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Borage (Borago Officinalis) Oil

Also known as: borage, starflower, borage oil, Borago officinalis

Overview

Borage (*Borago officinalis*) is an annual herb celebrated for its culinary and medicinal uses, particularly valued in herbal medicine. Its oil, derived from the seeds, is notable for its high gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content, which constitutes 26% to 38% of the oil's composition. Traditionally, borage oil has been used to address conditions such as atopic eczema, arthritis, menopausal symptoms, and various inflammatory disorders. While individual studies suggest its safety and efficacy, the absence of extensive systematic reviews underscores the necessity for further research to validate its clinical utility. Borage oil is available in capsule and liquid forms and is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties and benefits to skin health, making it a popular choice for natural wellness.

Benefits

Borage oil boasts several scientifically supported benefits: 1. **Atopic Eczema**: Clinical trials demonstrate significant symptom relief and decreased transepidermal water loss, indicating strong efficacy in managing eczema. 2. **Inflammatory Diseases**: Borage oil has been shown to reduce markers of inflammation, such as IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP, with potential applications for arthritis and inflammation related to COVID-19. 3. **Cyclic Mastalgia**: Evidence suggests that borage oil usage results in reduced pain and improved quality of life for women suffering from cyclic mastalgia. Although there are favorable indications for menopausal symptoms, the evidence remains inconclusive. Notably, borage oil has been considered safe for children with atopic dermatitis.

How it works

The anti-inflammatory effects of borage oil primarily arise from its high GLA concentration. Upon ingestion, GLA is converted into dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), which further transforms into prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), a significant anti-inflammatory compound. This mechanism is essential for inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α. Additionally, borage oil possesses antioxidant properties, reducing oxidative stress and combating free radical damage.

Side effects

Borage oil is generally considered safe when used as directed; however, mild side effects may occur. Approximately 5% or more of users report gastrointestinal disturbances, including nausea and diarrhea. Headaches or dizziness are also noted in 1-5% of cases. Rarely (less than 1%), certain non-certified borage oil products—which may contain hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids—could potentially lead to severe liver damage or cancer. Caution is advised for individuals on medications that affect CYP3A4 enzyme due to possible interactions. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as children, should utilize PA-free borage oil under medical guidance due to insufficient safety data.

Dosage

Dosage recommendations for borage oil can vary depending on the condition being treated. For atopic eczema and arthritis, a typical dose ranges from 1.4 to 2.8 grams daily. For cyclic mastalgia, approximately 900 mg per day has shown effectiveness. Although definitive upper limits for safety have not been established, high doses—especially those containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids—should be avoided. Regular daily intake of borage oil is suggested for optimal results, with no specific timing for administration required. Borage oil can be found in both oral capsule and syrup formulations, and concomitant intake with other fatty acids and antioxidants may enhance its absorption and bioavailability of GLA.