The efficacy of evening primrose seed oil supplements on ART outcomes: A triple-blinded randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

Background

Evening primrose oil (EPO) has been extensively documented for its potential benefits in various medical conditions, including gestational diabetes, inflammatory diseases, cyclic breast pain, cancer, premenstrual syndrome, menopausal syndrome, and female reproductive disorders.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of evening primrose oil (EPO) supplementation on the outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Methods

A randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 84 infertile women who were candidates for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were randomly assigned to either the EPO supplementation group or the placebo (p) group with a 1:1 ratio. The EPO capsule was given from day 1–2 of the ART cycle at a dosage of 1000 mg every eight hours for two weeks. Finally, the ART outcomes parameters as well as the treatment side effects were evaluated.

Results

The results illustrated no statistically significant disparities between the groups in terms of the number of oocytes retrieved, ovarian sensitivity index (OSI), rate of fertilization, and number and quality of embryos (p>0.05). However, a notably enhanced incidence of pregnancy and implantation rates in the EPO group was observed when compared to the P group (42.9 % vs. 17.4 % and 23±30.5 % vs. 10.87±26 %, respectively). Moreover, none of the patients experienced side effects from the intervention.

Conclusions

EPO consumption for two weeks could improve ART outcomes by increasing implantation and pregnancy rates without significantly affecting the number of mature oocytes, rate of fertilization, and the quantity and quality of embryos. These findings highlight the significance of a maternal preconception diet.