Known by its Latin name Borago officinalis L, borage is a plant native to the Middle East. It is now found throughout Europe as well as in North Africa.
Recognizable by its blue star-shaped flower, it is renowned for its richness in polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
In addition to containing healthy fats, it also constitutes a source of vitamins A, D, E and K.
The oil extracted from borage is credited with anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. In cosmetics or as a dietary supplement, let’s take a close look at the benefits of this oil and what the latest research says on the subject.
1. Borage oil enhances the skin
The effect of borage oil on the skin is undoubtedly its most well-known benefit. Its richness in essential fatty acids is particularly interesting for mature and wrinkled skin.
Gamma-linolenic acid is involved in the formation of the skin’s protective layer, the hydrolipidic film. It acts as a barrier against external aggressions and supports proper hydration.
Furthermore, this study on elderly people showed the impact on this natural epidermal barrier and on the onset of skin dryness in cases of reduced presence of these fatty acids.
With its supply of nutrients such as vitamin E, borage oil also has regenerative and antioxidant properties that help fight free radicals and premature skin aging, as indicated by this review.
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2. It may improve hair growth
The presence of omega-6 in borage oil’s composition could:
- to fight hair loss,
- toimprove the quality of the scalp for healthier hair growth,
- to increase blood microcirculation, which would promote hair growth.
These benefits would come, according to a study, from the ability of gamma-linolenic acid to block an enzyme, 5-α-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), responsible for accelerating hair loss.
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3. It has an effect on cardiovascular health
Some studies show the benefits of gamma-linolenic acid in preventing cardiovascular disorders by reducing LDL cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease.
However, according to my research, there are few scientific sources available on humans. I believe these benefits should be taken with caution.
I would like to point out, however, this study from 2021 conducted on obese individuals. It showed that borage oil produced a decrease in blood triglycerides, which are a risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease, as well as an increase in HDL, commonly called the ‘good cholesterol’.
However, taking borage oil supplements had no effect on LDL cholesterol, total plasma cholesterol, glucose, or body mass index.
Another study conducted on postmenopausal women with high blood pressure showed positive effects of borage oil supplementation on their blood pressure in the short term. Further research is needed to confirm these benefits.
4. It may be beneficial for atopic skin
The effects of borage oil on the skin do not stop there. The presence of gamma-linolenic acid gives the plant anti-inflammatory effects, and stimulates the synthesis of prostaglandin E1, also called PGE1, an inflammatory hormone.
At the same time, it inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandin E2, a pro-inflammatory hormone.
These abilities to reduce inflammation could soothe irritation of atopic skin. Borage oil is often suggested for skin suffering from eczema or psoriasis.
However, scientific studies on the topic are limited and do not conclude that the oil is beneficial for treating these conditions.
Among them, a review and meta-analysis from 2018 including 11 studies and 596 participants under 14 years old affected by eczema did not find convincing evidence for the use of borage oil to relieve symptoms.
5. It may be beneficial for women’s health
Borage oil is also reputed for its benefits for women, notably for painful periods, premenstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms.
The cause? Its modulating effects on prostaglandins, which themselves act on the production of estrogens and progesterone. The culprits behind menstrual cycle discomfort!
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Sources and scientific studies
T Brosche, D Platt, 2000. Effect of borage oil consumption on fatty acid metabolism, transepidermal water loss and skin parameters in elderly people.
Hitoshi Masaki, 2010. Role of antioxidants in the skin: anti-aging effects.
Federica Zanzottera, Gioia Bizzaro, Angela Michelotti, Vincenzo Nobile, 2017. Efficacy of a Nutritional Supplement, Standardized in Fatty Acids and Phytosterols, on Hair Loss and Hair Health in both Women and Men.
Rakesh Kapoor, Yung-Sheng Huang, 2006. Gamma Linolenic Acid: An Antiinflammatory Omega-6 Fatty Acid.
Robert A DiSilvestro, Susan Olivo Marston, Autumn Zimmerman, Elizabeth Joseph, Carolynn Boeh McCarty, 2021. Borage oil intake by overweight young adults: no effect on metabolic rate; beneficial effects on plasma triglyceride and HDL cholesterol readings.
Da Costa Hime, Lúcia de Fátima Cahino, Carvalho Lopes, Ceci Mendes, Roa Cristiane Lima, Zuchelo Lea Tami Suzuki, Baracat Edmund C, de Andrade Januário Soares, José Maria Jr, 2021. Is there a beneficial effect of gamma-linolenic acid supplementation on body fat in postmenopausal hypertensive women? A prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
Fiona J Bath-Hextall, Claire Jenkinson, Rosemary Humphreys, Hywel C Williams, 2012. Dietary supplements for established atopic eczema.
