Borage, with its pretty blue flowers and prickly green stems and leaves, originated in the Mediterranean region but has spread across Europe, Africa and North and South America. The oil extracted from the seeds of the plant is one source of GLA, a fatty acid that shows promise in the treatment of several health problems.
Identification
Gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, is an Omega-6 fatty acid used by the body to make prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that play a role in many body processes, including regulating the immune system, according to the American Cancer Society. The body can't make its own GLA so it relies on food and supplements to provide it. Borage oil is composed of 17 to 25 percent GLA, according to the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service.
Benefits
There has not been enough conclusive medical research to recommend GLA in borage oil as a treatment for any medical conditions yet, but the University of Maryland Medical Center says preliminary research suggests GLA shows promise in the treatment of several conditions. GLA may improve nerve pain symptoms for people who have diabetic neuropathy, help improve the effectiveness of some medications used to treat breast cancer and could help lower high blood pressure. Studies are also looking into GLA as a treatment for other conditions, including ADHD, allergies, eczema, mastalgia and PMS, according to experts at the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Risks
There are a few health risks associated with using GLA and borage oil. According to the American Cancer Society, use of GLA has been linked to heightened risk of blood clots, inflammation and immune system issues. People who have epilepsy or who take medication to control seizures should not use GLA because of potential interaction risks. Use of borage oil can cause damage to your kidney and may increase your risk of certain kinds of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
Considerations
Borage oil is just one source of GLA. GLA is also present in the seeds of evening primrose, black currant and fungus, as well as in a form of algae called spirulina. According to the American Cancer Society, most GLA research has been done using evening primrose oil, so borage oil--which has a slightly different chemical makeup--may not deliver identical results. Always check with your health care provider before using any herbal supplement.
Warning
Pregnant women should not use borage oil or GLA because of serious potential risks for fetal development issues and potential early labor, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The American Cancer Society recommends using borage oil that is certified unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free and limiting your intake to supplement's recommended dosage--less than 3,000 milligrams (mg) per day.
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