Borage oil is a source of gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid and precursor of prostaglandins. According to Brigham and Women's Hospital, prostaglandins are found naturally in all bodily tissues, act as local hormones, and have anti-inflammatory properties in the body. Supplementation with borage oil may be beneficial in the treatment of numerous medical conditions, according to the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, primarily due to its anti-inflammatory actions inside the body.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Supplementation with borage oil helps improve arthritic symptoms in some patients, according to the Mayo Clinic, especially in those diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, a type of autoimmune disorder that affects the lining of the joints. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, it is the gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) from borage seed oil that is beneficial in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. GLA has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce joint pain and stiffness and improve mobility. A study published in the November 1993 issue of the "Annals of Internal Medicine" found that treatment with gamma-linolenic acid significantly improved joint tenderness and swelling in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Hypertension
While more research is needed, the University of Maryland Medical Center states that borage oil shows promise as a treatment for high blood pressure, especially when used in conjunction with omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, a review published in the October 2008 issue of "Lipids of Health and Disease" concluded that this combination was as beneficial as combined therapy with a beta blocker, a statin, an ACE inhibitor, thiazide, aspirin and folic acid.
Other Uses
Borage oil is beneficial to numerous other medical conditions and diseases, including cough, depression, Alzheimer's disease and symptoms related to PMS and menopause, such as mood swings and breast tenderness. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, it is the mucilage component of borage oil that helps with cough and congestion via an expectorant-like action. The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine states that the anti-inflammatory action of borage oil may also help relieve the inflammation associated with multiple sclerosis.
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that the GLA in borage oil may help improve nerve pain in patients with diabetic neuropathy, prevent osteoporosis, and reduce the symptoms of PMS. GLA may also increase the effectiveness of tamoxifen, a drug used in the treatment of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer. It may also be useful for cases of infantile seborrheic dermatitis, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
References
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Borage
- Leventhal LJ, et al. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with gamma-linolenic acid. Ann Intern Med 1993;119:867-73.
- Brigham and Women's Hospital: Borage Oil
- Mayo Clinic: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Das UN. Essential fatty acids and their metabolites could function as endogenous HMG-CoA reductase and ACE enzyme inhibitors, anti-arrhythmic, anti-hypertensive, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and cardioprotective molecules. Lipids Health Dis. 2008 Oct 15;7:37.
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