Borage: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
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Scientific name(s)
Borago officinalis
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Gamma-linolenic acid
Linoleic acid
Oleic acid
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Rheumatoid arthritis ✪✪✪✪✪
Borage seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids that can regulate the body's immune system and combat joint inflammation. Available data suggest that borage seed oil could improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Borage seed oil in combination with conventional analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs could help to reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Improvement seems to persist up to 24 weeks. Borage seed oil can reduce the number of tender and/or swollen joints.
Posologie
Oral: seed
1.4 - 7.2 g
6 weeks
oil
Synergies
Alteration of the cellular fatty acid profile and the production of eicosanoids in human monocytes by gamma-linolenic acid
gamma-Linolenic acid treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Effects of altering dietary essential fatty acids on requirements for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a double blind placebo controlled study.
Clinical Benefits of n-3 PUFA and -Linolenic Acid in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Evening primrose oil in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and side-effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with gamma-linolenic acid
Seborrheic dermatitis ✪✪✪✪✪
There is preliminary evidence that topical application of borage seed oil could be useful for infantile seborrheic dermatitis.
Posologie
Cutaneous: seed
oil
Acne ✪✪✪✪✪
In patients with mild acne, a preliminary clinical study shows that intake of 2 g of borage oil providing 400 mg per day of GLA for 10 weeks improves acne lesion counts compared to baseline. Acne severity also improved. These changes are significant compared to a group receiving no treatment. These results are equivalent to taking 2000 mg of omega-3. The study authors conclude that omega-3 fatty acids and GLA could be effective adjunct treatments for mild to moderate acne.
Posologie
Oral: seed
2 g
oil
Wrinkles ✪✪✪✪✪
Borage oil is traditionally used for its soothing properties on skin rashes, dermatoses, or skin aging, externally. Internally, it is used to fight against the loss of elasticity of the epidermis and dry skin.
Posologie
Cutaneous, oral: seed
oil
Premenstrual syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
Borage oil is traditionally recommended for premenstrual syndrome: painful breasts, abdominal pain, headaches, water retention, irritability...) GLA produces prostaglandin E1, which reduces the effect of prolactins involved in menopause and premenstrual syndrome problems.
Posologie
Oral: seed
oil
Dry skin ✪✪✪✪✪
Borage oil is traditionally used for dryness of the skin and mucous membranes that may occur during menopause.
Posologie
Cutaneous, oral: seed
oil
Properties
Anti-inflammatory
GLA in borage oil reduces the production of interleukin 1 (IL-1) beta, which may be involved in inflammation in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, GLA is rapidly metabolized into dihomogamma-linolenic acid (DGLA). DGLA is a precursor of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Borage seed oil, in combination with fish oil, also decreases serum activity of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and interleukin 4 (IL-4) and modifies the activity of other cytokines.
Usages associés
Estrogenic action
GLA in borage oil might have an anti-estrogen effect. It appears to modulate the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to paclitaxel (a molecule used in anti-cancer chemotherapy) and fulvestrant (used to treat metastatic breast cancer with hormone receptors), increasing the destruction of malignant cells without adverse effects on normal cells. However, other research suggests that GLA alone may stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells at low concentrations and inhibit growth at higher concentrations.
Usages associés
Effects of linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid on the growth and metastasis of a human breast cancer cell line in nude mice and on its growth and invasive capacity in vitro
Immuno-modulator
In human research, consumption of borage oil and other oils containing GLA seems to reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines by neutrophils as well as the proliferation of T cells.
Dermatological effect
GLA in borage oil positively affects certain inflammatory and allergic conditions such as eczema. GLA regenerates the skin, restoring its suppleness, elasticity, and tonicity.
Usages associés
Cardiovascular
GLA in borage oil may have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. GLA appears to reduce triglycerides, increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, decrease blood pressure, have antiplatelet effects, and prolong bleeding time.
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 1.5 g - 12 g
Borage contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), known for their toxicity. The parts of the borage plant, including the leaf, flower, and seed, may contain hepatotoxic PA constituents. Repeated exposure to low concentrations of hepatotoxic PAs can lead to serious illnesses. Hepatotoxic PAs may also be carcinogenic and mutagenic. In borage oil, no toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been detected, in principle. Dosage: 1.5 g to 12 g of borage oil, which corresponds to an intake of 300 mg to 2.4 g of GLA.
Interactions
Médicaments
Antiplatelets/Anticoagulant: moderate interaction
Gamma-linolenic acid appears to have anticoagulant effects. Theoretically, taking gamma-linolenic acid with other anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs could increase the risk of bruising and bleeding and prolong bleeding time. Anticoagulant/antiplatelet medications include aspirin, clopidogrel, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, dalteparin, enoxaparin, heparin, warfarin, and others.
Phenothiazines: minor interaction
Theoretically, products containing gamma-linolenic acid and vitamin E could increase the risk of seizures in individuals treated concurrently with phenothiazine-based medications; therefore, use with caution.
Precautions
Pregnant women: avoid
There is not enough reliable evidence regarding the safety of borage seed oil when used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding women: avoid
There is not enough reliable evidence regarding the safety of borage seed oil when used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Bleeding disorder: avoid
Gamma-linolenic acid has inhibitory effects on platelets and could prolong bleeding time.
Surgical procedure: avoid
Gamma-linolenic acid has antiplatelet effects. It might cause excessive bleeding if used perioperatively. It is advised to stop taking gamma-linolenic acid at least 2 weeks before surgery.
