Borage Leaf Glycerite Liquid Extract
Also known as: Borage leaf glycerite, Starflower leaf glycerite, Borage leaf liquid extract, Borago officinalis L. leaf glycerite
Overview
Borage leaf glycerite is an alcohol-free liquid extract derived from the leaves of the Borago officinalis plant, commonly known as borage or starflower. This extract uses glycerol as a solvent, which efficiently preserves water-soluble compounds, particularly polyphenols and flavonoids, found in the leaves. Unlike borage seed oil, which is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), the glycerite form focuses on the antioxidant and potentially anti-inflammatory properties attributed to the leaf's phenolic compounds. Traditionally, borage has been used for various medicinal purposes, including skin conditions and inflammation. While research on borage seed oil is extensive, direct clinical evidence for the efficacy and safety of borage leaf glycerite extracts in humans is limited, with most data extrapolated from studies on borage leaf components or seed oil.
Benefits
The primary benefits of borage leaf glycerite are inferred from its rich polyphenol content, suggesting potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Polyphenols are known to scavenge free radicals, which may help reduce oxidative stress in the body. While borage seed oil has well-documented anti-inflammatory properties due to GLA, the anti-inflammatory effects of the leaf glycerite are less directly studied but are extrapolated from the presence of bioactive compounds. Secondary benefits may include support for skin health, likely through these antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways. However, there are no high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) specifically on borage leaf glycerite in humans, meaning specific effect sizes, clinical significance, and population-specific benefits are not established. Most evidence is based on in vitro studies or extrapolation from other borage preparations.
How it works
Borage leaf glycerite primarily exerts its effects through the action of polyphenols and flavonoids extracted from the leaves. These compounds are known to possess antioxidant properties by neutralizing free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress. While the exact mechanisms for the glycerite are not fully elucidated in human studies, it is hypothesized that these antioxidants may modulate inflammatory pathways and support cellular health. The glycerite extract's interaction with body systems is thought to primarily involve the immune and skin systems, influencing responses related to inflammation and oxidative damage. Unlike borage seed oil, which impacts eicosanoid synthesis via GLA, the leaf glycerite's mechanism is centered on its polyphenol profile. The glycerol extraction process helps preserve these water-soluble bioactive compounds, though specific pharmacokinetics and bioavailability in humans are not well-documented.
Side effects
Borage leaf glycerite is generally considered safe when used appropriately, especially as it avoids the alcohol-related irritation of some extracts. Specific side effects directly attributable to borage leaf glycerite are not well-documented. However, borage seed oil has been associated with mild gastrointestinal upset. Allergic reactions are possible in sensitive individuals. A more serious concern with borage, particularly the seeds, is the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can be hepatotoxic. While leaf extracts typically contain lower levels of PAs, safety depends on the purification process to ensure PA-free products. Borage seed oil is known to interact with anticoagulants and CYP3A4 inducers; similar caution may apply to leaf glycerite, though less documented. Contraindications include pregnancy, breastfeeding, and liver disease due to potential PA content and lack of safety data. Individuals on blood thinners or seizure medications should exercise caution.
Dosage
There is no established minimum effective dose or optimal dosage range for borage leaf glycerite due to a lack of clinical trials. Dosing recommendations are typically product-specific, and users should adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines. A maximum safe dose has not been defined, and excessive intake should be avoided. Timing considerations are also not specific, with typical oral administration, possibly multiple times daily. As a glycerite, it is an alcohol-free form suitable for individuals sensitive to alcohol. The absorption and efficacy of the extract are influenced by the extraction process, with studies indicating that glycerol-water mixtures (30-50%) at temperatures between 50-80°C optimize polyphenol yield. No specific cofactors are documented as required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is borage leaf glycerite safe?
Generally considered safe, but individuals with allergies or those on blood thinners should consult a healthcare professional before use. Avoid during pregnancy or with liver disease.
Does it contain GLA?
No, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is primarily found in borage seed oil. Borage leaf glycerite contains polyphenols and other leaf-derived compounds.
How fast does it work?
The onset of effects for borage leaf glycerite is unknown due to a lack of clinical studies. Effects from borage seed oil typically appear after several weeks.
Can it replace borage seed oil?
No, borage leaf glycerite and borage seed oil contain different active compounds and offer distinct potential benefits. They are not interchangeable.
Is glycerite better than alcohol extract?
Glycerite is alcohol-free, making it suitable for those avoiding alcohol. It may also preserve different compounds, but clinical superiority over alcohol extracts is not proven.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8160696/ – This experimental study focused on optimizing the extraction of polyphenols from plant materials, including relatives of borage, using glycerol-water mixtures. It found that concentrations of 30-50% glycerol at temperatures between 50-80°C were effective for extracting polyphenols, indicating the viability of glycerite forms for preserving these compounds. However, the study did not include clinical data on human efficacy.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28638392/ – This experimental plant physiology study investigated the effects of borage leaf extracts on plant metabolism and photosynthesis. It demonstrated that borage leaf extracts contain bioactive compounds capable of enhancing plant growth processes, indirectly suggesting the presence of beneficial compounds in the leaves. This research, however, does not provide direct human clinical data.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-596/borage – This WebMD summary provides general information on borage, primarily focusing on borage seed oil. It discusses potential drug interactions, particularly with anticoagulants and CYP3A4 inducers, and safety concerns related to pyrrolizidine alkaloids. While it touches on borage safety, it lacks specific research or clinical data on borage leaf glycerite extracts.
