Samenvatting

Evening primrose oil is a nutritional supplement which contains gammalinolenic acid, this
shows a positive effect on atopic dermatitis. Gammalinolenic acid evades an enzyme
blockade that occurs in patients with this condition.
There has been a discussion for years among researchers about the effect of evening
primrose oil in atopic dermatitis. It has never been clear whether evening primrose oil is
effective or not in atopic dermatitis. More clarity on this issue will be given through evidencebased
information. The question for this study is: What is the clinical efficacy of the oral
administration of evening primrose oil on treatment of atopic dermatitis? This question has
been answered through a literature study. Thirteen publications are analyzed, compared and
criticized.
There are seven reviews and six studies analyzed. Both the reviews and studies have
shown very different results. There are reasons to believe that some reviews have interests
in positive outcomes of the publications. That is why more value is attached to the studies.
All studies included in this study show a positive result. Although, only 33% show a
significant effect. In addition, the analysis shows that the use of topical steroids plays an
important role in the effectiveness of evening primrose oil. A lower dose of steroids has a
better result. It has also appeared that a higher dose of evening primrose oil has a better
result. Nearly no side effects were observed in the studies.
After doing this research there is still no clarity on the efficacy of evening primrose oil in
atopic dermatitis.