Evening Primrose Oil

Introduction


This fact sheet provides basic information about evening primrose oil
--common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for
more information. Evening primrose is a plant native to North America, but it grows in Europe and parts of the Southern hemisphere as well. It has yellow flowers that bloom in the evening. Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid. Essential fatty acids are required by the body for growth and development, and must be obtained from the diet.
Common Names--evening primrose oil, EPO
Latin Name--Oenothera biennis

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What It Is Used For


Evening primrose oil has been used since the 1930s for eczema (a condition in which the skin becomes inflamed, itchy, or scaly because of allergies or other irritation).
More recently it has been used for other conditions involving inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis.


Evening primrose oil is used for conditions affecting women's health, such as breast pain associated with the menstrual cycle, menopausal symptoms, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
It is used during pregnancy in attempts to shorten the duration of labor.
Other conditions for which evening primrose oil is used include cancer and diabetes.

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How It Is Used


Evening primrose oil is extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose. The oil is usually put into capsules for use.

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What the Science Says


Evening primrose oil may have modest benefits for eczema, and it may be useful for rheumatoid arthritis and breast pain. However, study results are mixed, and most studies have been small and not well designed.

Evening primrose oil does not appear to affect menopausal symptoms.

Although some clinical trials have shown a benefit of evening primrose oil for PMS, the best-designed trials found no effect.

There is not enough evidence to support the use of evening primrose oil for other health conditions.
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Side Effects and Cautions

Evening primrose oil is well tolerated by most people. Mild side effects include gastrointestinal upset and headache.

Evening primrose oil appears to be safe for use during pregnancy, but data are limited.

Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

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Sources
Shahidi F, Miraliakbari H. Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:197-210.
Evening primrose oil. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed on December 6, 2006.
Evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis L.). Natural Standard Web site. Accessed on December 6, 2006.
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For More Information
Visit the NCCAM Web site and view:
"What's in the Bottle? An Introduction to Dietary Supplements"
"Herbal Supplements: Consider Safety, Too"
NCCAM ClearinghouseToll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov
CAM on PubMedWeb site: nccam.nih.gov/camonpubmed/
NIH Office of Dietary SupplementsWeb site: ods.od.nih.gov
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This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged.
NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy in this information is not an endorsement by NCCAM.
NCCAM Publication No. D341December 2006

Asian Ginseng

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb Asian ginseng--

common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Asian ginseng is native to China and Korea and has been used in various systems of medicine for many centuries. Asian ginseng is one of several types of true ginseng (another is American ginseng, Panax quinquefolius). An herb called Siberian ginseng or eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is not a true ginseng.
Common Names--Asian ginseng, ginseng, Chinese ginseng, Korean ginseng, Asiatic ginseng
Latin Name--Panax ginseng

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What It Is Used For

Treatment claims for Asian ginseng are numerous and include the use of the herb to support overall health and boost the immune system. Traditional and modern uses of ginseng include:
Improving the health of people recovering from illness
Increasing a sense of well-being and stamina, and improving both mental and physical performance
Treating erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, and symptoms related to menopause
Lowering blood glucose and controlling blood pressure

How It Is Used

The root of Asian ginseng contains active chemical components called ginsenosides (or panaxosides) that are thought to be responsible for the herb's medicinal properties. The root is dried and used to make tablets or capsules, extracts, and teas, as well as creams or other preparations for external use.
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What the Science Says

Some studies have shown that Asian ginseng may lower blood glucose. Other studies indicate possible beneficial effects on immune function.
To date, research results on Asian ginseng are not conclusive enough to prove health claims associated with the herb. Only a handful of large clinical trials on Asian ginseng have been conducted. Most studies have been small or have had flaws in design and reporting. Some claims for health benefits have been based only on studies conducted in animals.

NCCAM is supporting research studies to better understand the use of Asian ginseng. NCCAM is studying how Asian ginseng interacts with other herbs and drugs and exploring its potential to treat chronic lung infection, impaired glucose tolerance, and Alzheimer's disease.

Side Effects and Cautions

When taken by mouth, ginseng is usually well tolerated. Some sources suggest that its use be limited to 3 months because of concerns about the development of side effects.
The most common side effects are headaches and sleep and gastrointestinal problems.
Ginseng can cause allergic reactions.

There have been reports of breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities, and high blood pressure associated with ginseng products, but these products' components were not analyzed, so effects may have been due to another herb or drug in the product.

Ginseng may lower levels of blood sugar; this effect may be seen more in people with diabetes. Therefore, people with diabetes should use extra caution with Asian ginseng, especially if they are using medicines to lower blood sugar or taking other herbs, such as bitter melon and fenugreek, that are also thought to lower blood sugar.

It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including Asian ginseng. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.

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Sources

Ginseng, Asian (Panax ginseng). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:265-277. Accessed at Dekker Encyclopedias Web site on August 18, 2005.
Ginseng, Panax. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed on August 18, 2005.
Ginseng. Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed on August 18, 2005.
Ginseng root. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:170-177.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Hepatitis C and Complementary and Alternative Medicine: 2003 Update. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web site. Accessed on August 18, 2005.
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For More Information
Visit the NCCAM Web site and view:
"What's in the Bottle? An Introduction to Dietary Supplements"
"Herbal Supplements: Consider Safety, Too"
NCCAM ClearinghouseToll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov
CAM on PubMedWeb site: nccam.nih.gov/camonpubmed/
NIH Office of Dietary SupplementsWeb site: ods.od.nih.gov
Top
This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged.
NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy in this information is not an endorsement by NCCAM.
NCCAM Publication No. D284September 2005