GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The borage plant (Borago officinalis) has
been exploited for its medicinal properties for more than 400 years. Although research has found
little evidence to suggest that the herb itself has any
health benefits, borage oil, which is derived from the
seeds, may be useful in treating a number of conditions.
Borage oil is a rich source of gamma
linoleic acid (GLA), an omega-6
essential fatty acid that the body converts to the
anti-inflammatory prostaglandin E1 (PGE1).
ROLE IN ANTIAGING:
Borage oil may be of benefit to people suffering
from rheumatoid arthritis. Results of one
study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania revealed that high doses of borage oil
(1.4 grams a day) significantly reduced pain and swelling
in arthritic joints. Other studies suggest that borage
oil combats inflammation and reduces
joint damage, however it should be noted that
participants in these studies were given very high
doses of the oil.
There is some evidence to suggest that borage
oil may help people with multiple sclerosis.
Some researchers believe that high levels of essential fatty acids present in borage oil could
help to combat the inflammation associated with the disease,
furthermore these acids may also help to prevent nerve
damage. In addition to its
anti-inflammatory properties, GLA also enhances the transmission of nerve impulses.
Together, these facts suggest that borage oil may be useful in treating Alzheimer’s-memory disorders. Animal research also
suggests that the oil may help to combat stress and high
blood pressure (hypertension). Borage
oil is also cited as a treatment for acne, eczema,
endometriosis, female infertility, gout, impotence, lupus
(SLE), PMS, psoriasis, respiratory infections, and
rosacea.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
applicable
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
1,000 – 1,300 mg of borage oil a day will provide
roughly 240 to 300 mg of GLA. Taking borage oil with food may improve GLA absorption.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL:
Many studies using borage oil employ relatively
high dosages of borage oil. However, study participants are always under close medical
supervision. Borage seeds contain small amounts of liver
toxins called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA’s). Some research
suggests that high-levels of amabiline, a PA present in borage oil, could be carcinogenic and may
cause liver damage. There is as yet no established maximum
safe level for borage oil, furthermore no studies have been
conducted to prove that long-term use or high-dose use of the product poses no threat to
health. For these reasons it is important to take borage oil
as directed on packaging.
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Borage oil may cause bloating, nausea, headache, and indigestion. Taking borage oil with
food may reduce the risk of side effects. Epileptics and
people taking anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin should
consult their doctor before taking borage oil. Because of
the potential health hazards of the supplement, pregnant women, nursing women, and children should
not take borage oil. People with liver disease should not
take borage oil because of the potential risk of
liver damage. Several countries
discourage the use of borage oil because of the
unestablished longterm supplementation
effects.
