Is Evening Primrose compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Evening Primrose?

Evening Primrose

June 22, 2016 (Very Low Risk)

Oil seeds, plant infusion and the root are used as a dietary supplement.
It contains 14% of essential oil that is rich in cis-linolenic acid (70%) and gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) (10%), both precursors of prostaglandins. It is also rich in palmitic (10%) and stearic acids (10%).
Attributed properties: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, platelet antiaggregant activity.
Indications by the Commission E of the German Health Ministry: non.
Effectiveness is still under debate on atopic dermatitis, premenstrual syndrome, mastalgia, multiple sclerosis, psychiatric diseases and rheumatic diseases.
Also, its effectiveness as an inducer of childbirth is unclear.

The cis-linoleic acid and gamma are natural constituents of human milk.
The administration of evening primrose oil for months to nursing mothers, increases the levels of fatty acids in milk without adverse effects in either the mother or infant.
Moreover, administration of GLA to mothers does not prevent the appearance of atopic dermatitis in infants.

Given the lack of toxicity, moderate consumption during lactation is considered of little or no risk.

The total concentration of fat and linoleic acid in banked milk is decreased due to pasteurization and freezing.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Enotera
  • Evening Star
  • King's Cureall

Writings

  • Oenothera biennis (Latin, botanical name)
  • Oenothera lamarckiana (Latin, botanical name)
  • Onagra biennis (Latin, botanical name)
  • Энотера (Cyrillic)

Drug trade names

References

  1. Amer MR, Cipriano GC, Venci JV, Gandhi MA. Safety of Popular Herbal Supplements in Lactating Women. J Hum Lact. 2015Abstract
  2. Dante G, Bellei G, Neri I, Facchinetti F. Herbal therapies in pregnancy: what works? Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2014Abstract
  3. Vázquez-Román S, Alonso-Díaz C, García-Lara NR, Escuder-Vieco D, Pallás-Alonso CR. Medida por crematocrito del contenido calórico de la leche materna donada congelada. [Effect of freezing on the "creamatocrit" measurement of the lipid content of human donor milk]. An Pediatr (Barc). 2014Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  4. Vázquez-Román S, Alonso-Díaz C, García-Lara NR, Escuder-Vieco D, Pallás-Alonso CR. [Effect of freezing on the "creamatocrit" measurement of the lipid content of human donor milk]. An Pediatr (Barc). 2014Abstract
  5. The Royal Women’s Hospital Victoria Australia. Herbal and Traditional Medicines in Breasfeeding. Fact Sheet. 2013 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. García-Lara NR, Vieco DE, De la Cruz-Bértolo J, Lora-Pablos D, Velasco NU, Pallás-Alonso CR. Effect of Holder pasteurization and frozen storage on macronutrients and energy content of breast milk. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2013Abstract
  7. García-Lara NR, Escuder-Vieco D, García-Algar O, De la Cruz J, Lora D, Pallás-Alonso C. Effect of freezing time on macronutrients and energy content of breastmilk. Breastfeed Med. 2012Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  8. Amir LH, Pirotta MV, Raval M. Breastfeeding--evidence based guidelines for the use of medicines. Aust Fam Physician. 2011Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  9. Kitz R, Rose MA, Schönborn H, Zielen S, Böhles HJ. Impact of early dietary gamma-linolenic acid supplementation on atopic eczema in infancy. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2006Abstract
  10. Chrubasik S, Pollak S. [Pain management with herbal antirheumatic drugs]. Wien Med Wochenschr. 2002Abstract
  11. Hardy ML. Herbs of special interest to women. J Am Pharm Assoc (Wash). 2000Abstract
  12. Woltil HA, van Beusekom CM, Schaafsma A, Okken A, Muskiet FA. Does supplementation of formula with evening primrose and fish oils augment long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid status of low birthweight infants to that of breast-fed counterparts? Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 1999Abstract
  13. WHO. World Health Organization. Geneva. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume 2. WHO monographs. 1999 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  14. Wetzig NR. Mastalgia: a 3 year Australian study. Aust N Z J Surg. 1994Abstract
  15. Cant A, Shay J, Horrobin DF. The effect of maternal supplementation with linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids on the fat composition and content of human milk: a placebo-controlled trial. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 1991Abstract
  16. Wardell JM, Hill CM, D'Souza SW. Effect of pasteurization and of freezing and thawing human milk on its triglyceride content. Acta Paediatr Scand. 1981Abstract