Borage: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Scientific name(s)
Borago officinalis
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Gamma-linolenic acid
Linoleic acid
Oleic acid
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Rheumatoid arthritis ✪✪✪✪✪
Borage seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids that may regulate the body's immune system and combat joint inflammation. Available data suggest that borage seed oil could improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.nnBorage seed oil in combination with analgesics or conventional anti-inflammatory drugs may help reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.nnImprovement appears to be maintained for up to 24 weeks. Borage seed oil may reduce the number of tender and/or swollen joints.nn
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 ɤ-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 gammalinolenic acid
Seborrheic dermatitis ✪✪✪✪✪
There is preliminary evidence that topical application of borage seed oil may be useful for infantile seborrheic dermatitis.
Posologie
Topical: seed
oil
Acne ✪✪✪✪✪
Among patients with mild acne, a preliminary clinical study shows that taking 2 g of borage oil providing levels of 400 mg of GLA per day for 10 weeks improves the number of acne lesions compared with baseline. Acne severity was also improved. These changes are significant compared with a group receiving no treatment. These results are equivalent to taking 2000 mg of omega-3. The authors of the study conclude that omega-3 fatty acids and GLA could be effective adjuvant treatments for mild to moderate acne.
Posologie
Oral: seed
2 g
oil
Wrinkles ✪✪✪✪✪
Borage oil is traditionally used for its soothing properties on skin eruptions, dermatoses, or skin aging, when applied externally. When used internally, it is used to counter the loss of epidermal elasticity and skin dryness.
Posologie
Topical, oral: seed
oil
Premenstrual syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
Borage oil is traditionally recommended for premenstrual syndrome: breast tenderness, abdominal pain, headaches, water retention, irritability... GLA produces prostaglandin E1, which reduces the effect of prolactin, implicated in menopausal problems and premenstrual syndrome.
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
Topical, oral: seed
oil
Properties
Anti-inflammatory
The GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) contained in borage oil reduces the production of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), which can be involved in inflammation in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, GLA is rapidly metabolized to dihomo-gamma-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 alters the activity of other cytokines.
Usages associés
Estrogenic activity
The GLA contained in borage oil may have an antiestrogenic effect. It appears to modulate the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to paclitaxel (a drug used in chemotherapy) and to fulvestrant (used to treat hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer), increasing the destruction of malignant cells without harmful 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
Immunomodulator
In human research, ingestion of borage oil and other oils containing GLA appears to reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines by neutrophils as well as T cell proliferation. nn
Dermatological effect
The GLA contained in borage oil favorably affects certain inflammatory and allergic conditions such as eczema. GLA regenerates the skin and restores its suppleness, elasticity, and firmness.nn
Usages associés
Cardiovascular
The GLA contained in borage oil may have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. GLA appears to reduce triglycerides, increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, lower blood pressure, have antiplatelet effects, and prolong bleeding time.nn
Safe dosage
Adults aged 18 and over: 1.5 g - 12 g
Borage contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), known for their toxicity. 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 cause serious illness. Hepatotoxic PAs may also be carcinogenic and mutagenic. In borage oil, no toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids have, a priori, been detected. 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
Antiplatelet agents/Anticoagulants: moderate interaction
Gamma-linolenic acid appears to have anticoagulant effects. Theoretically, taking gamma-linolenic acid with other anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents could increase the risk of bruising and bleeding and prolong bleeding time. Common anticoagulant/antiplatelet medications include aspirin, clopidogrel, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, dalteparin, enoxaparin, heparin, warfarin, and others.
Phenothiazines: weak interaction
Theoretically, products containing gamma-linolenic acid and vitamin E could increase the risk of seizures in people being 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 platelet-inhibiting effects and may prolong bleeding time.
Surgery: avoid
Gamma-linolenic acid has antiplatelet effects. It can cause excessive bleeding if used perioperatively. It is advised to stop taking gamma-linolenic acid at least 2 weeks before surgery.
