Borage oil (borage oil)

Borage oil is extracted by cold pressing the seeds of the borage plant (Borago officinalis).

Borage oil is used as a dietary supplement and its main nutritional benefit is its high content of gamma linolenic acid (GLA).

Although there is no scientific evidence for the effects of borage oil on health, it is still used in medical applications by some people.

In this article, we have compiled the scientific studies on the effects of borage oil on human diseases. In doing so, we try to explain what effect the oil has on our health.

Properties of castor oil

Undocumented properties

There is no scientific evidence that borage oil can be used to treat the following diseases and health problems:

Researched properties with a lack of evidence

Although the effects of borage oil on the following diseases and health problems have been investigated in scientific studies, there is still no evidence that the oil can be used to treat these diseases:

• Arp: A number of Swedish studies from the 1990s concluded that gamma linolenic acid – found in borage oil, evening primrose oil and blackcurrant seed oil – can be used to treat arp (seborrheic dermatitis). Some of the studies can be seen here and here.

• Rheumatoid arthritis: Several studies have suggested that borage oil in combination with anti-inflammatory agents can reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis (especially swelling and pain). However, you should always consult your doctor before combining natural remedies with chemical medications.

• Improving lung function: Some studies have shown that borage oil in combination with icosapentaenoic acid (EPA) can improve lung function in patients with ARDS – a disease also known as shock lung or acute respiratory failure. However, the correct term is ARDS, which stands for Acute respiratory distress syndrome. The disease is severe and typically occurs when the lungs are subjected to extreme stress such as drowning, blood poisoning, injury, etc.

• Premature babies: Infant formula supplemented with fatty acids from borage oil and fish oil may improve the growth and development of the nervous system in premature babies – especially boys.

• Childhood eczema: Studies on the effect of borage oil on childhood eczema have produced conflicting results.

• Skin: A study from 2000 indicated that borage oil – taken as a dietary supplement – is likely to improve overall skin function in elderly people, possibly reducing itching and dryness of the skin (the study was based on borage oil's effect on fatty acid metabolism and skin transepidermal water loss). There are also other similar studies that have drawn similar conclusions.

• Cancer: Ongoing studies indicate that gamma linolenic acid (found in borage oil) may be used to treat cancer. There are several larger studies in the field – but no clear results yet.

Documented properties

• Gammalinolenic acid: Borage oil has a high content of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) – higher than in sunberry oil and nightshade oil (approx. 20% vs. 14% and 8% respectively) which are otherwise comparable in several respects. GLA is the main reason why researchers are interested in castor oil and in most of the studies above, GLA is also the focal point.

Fatty acid profile

The typical fatty acid profile of borage oil looks something like this:

Fatty acid	Typical content
Saturated fatty acids	15%
Oleic acid (omega-9)	15%
Linoleic acid (omega-6)	38%
Gamma linolenic acid (omega-6)	21%
Alpha linolenic acid (omega-3)	1%

Uses of castor oil

Castor oil is generally used as a dietary supplement. However, you can also apply the oil directly to the skin (mix with another base oil and try it out – especially if you have sensitive skin).

Castor oil should not be heated as it will lose some of its beneficial properties. Also, like most other oils, castor oil should be stored in a cool, dark place.

Precautions to take

• Pyrrolizidine alkaloids: Several parts of the borage plant contain so-called pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can damage the liver and even cause cancer. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are especially dangerous for pregnant women and their fetuses. Although borage oils purchased in Denmark do not usually contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, there is no guarantee that herbal remedies purchased abroad or in foreign webshops on the internet do. People with liver diseases should be extra careful with oils containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

• Bleeding disorders: It is suspected that borage oil may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding and prolong bleeding time. If you have a bleeding disorder, you should therefore be cautious about using borage oil. This also applies if you are going to have surgery or have recently had surgery.

Interactions

There are several types of medication that can interact with borage oil. This applies in particular:

• Anesthesia medications (medications used for anesthesia during surgery)
• Blood thinners (anticoagulants – medications that inhibit the blood's ability to clot)
• Medications that affect the liver's breakdown of other types of medications
• NSAIDs (although the anti-inflammatories mentioned above [under ‘rheumatoid arthritis'] can be used to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, some researchers believe that there may be an interaction between borage and these drugs. NSAIDs include ibuprofen, aspirin and others)

Side effects

Although borage oil used as a dietary supplement does not usually cause any side effects, you should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms after consuming the oil:

• Stomach pain or other stomach problems
• Yellowing of the eyes and/or skin
• Dark urine