EPO has been promoted for the management of rheumatoid arthritis due to the potential anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects of GLA and its metabolite DGLA. Preliminary research suggests that GLA in general may reduce pain and joint tenderness associated with rheumatoid arthritis, but these studies provided GLA sourced from borage or blackcurrant seed oil, rather than EPO.[1] Further research is needed to determine if EPO supplementation is beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis.
Does evening primrose oil improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Evening primrose oil (EPO) is thought to have potential benefits for rheumatoid arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties, but preliminary research has primarily focused on GLA from other sources, not EPO itself. Further studies are necessary to establish the effectiveness of EPO supplementation for this condition.