Borage oil supplements, borage oil and its health benefits and borage oil facts

Early 17th century accounts tell of Europeans making a rich wine to relieve boredom and melancholy from the flowers and leaves of this pretty herb. Often called ‘Star Flower’ because of its very large blue, star-shaped flowers, borage was also thought to bring courage to those who drank a tonic made from its flowers and leaves. The Celtic derivation, barrach, meaning ‘man of courage’, is just one of many clues to the healing properties of this herb.

Borage is an annual plant, indigenous to North Africa, Great Britain and Europe. While naturalized in North America, it has been used for centuries by many cultures as a flavoring in culinary dishes and as a medicinal remedies among other things, for aches and pain due to inflammation. The leaves, which are dark green and quite plain in comparison to its brilliant flowers, are said to resemble cucumber in taste. The plant’s bristly stems can reach three feet in height and thrive in temperate climates with rich soils and plenty of sunshine. The plant tends to be a bit straggly and as such, needs protection from the winds that can easily blow it over. Its flowers are without a doubt, the prettiest among herb plants and in the right conditions, will bloom throughout the entire summer. Avid gardeners swear that borage is excellent as a neighboring plant for strawberries, squash or tomatoes and in fact, improves the taste of nearby tomatoes.

Despite numerous accounts detailing the use of the flowers and leaves of this herb for therapeutic purposes such as a tonic for sore throats and as a blood detoxifier, recent studies suggest there are actually no healing properties associated with these parts of the plant. In fact, the stems and leaves are known to contain high concentrations of a toxic substance known as pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) which if taken in large doses or over a lengthy period of time, could be quite harmful. The seeds, which ripen in the fall, are another story however.

Modern science suggests and promotes borage oil as the excellent herbal supplements and alternative medicine. Borage oil promotes adrenaline production, which is typically associated with ‘fight or flight’ reactions. Since adrenaline helps the body cope in stressful situations, possibly ancient healers believed that borage gave man courage. The herb is also thought to act as a restorative agent on the adrenal cortex, especially after medical treatments involving cortisone or steroids.

Borage seeds are one in only a few select plants that contain gamma linoleic acid (GLA), an omega 6 fatty acid that converts to a hormone called prostaglandin that has both amazing anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant properties as well as excellent dilative qualities. Evening primrose and black current are two other plants known to possess GLA, but overall, studies show borage to be the richest source of this fatty acid, containing 20-30 percent, more than twice that of the more popular evening primrose. Borage oil is a good source of natural prostaglandin and therefore included as the herbal remedy for prostaglandin supplements.

Probably the most significant use for borage seed oil is as an anti-inflammatory for rheumatoid arthritis. Studies done through the University of Pennsylvania suggest that compared to cottonseed oil, which contains no GLA, borage oil administered in doses of 4 mg per day, made considerable improvements in the intensity of pain and swelling of the affected joints. ¹ It was also shown that GLA decreased the number of both tender joints by 36 percent and swollen joints by 28 percent. ² Studies further suggest that a 540 mg per day dose of GLA over a one year period, will help relieve pain and swelling caused by the arthritis.

Cancer studies show GLA can kill 40 different kinds of cancer cells in laboratory tissue tests, without harming other healthy tissue cells. Researchers say the GLA can induce apoptotic death in tumorous cells, a process whereby the bad cells break into smaller pieces which other body cells destroy. ³ Although these studies are relatively new, scientists believe the findings to date show great promise for Borage oil as the alternative cancer therapy.

Borage has been used in folk medicine for centuries as an effective respiratory remedy. Studies today show borage seed oil is very effective for people suffering form acute respiratory distress syndrome. In 150 patients, intensive care stays were decreased from 17.5 days to 12.8.6 Apart from GLA, it is known that borage contains a substance called mucilage, which soothes the mucus membranes and further promotes productive coughing.

Thirty percent of American women have fibrocystic breast disease. Borage oil has been proved to be the excellent alternative medicine to cure these breast cysts due to its high GLA content. Both Borage oil and black currant are good sources of GLA and are the excellent herbal remedies. Borage oil is found to be of great help in cases of fibrocystic breasts by minimizing the inflammation of breast tissue and increasing the iodine levels by absorbing the mineral found to be quite low in women suffering from this condition.

Significantly lower levels of GLA have been found in women suffering form PMS, which researchers believe is the primary reason GLA supplements are so helpful. Although evening primrose is recommended most for PMS symptoms, borage contains a much higher concentration of GLAs, the active ingredient in both herbs.

Borage oil is also well known for its ability to reduce the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis. Since research suggests that these conditions arise when dietary fats are no longer being converted into GLA within the body, supplementation of GLA is quite beneficial. Studies show GLA to calm the inflamed cells and promote blood vessel restriction, revitalizing the skin. It was shown that taking 345 mg of GLA or 1500 mg borage oil for a period of 24 weeks, offers relief from atopic eczema.⁴ It was also suggested that borage supplementation could potentially reduce the use of steroid creams and other such drugs, avoiding the side effects commonly associated with this type of treatment.

Much along the same lines, borage seed oil is said to clear up acne and rosacea. Studies indicate GLA dilutes the thick oily substance, called sebum, which is over-secreted in cases of acne. It also helps to reduce the risk of the pores clogging and further lesions erupting. In cases of rosacea, GLA helps to reduce inflammation and produce prostaglandins, which promote blood vessel contraction allowing blood to flow more freely.

According to preliminary studies, prolonged use of GLA could potentially reduce blood pressure in hypertensive people, resulting in fewer strokes and heart attacks. Borage oil appears to regulate stress-related jumps in both blood pressure and heart rate. It is also suggested that high doses of G LA could improve blood lipid levels. One study showed that patients receiving 2 grams per day of GLA for six weeks had a 37 percent decrease in triglyceride levels and a 13 percent decrease in cholesterol.⁵

The fatty acids in borage oil are also very effective for nourishing the nails, scalp and hair. In fact, many herbal hair remedies include borage seed oil mixed with other herbs such as rosemary to create an intense treatment for dry, brittle and damaged hair.

Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is a good fat, and it also helps to hold back the onset of "Great Recession’ in male pattern balding. Borage oil is one of the best sources.

Regardless of the cause of hair loss, including borage oil (because of omega-3 fatty acids present in it) in diet is able to prevent further loss and encourage re-growth of the hair. Suggested dosage is 100 to 500 mg daily.

Recent research has pointed out a new relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and bipolar disorder. It has been found that high-dose, concentrated omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA) have effective mood stabilizing and antidepressant effects for many people with bipolar disorder.⁶ Omega-3 fatty acids are essential components of brain cell membranes, including those of neurotransmitter receptors. Omega-3 fatty acids also alter signal transduction and electrical activity in brain cells and control the synthesis of chemicals such as eicosanoids and cytokines, which may have a direct effect on mood.

Other studies suggest borage oil as a possible remedy for cases of impotence and female infertility. As well, the fatty acids in borage oil may contribute to healthy nerve development in such diseases as multiple sclerosis and the nerve damage caused by diabetes. These same GLAs are also helpful in treating memory deficiencies caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers conclude that the GLAs increase the transmission of nerve impulses and as such, could possibly prevent progression of the disease.⁷

Borage oil is available in softgel capsules or as a bottled liquid. It contains about 25-27% gamma-linolenic acid. It is compatible with most of the foods and can be taken during states of exhaustion and physical and mental fatigue, irregular menstruation, arteriosclerosis, cysts of the breast. If purchasing the liquid however, it is very important to keep the oil refrigerated to prevent it from becoming rancid. The normal recommended dosage for borage oil is between 1,000 and 3,000 mg per day for most conditions. This amounts to 240 to 300 mg of GLA

Side effects of borage oil include gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, gas, diarrhea and possible boating. Those suffering from seizures or taking anti-seizure medications, should not use borage oil. As well, symptoms such as nose bleeds may occur if other anti-coagulant herbs including as garlic and ginkgo, are used in conjunction with borage.

References:

1. Leventhal LJ, Boyce EG, Zurier RB “Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with gammalinolenic acid”. Ann Intern Med 1993;119:867-73.
2. Zurier RB, Rossetti RG, Jacobson EW, et al., “Gamma-linolenic acid treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, A randomized, placebo-controlled trial”, Arthritis Rheum 1996;39:1808-17.
3. Huang Y-S, Mills DE, eds. “Gamma-Linolenic Acid: Metabolism and its Roles in Nutrition. Champaign”, IL: American Oil Chemists Society Press; 1996.
4. Henz BM et al. “Double-blind, multicenter analysis of the efficacy of borage oil in patients with atopic eczema”, British J Dermatology. 1999, 140, 685-688.
5. Das UN, Prasad VV, Reddy DR, “Local application of gamma-linolenic acid in the treatment of human gliomas”, Cancer Lett. 1995; 94:147-155.
6. Gadek JE, De Michele SJ, Karlstad MD, et al “Effect of enteral feeding with eicosapentaenoic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, and antioxidants in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Enteral nutrition in ARDS Study Group”, Crit Care Med. 1999; 27:1409-1420.
7. Andrew Stoll M.D, Psychopharmacology research lab, McLean Hospital, Boston