Condition
    Moderate Evidence
    Effectiveness 1/5

    Borage Oil for Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

    Despite a plausible skin-barrier rationale, pooled randomised evidence shows borage oil does not improve eczema symptoms more than placebo.

    Overview

    Despite a plausible skin-barrier rationale, pooled randomised evidence shows borage oil does not improve eczema symptoms more than placebo.

    Verdict

    Not supported

    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.

    How It Works

    The theory was that atopic skin has impaired delta-6-desaturase activity, so supplying GLA directly should restore barrier lipids - a hypothesis the trials did not confirm.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    Not recommended for this use
    Expected timeframe
    Not applicable

    Protocol

    0
    [object Object]
    1
    [object Object]
    2
    [object Object]

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    The GLA-for-eczema hypothesis dominated atopic dermatitis research for two decades, based on findings of reduced delta-6-desaturase activity in atopic patients. It was tested thoroughly. A Cochrane review pooling 27 randomised trials of oral borage oil and evening primrose oil found no significant improvement in global eczema symptoms compared with placebo, with the more rigorous, larger and adequately blinded trials showing the least effect - the classic signature of an effect that disappears under better methodology. A large German trial of borage oil in adults with atopic dermatitis likewise found no difference from placebo on the primary endpoint. Some subgroup and topical-application studies report modest changes in transepidermal water loss, but these do not translate into symptom relief. Adverse effects were mild, so the issue is futility rather than harm.

    Oral evening primrose oil and borage oil for eczema

    Score: 9/10
    2013
    meta_analysis
    n=1596

    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.

    View source

    Borage oil in the treatment of atopic dermatitis

    Score: 7/10
    2010
    systematic_review

    Foster RH, Hardy G, Alany RG

    The results of studies of borage oil for the treatment of atopic dermatitis were highly variable.

    View source

    Dietary supplements for established atopic eczema

    Score: 9/10
    2012
    systematic_review
    n=596

    Bath-Hextall FJ

    It is unclear whether any of these interventions are effective.

    View source

    Safety

    Caveats

    Individual anecdotes persist, but they are indistinguishable from the natural waxing and waning of eczema and from emollient effects of any oil.

    Less likely to help if

    All groups studied; no subgroup has been shown to respond reliably.

    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.