Borage Oil
Borago officinalis seed oil
TL;DR
Borage oil is the richest GLA source available and has genuine randomised evidence for reducing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms at high doses. For eczema, Cochrane-level evidence says it does not work. Buy only pyrrolizidine-alkaloid-free oil.
Ideal For
- Adults with rheumatoid arthritis wanting an adjunct to standard care
- People who need a concentrated GLA source and tolerate high oil doses
Avoid If
- You are pregnant or trying to conceive
- The product is not certified pyrrolizidine-alkaloid-free
- You have a seizure disorder
- You want it for eczema - the evidence says no
Frequently Asked Questions
Overview
Borage (Borago officinalis) seed oil contains 20-26% gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), roughly triple the content of evening primrose oil. GLA is elongated to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, which competes with arachidonic acid and is converted to series-1 prostaglandins and 15-HETrE - anti-inflammatory rather than pro-inflammatory mediators. This chemistry translates into a real clinical signal in rheumatoid arthritis: randomised placebo-controlled trials using 1.4-2.8 g GLA daily (roughly 6-11 g of oil) for 6-24 months reduced tender and swollen joint counts, and systematic reviews rate the RA evidence as among the better herbal-oil datasets, though effect sizes are modest and doses are high enough to be expensive. Atopic eczema went the other way: a large meta-analysis of 27 randomised trials of borage and evening primrose oil found no meaningful improvement over placebo, ending decades of enthusiasm. Two quality issues matter - some borage oils carry hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids unless certified PA-free, and GLA oils oxidise readily.
How It Works
- GLA converts to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, competing with arachidonic acid for cyclooxygenase
- Produces anti-inflammatory series-1 prostaglandins (PGE1) and 15-HETrE
- Suppresses IL-1beta and TNF-alpha release from stimulated monocytes
- Incorporates into skin lipid barrier - though this did not translate into eczema benefit
Benefits & Outcomes
No linked outcomes yet. Research is ongoing.
Health Concerns Addressed
Rheumatoid Arthritis
A genuine adjunct with randomised support, but the effective dose is high, expensive and slow, and it complements rather than replaces DMARD therapy.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
The evidence here is unusually clear for a supplement: it does not work for eczema. Spend the money on emollients and proven topical therapy instead.
Supporting Research10 studies
Oral evening primrose oil and borage oil for eczema
Bamford JTM, Ray S, Musekiwa A +3 more
Oral borage oil and evening primrose oil were no more effective than placebo for eczema symptoms in pooled analysis of randomized trials.
Borage oil in the treatment of atopic dermatitis
Foster RH, Hardy G, Alany RG
The results of studies of borage oil for the treatment of atopic dermatitis were highly variable.
Herbal therapy for treating rheumatoid arthritis
Cameron M, Gagnier JJ, Chrubasik S
Gamma-linolenic acid from borage, evening primrose or blackcurrant seed oil showed potential benefit for rheumatoid arthritis pain and disability, but the evidence was of low quality and adverse-event reporting was poor.
Dietary supplements for established atopic eczema
Bath-Hextall FJ
It is unclear whether any of these interventions are effective.
Intervention with flaxseed and borage oil supplements modulates skin condition in women
De Spirt S, Stahl W, Tronnier H +2 more
Skin hydration was significantly increased after 12 weeks of treatment compared to week 0, with flaxseed or borage oil.
Enteral omega-3 fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid, and antioxidant supplementation in acute lung injury (OMEGA randomized trial)
Rice TW, Wheeler AP, Thompson BT +2 more
Patients receiving the n-3 supplement had fewer ventilator-free days (14.0 vs 17.2; P = .02).
Effect of dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid and gamma-linolenic acid on acne vulgaris: a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial
Jung JY, Kwon HH, Hong JS +4 more
Omega-3 fatty acid and gamma-linoleic acid could be used as adjuvant treatments for acne patients.
Enteral immunomodulatory diet (omega-3 fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid and antioxidant supplementation) for acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Li C, Bo L, Liu W +2 more
The pooled results did not show a significant reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality.
Supplementation of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid for pollen-induced allergic symptoms in healthy subjects: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial
Yokoi K, Yanagimoto K, Hayamizu K
The cedar pollen associated symptoms of sneezing and a blocked nose in the CSARS were significantly lower than those in the placebo group.
Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils
Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL
It focuses on the therapeutic benefits of these plant oils according to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the skin.
Safety Information
Potential Side Effects
Soft stools, belching, bloating and headache at high doses.
Contraindications
Pregnancy (uterine effects and PA concerns); liver disease if the oil is not certified PA-free.
Drug Interactions
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelets (mild antiplatelet effect)
- Phenothiazines and other seizure-threshold-lowering drugs
- NSAIDs (may reduce required dose over time - monitor)
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy: likely_unsafe
Breastfeeding: insufficient_data
Dosage Guidelines
Dosage Used in Studies
1-3 g GLA
Best Time to Take
Divided doses with meals
Best Form
Certified PA-free (pyrrolizidine-alkaloid-free) cold-pressed oil in dark glass or softgels
Forms Compared
Provide ~200-240 mg GLA each; RA doses need 6-11 capsules daily
Cheaper for high doses; refrigerate and use quickly
Used for skin barrier; no proven eczema benefit
Food & Timing
With food containing fat.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.
Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.