also be used with caution in people taking phenothiazines (antipsychotic drugs) because the combination of the two could trigger seizures, even in someone without a past history of epilepsy.

EPO is also commonly available in preparations such as bath lotion and hand cream. Because the amount of EPO in these products is too small to have an effect on the brain, they should not be a problem for people with epilepsy.

As star flower oil also contains gamma-linolenic acid, this should also be used with caution by people with epilepsy. Bath and hand lotions containing star flower oil should not cause any problems for people with epilepsy.

In conclusion, any potential benefits from taking EPO need to be carefully weighed against the potential risks to anyone with a history of epilepsy or a tendency to have seizures. Epilepsy Action would therefore advise anyone with epilepsy, or at risk of having seizures, wishing to take EPO or star flower oil, to discuss the matter with their doctor first.

Information updated Wednesday 3 August 2005