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Borage Seed Extract

Also known as: Borage seed extract, Borage oil, Borago officinalis

Overview

Borage seed extract is derived from the seeds of Borago officinalis, a plant traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties. The extract is primarily valued for its high content of γ-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid. It is commonly used as a dietary supplement aimed at reducing inflammation and managing skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. The research maturity is moderate, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and some meta-analyses available, but with mixed results regarding clinical efficacy. The quality of evidence varies, with some well-conducted RCTs and systematic reviews, but also some studies showing no significant benefit over placebo. It is classified as a plant-derived oil supplement, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), specifically omega-6 fatty acids. Key chemical constituents include γ-linolenic acid (GLA) and borage seed oil aminopropanediol amides (BSOAA).

Benefits

While some preliminary in vitro and in vivo studies suggest anti-inflammatory potential, particularly from borage seed oil aminopropanediol amides (BSOAA) which may increase pro-resolving mediators and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to improvements in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis severity, robust clinical evidence for these benefits is limited. A large randomized controlled trial (RCT) found no significant benefit of borage oil over placebo in reducing atopic eczema severity. Furthermore, a meta-analysis of 27 RCTs concluded that oral borage oil does not significantly improve eczema symptoms compared to placebo, with effect sizes being small and not statistically significant. Preliminary data suggest borage-containing syrup may improve outcomes and reduce ICU stay length in COVID-19 patients, but this is early evidence with limited sample size and requires further validation. Overall, the evidence for significant clinical benefits, especially for skin conditions, is weak or inconclusive.

How it works

Borage seed oil is rich in γ-linolenic acid (GLA), which is metabolized to dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA), a precursor to anti-inflammatory eicosanoids such as prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). Additionally, borage seed oil aminopropanediol amides (BSOAA) components promote the production of specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (maresins, lipoxins) that actively resolve inflammation. These pathways modulate inflammatory cytokine production and reduce inflammatory cell infiltration in skin and other tissues. The oral bioavailability of GLA is generally good, but its conversion efficiency to anti-inflammatory metabolites can vary among individuals.

Side effects

Overall, borage seed oil is generally well tolerated in clinical trials, with no serious adverse events commonly reported. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort has occasionally been noted as a rare side effect. No significant drug interactions or contraindications have been firmly established in the literature. However, caution is advised due to the potential for pyrrolizidine alkaloid contamination in unrefined borage oil. These compounds can cause hepatotoxicity (liver damage). Therefore, it is crucial to use pharmaceutical-grade extracts that are purified to remove these toxins. Due to insufficient safety data, special populations such as pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid the use of borage seed extract.

Dosage

Effective doses of borage seed oil in studies typically range around 1.8 grams per day of GLA. For example, some studies have used four capsules twice daily, providing 920 mg of GLA per dose. The optimal dosing for anti-inflammatory effects is not firmly established, with some studies using 1-3 grams per day of borage oil standardized for GLA content. The maximum safe dose is not clearly defined, but doses up to 3 grams per day of GLA are generally considered safe in short-term studies. Supplementation is typically taken twice daily with meals to improve absorption. It is highly recommended to use purified borage oil supplements to minimize exposure to potentially harmful pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

FAQs

Does borage seed extract effectively treat eczema?

Current high-quality evidence, including large randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, indicates no significant benefit of borage seed extract over placebo in reducing eczema severity.

Is borage seed oil safe?

Yes, borage seed oil is generally well tolerated with minimal side effects when using purified extracts. Unrefined oils may contain harmful pyrrolizidine alkaloids, so always choose purified products.

How long until effects are seen?

Clinical trials typically assess outcomes after 8-12 weeks of consistent supplementation. However, for conditions like eczema, significant benefits have not been consistently observed.

Can borage oil replace corticosteroids?

No, borage oil should not replace standard medical treatments like corticosteroids. It may be considered as an adjunctive therapy only under medical supervision, given the limited evidence of efficacy.

Research Sources

https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=57494 – This study investigated borage seed oil aminopropanediol amides (BSOAA), showing they can increase pro-resolving mediators and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines. In small clinical settings, this led to significant improvements in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis severity. The study highlights a potential mechanism but notes limitations in sample size and need for larger trials.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC292992/ – This randomized controlled trial (n=140) evaluated borage oil (920 mg GLA daily) versus placebo for atopic eczema over 12 weeks. The study found no significant benefit of borage oil in reducing eczema severity, with the placebo group showing slightly better improvement. It was a well-designed study, contributing to the evidence against borage oil for eczema.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23633319/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 RCTs (1596 participants) on evening primrose and borage oils for eczema concluded that borage oil does not significantly improve eczema symptoms compared to placebo. The majority of included studies had a low risk of bias, supporting the reliability of these findings and indicating a lack of efficacy.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.975937/full – This source provides preliminary data suggesting that a borage-containing syrup might improve outcomes and reduce ICU stay length in COVID-19 patients. However, it emphasizes that this is early evidence from a limited sample size and requires further validation through larger, more robust studies.