Borage oil is a highly concentrated source of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), an essential omega-6 fatty acid that can improve symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, PMS, and diabetic neuropathy. Borage oil contains more GLA than other popular sources like evening primrose oil or blackcurrant oil. GLA is thought to reduce inflammation and can suppress the production of other prostaglandins that promote inflammation. Borage oil supplements are generally safe for healthy adults, but can cause liver toxicity and should be avoided by pregnant women and those taking blood thinners.
Borage oil supplements contain borage oil, nature’s most highly concentrated source of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), an essential omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid. The body requires GLA contained in borage oil because it cannot produce it. Borage oil supplements are thought to improve symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, PMS, and diabetic neuropathy.
Borago officinalis, or borage, is a wildflower also known as the star flower. Although it has been used by many cultures as a folk medicine for centuries, borage has only recently become popular as a source of borage seed oil. Borage oil contains approximately 24 percent GLA, more than evening primrose oil or blackcurrant oil, two other popular sources of GLA.
Most omega-6 fatty acids promote inflammation, while GLA is thought to reduce it. GLA in the body is converted to prostaglandin E, a substance that plays a role in many essential functions of the body. It can also suppress the production of other prostaglandins that promote inflammation.
According to a study, women suffering from symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) showed low levels of GLA. This evidence suggests that taking borage oil supplements may help alleviate PMS symptoms. Breast tenderness, mood swings, and irritability were the most alleviated symptoms. Borage oil supplementation may also help women with polycystic breast disease.
Several studies have shown that GLA has a beneficial effect on the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Some study participants received so much relief from symptoms of swelling, stiffness and pain that they reduced their pain medication as a result. Similar improvements in symptoms have been reported in patients with eczema and psoriasis.
Although the research looks promising, it’s important to remember that many of the studies used evening primrose oil as a source of GLA. Very few studies have been done using borage oil supplements as a source of GLA. Still, because borage seed oil contains more GLA than evening primrose oil or blackcurrant oil, one might conclude that taking borage oil supplements would provide similar results.
Borage oil supplements are generally safe for most healthy adults, but they can cause some side effects. The most serious is liver toxicity. Borage seeds, and possibly some borage seed oils, contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are harmful to the liver. The best way to avoid these substances is to purchase borage oil supplements that are certified PA-free.
People taking blood thinners and pregnant women should avoid taking borage oil supplements. The prostaglandin produced in the body by borage oil can stimulate preterm labor. Other minor side effects include bloating, nausea, and headache.
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