Borage Seed Oil Powder
Also known as: Borage seed oil powder, Borage oil, GLA, gamma-linolenic acid, Borago officinalis
Overview
Borage seed oil powder is derived from the seeds of the Borago officinalis plant, a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid. It is primarily utilized as a dietary supplement, often for its potential benefits in skin conditions and inflammatory disorders. While it has been historically used for conditions like atopic eczema, current high-quality research, including systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials, indicates no significant benefit over placebo for improving eczema symptoms. However, some smaller studies suggest its potential for improving skin hydration and barrier function in healthy individuals. The oil is also used topically for skin support. The research landscape for borage oil is moderately developed, with various studies exploring its mechanisms and clinical applications, though evidence quality varies.
Benefits
Despite historical use, high-quality evidence does not strongly support borage oil's efficacy for atopic eczema. A large randomized controlled trial (n=140) found no significant benefit of borage oil (920 mg GLA daily) over placebo in reducing eczema severity after 12 weeks. Similarly, a Cochrane review encompassing 8 RCTs on borage oil for eczema concluded no strong evidence of improvement compared to placebo. However, borage oil does show promise in other areas. Some smaller studies indicate that borage oil supplementation can improve skin hydration, reduce redness, and decrease transepidermal water loss in healthy adults, suggesting a role in supporting skin barrier function. Mechanistically, borage oil increases plasma GLA and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA), which may reduce the synthesis of pro-inflammatory leukotriene B4, hinting at anti-inflammatory potential. Preliminary data also suggest possible benefits in vascular resistance and bone density when combined with other supplements, though these findings require further validation through more robust research.
How it works
Borage oil's primary active component, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), is metabolized in the body to dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA). DGLA plays a crucial role by competing with arachidonic acid, thereby reducing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, such as leukotriene B4. This modulation of inflammatory mediators is believed to be the underlying mechanism for its proposed effects in inflammatory conditions. Oral supplementation of borage oil has been shown to increase plasma phospholipid GLA and DGLA levels, which can influence immune cell function, including reducing T-lymphocyte proliferation. When applied topically, borage oil may enhance skin barrier integrity by promoting collagen synthesis and reducing oxidative stress, contributing to improved skin hydration and overall skin health.
Side effects
Borage oil is generally well tolerated, with clinical trials reporting few adverse effects. The most common side effects, though rare, include mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating, nausea, or indigestion. No significant drug interactions have been firmly established, but caution is advised for individuals with epilepsy due to theoretical risks of seizure potentiation, and for those on anticoagulants due to a theoretical risk of increased bleeding, although these interactions are not well-documented in human studies. There have been no serious adverse events reported in high-quality randomized controlled trials. It is important to note that borage oil products should be free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be hepatotoxic; reputable manufacturers ensure their products are processed to remove these compounds. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use due to insufficient safety data.
Dosage
Effective oral doses of borage oil, based on studies, typically range from 1 to 2 grams of GLA per day, which is equivalent to approximately 4 to 8 grams of borage oil. However, it is important to note that these dosages have not consistently demonstrated efficacy for conditions like eczema. The duration of supplementation in clinical trials commonly spans 8 to 12 weeks to assess effects. For topical applications, dosages vary depending on the formulation, with clinical studies often using controlled doses applied daily for skin barrier benefits. Borage oil is generally well absorbed, and no specific cofactors are required for its absorption. However, overall dietary fat intake and individual fatty acid metabolism may influence its efficacy. There are no established upper limits for borage oil, but adherence to recommended dosages is advised to minimize potential mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
FAQs
Does borage oil improve eczema?
High-quality evidence from randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews does not support a significant benefit of borage oil over placebo for improving eczema symptoms.
Is borage oil safe?
Yes, borage oil is generally well tolerated with minimal side effects, primarily mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Reputable products are processed to remove harmful pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
Can borage oil improve skin hydration?
Some smaller studies suggest that borage oil can improve skin barrier function and hydration in healthy individuals, indicating potential for skin health support.
How long does it take to see effects from borage oil?
Clinical studies typically assess the effects of borage oil supplementation over periods of 8 to 12 weeks.
Is topical use of borage oil effective?
Limited evidence suggests that topical application of borage oil may help reduce skin irritation and improve the skin barrier, contributing to overall skin health.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC292992/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 140 participants found no significant difference in eczema severity between borage oil and placebo after 12 weeks of treatment, indicating a lack of efficacy for borage oil in atopic eczema.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8105655/ – This systematic review, which included 8 randomized controlled trials on borage oil for eczema, concluded that there is no strong evidence to support the use of borage oil for improving eczema symptoms compared to placebo, highlighting the need for more robust evidence.
- https://www.drugs.com/npp/borage.html – This source compiles information from multiple studies, suggesting that borage oil increases plasma GLA and DGLA, which can reduce pro-inflammatory leukotriene B4. It also notes potential benefits for skin barrier function and vascular health, though some findings are preliminary.
- https://www.bareluxeskincare.com/blogs/elevated-simplicity/borage-oil-skin-benefits – This article discusses the potential benefits of borage oil for skin, suggesting it may enhance skin barrier integrity by promoting collagen synthesis and reducing oxidative stress, leading to improved skin hydration and reduced redness.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-596/borage – This source provides a general overview of borage, its uses, potential benefits, and safety information, including common side effects and interactions, serving as a comprehensive consumer health resource.
