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Evening primrose oil(EPO)
Evening primrose oil provides gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is converted to anti-inflammatory metabolites, primarily dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) and arachidonic acid derivatives.
Evening primrose oil provides gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is converted to anti-inflammatory metabolites, primarily dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) and arachidonic acid derivatives. Used for Rheumatoid arthritis (Phase 3), Inflammatory joint disease.
At a glance
| Generic name | Evening primrose oil(EPO) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Ain Shams University |
| Drug class | Botanical/Nutraceutical supplement; omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid source |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Rheumatology; Immunology; Inflammatory disorders |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
EPO is rich in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly GLA. Once ingested, GLA is metabolized to DGLA and downstream eicosanoids that compete with pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid metabolites, thereby reducing inflammatory cytokine production and modulating immune responses. This mechanism is thought to reduce joint inflammation, pain, and disease progression in inflammatory conditions.
Approved indications
- Rheumatoid arthritis (Phase 3)
- Inflammatory joint disease
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, dyspepsia, abdominal discomfort)
- Headache
- Rash or skin irritation
- Bleeding or bruising (rare, with anticoagulants)
Key clinical trials
- Anti-Inflammatory Diet in BRC Patients on Aromatase Inhibitors (NA)
- Fish Oil and EPO in Breast Cancer (NA)
- Evening Primrose Oil Efficacy in Second Trimester Abortion (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Evening primrose oil(EPO) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Evening primrose oil(EPO) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Ain Shams University portfolio CI