Borage Oil Powder Extract
Also known as: Borage oil, Starflower oil, Borage oil powder extract, GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) from borage, Borago officinalis seed oil extract
Overview
Borage oil is derived from the seeds of the *Borago officinalis* plant, commonly known as borage or starflower. It is highly valued for its exceptional concentration of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid. Borage oil powder extract is a processed form of this oil, often microencapsulated to enhance its stability and ease of incorporation into various products. Traditionally, borage has been used for its anti-inflammatory properties, and its oil is primarily marketed as a dietary supplement to support skin health, particularly for conditions like atopic eczema, and to modulate inflammatory responses. While widely used, the scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for many of its purported benefits, especially in the powder extract form, is mixed and often inconclusive, with some high-quality studies showing no significant benefit over placebo.
Benefits
Despite traditional use and theoretical mechanisms, high-quality clinical evidence for borage oil's benefits is inconsistent. A large randomized controlled trial (n=140) found no significant benefit of borage oil (920 mg GLA daily for 12 weeks) over placebo in reducing the severity of atopic eczema, as measured by the SASSAD score (P=0.45). This suggests a lack of efficacy for this common application. For moderate persistent asthma, one randomized controlled trial indicated some clinical improvement in symptoms with Borago extract, but crucially, it did not lead to a significant reduction in markers of airway inflammation. Smaller, underpowered studies have hinted at possible improvements in eczema symptoms, but these findings are not robust enough to draw definitive conclusions. Overall, clear, evidence-based benefits with significant effect sizes have not been consistently demonstrated in well-powered clinical trials, particularly for the powder extract form.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for borage oil stems from its high content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Once ingested, GLA is metabolized in the body to dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA). DGLA serves as a precursor to various anti-inflammatory eicosanoids, such as prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). These compounds are known to modulate inflammatory responses by influencing cytokine production and other signaling pathways involved in immunity. Borage oil primarily interacts with the immune and inflammatory systems, aiming to reduce pro-inflammatory mediators and promote anti-inflammatory ones. The powder extract form, often microencapsulated, is designed to improve the stability of GLA and potentially control its release, though the clinical impact on bioavailability compared to liquid oil requires further investigation.
Side effects
Borage oil is generally well-tolerated in clinical trials, with no serious adverse events reported. The most commonly reported side effects, occurring in less than 5% of users, are mild gastrointestinal disturbances such as bloating or nausea. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) may include allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Rare adverse events (<1%) have not been significantly documented in clinical trials. There is a theoretical concern regarding potential interactions with anticoagulant medications due to the fatty acid's influence on platelet aggregation, though strong clinical evidence for this interaction is lacking. Borage oil is contraindicated during pregnancy due to a theoretical risk of uterine contractions induced by GLA metabolites. While safety in children has been supported in some eczema trials, caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation due to limited data.
Dosage
Due to the lack of consistently demonstrated efficacy in large trials, a minimum effective dose for borage oil powder extract has not been clearly established. In the largest randomized controlled trial for atopic eczema, participants received borage oil providing 920 mg of GLA daily, typically administered via capsules. While a maximum safe dose is not precisely defined, doses up to 2-3 grams of GLA daily have been used in other contexts without significant safety concerns. Borage oil supplements are generally recommended to be taken twice daily with meals to enhance the absorption of the fat-soluble GLA. While powder extract forms may offer improved stability and handling, their clinical equivalence to traditional oil capsules in terms of efficacy and absorption is not yet fully established.
FAQs
Is borage oil powder extract effective for eczema?
High-quality research indicates that borage oil, including its powder extract form, does not significantly improve eczema symptoms compared to a placebo.
Is it safe to take borage oil long-term?
Short-term use of borage oil appears safe and well-tolerated. However, long-term safety data, especially for the powder extract, are limited.
Can borage oil help with asthma?
Some studies suggest borage extract may improve clinical symptoms of asthma, but it has not been shown to reduce underlying airway inflammation.
How does the powder extract differ from liquid borage oil?
The powder extract form is often microencapsulated for improved stability and ease of use, but its clinical efficacy and absorption compared to liquid oil are not fully established.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC292992/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 140 patients with atopic eczema found no significant difference in eczema severity (SASSAD score) between borage oil (920 mg GLA daily) and placebo after 12 weeks. The study concluded that borage oil was well tolerated but ineffective for atopic eczema.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5304961/ – This randomized controlled trial investigated Borago extract in patients with moderate persistent asthma. It reported some clinical improvement in asthma symptoms but found no significant reduction in markers of airway inflammation after 30 days of treatment. The study indicated the extract was safe but did not suppress inflammation.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jsfa.8535 – This review and physicochemical study focused on the microencapsulation of borage oil. It highlighted that microencapsulation can enhance the stability and controlled release properties of borage oil, potentially improving its shelf life and usability in various formulations, though it did not assess clinical efficacy directly.
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