You are investigating herbal remedies for hair loss. And, have heard of a popular remedy for this condition. But, does evening primrose really work for hair loss?
Evening Primrose Overview
Night willow herb is another name for evening primrose. As the name suggests, this flowering plant opens up in the evening instead of the day. And, it’s primarily found in Europe and North America.
Evening primrose oil (EPO) is extracted from the seeds of this plant. It has many uses and many properties. Some of the uses includes a topical treatment, beauty products, and a health supplement.
Furthermore, the benefits may include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hormone balancing properties. However, there is inadequate research to support these claims.
EPO contains phytoestrogens. And, it is also rich in omega fatty acids. Because of these properties, EPO may help with hair loss caused by specific conditions. This may include environmental damage, nutritional deficiency, and inflammation of the scalp.
In addition, it may also help with hormone-related hair loss like menopause.
The Research
Unfortunately, research on EPO as a whole is limited. Especially in related to hair loss treatments.
However, there is research for the individual components in EPO. And, that may help to explain some of the beneficial claims. Some of the benefits are as follows:
- New hair growth
First, most plant oils contain arachidonic acid. And, EPO is no different. This component may help existing hair shafts grow longer.
- Reduces inflammation and follicle damage
Next, a specific omega chain fatty acid in EPO is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Gamma linoleic acid (GLA) was not studied for hair loss conditions. But, other research suggests it may help with inflammatory conditions.
- Reduce oxidative stress
Lastly, this oil may help with hair stress. This is because EPO contains vitamin E, which is an antioxidant. A study suggests that taking vitamin E supplements may keep the hair healthy. So, EPO may also have similar effects.
Final Thoughts
Does evening primrose really work for hair loss? The answer isn’t a simple one. Many people swear by it. But, the claims are unsupported by direct research.
