What are the properties of Borago in supplements?

The properties of Borago

Borage (Borago officinalis) is an annual herb which is cultivated for medicinal and culinary uses, although it is commercially cultivated for borage seed oil. Borage seed oil is the plant rich in the gamma-linolenic acid (26%-38%) which is used as dietary or food supplement. Other than seed oil it contains a lot of fatty acids such as linoleic acid (35%-38%), oleic acid (16%-20%), palmitic acid (10%-11%), stearic acid (3.5%-4.5%), eicosenoic acid (3.5%-5.5%) and erucic acid (1.5%-3.5%)(1066).

Traditionally, Borago Officinalis has been used in hyperactive gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, such as gastrointestinal (colic, cramps, diarrhea), airways (asthma, bronchitis), cardiovascular, (cardiotonic, antihypertensive and blood purifier), urinary (diuretic and kidney/bladder disorders).

This plant is a rich source of gamma linoleic acid (GLA), which contains 25% of GLA, by elevating prostaglandin-E (PGE) level that leads to cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) augmentation; GLA could count as a strong suppressor of TNF-α. The mechanism mentioned above can clarify the anti-inflammatory effect of borage oil in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)(1070). Regarding this pathway, borage has contraindication during pregnancy because of the miscarriage risk. Antirheumatoid arthritis's potential of borage seed oil was assessed in 2 RCT as follows: in the first study, 1.4 g/day borage seed oil has been compared with placebo in RA patients; 36.8% amelioration occurred in the treatment group at the end of 6-month therapy. In the second study, 2.8 g/day of borage seed oil was taken by patients during 6 months; at the end of treatment, the amelioration percent of RA manifestation was noticeable: 64% in the treatment group compared with 21% in the control group(1071). Likewise, the anti-inflammatory effect of borage oil was tested in patients with atopic dermatitis. 12 clinical trials were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of this herb in ameliorating in atopic dermatitis. 5 of those have proved the anti-inflammatory effect and 2 of those have recorded improving in some patients, although in the rest 5 trials there has not been any observation for remission(1072).(1069)

Inflammation pathway
Inflammation pathway. COX, cyclooxygenase; LOX, lipoxygenase; PG, prostaglandin; LT, leukotriene; TX, thromboxane; NO, nitric oxide; iNOS, inducible NO synthase; IFN, interferon; TNF, tumor necrosis factor; NF-κB, nuclear factor-κB; MAPK, mitogen activated protein kinase; JAK, janus kinase; IL, interleukin(1069).


The supplements containing Borago

Omega 3-6-9, 1,300 mg, 120 Softgels (Solgar)Omega 3-6-9, 1,300 mg, 120 Softgels (Solgar)

English version

Cardiovascular Support Heart Health Joint / Bone Health TBSS ID:
Omega 3-6-9, 1,300 mg, 120 Softgels (Solgar) contains amoung others Borago.

Omega 3-6-9, 1,300 mg, 120 Softgels (Solgar) is available in many countries around the world.

If you are not in The United Kingdom (GB)
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This formula provides a blend of three premium oils - Fish, Flax and Borage. Omega 3-6-9, contribute essential fatty acids necessary for optimal health and well-being. Omega 3-6-9 also contains EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids that support the health and function of a variety of organs and systems...
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Super Omega 3-6-9, 1200 mg, 180 Softgels (Now Foods)Super Omega 3-6-9, 1200 mg, 180 Softgels (Now Foods)

English version

Cardiovascular Support TBSS ID:
Super Omega 3-6-9, 1200 mg, 180 Softgels (Now Foods) contains amoung others Borago.

Super Omega 3-6-9, 1200 mg, 180 Softgels (Now Foods) is available in many countries around the world.

If you are not in The United Kingdom (GB)
>> Select Your Country <<

 

Learn More (GB)
Super Omega 3-6-9 is a blend of Fish, Borage and Flax Seed Oils (Linum Usitatissimum). This combination of well-known nutritional oils has a unique balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids plus Omega-9, a non-essential, but useful fatty acid. The Omega-3's, Alpha-Linolenic Acid ALA, EPA...
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Galomega Formuła IQ, kapsułki elastyczne, 150 szt. / (Gal)Galomega Formuła IQ, kapsułki elastyczne, 150 szt. / (Gal)

Polish version

Brain / Mental Clarity TBSS ID:
Galomega Formuła IQ, kapsułki elastyczne, 150 szt. / (Gal) contains amoung others Borago.

Galomega Formuła IQ, kapsułki elastyczne, 150 szt. / (Gal) is available exlusively in Poland.

 

Learn More (PL)
Galomega Formuła IQ - suplement diety, zawierający połączenie wysokiej jakości oleju rybiego z olejem z ogórecznika lekarskiego (Borago Officinalis). Produkt przeznaczony dla dzieci i młodzieży.
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If you know of any other quality supplement that has not been yet classified by us, please contact us and we will gladly consider adding it to our catalogue.


Borago - References & External links

Borago (Borago Officinalis)

TBS Ingredient ID (TBSI ID):
DomainPlantae
CladeAsterids Eudicots Angiosperms Tracheophytes
OrderBoraginales
FamilyBoraginaceae
GenusBorago
NameCommon Names
Borago OfficinalisBorage, Burrage, Beebread, Star Flower, Bee Plant, Talewort, Borage Herb, Borage Seed Oil, Starflower, Borago, Borage Oil
Description
Borage is often used to treat fever, lung infections, inflammation of mucous membranes and as a diuretic. It may also be effective as a mild anti-depressant and sedative. Oil from Borage seeds are a rich source of gammalinolenic acid (GLA). GLA is a fatty acid used by the body to boost immunity and fight inflammation.
Caution
Boneset may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if consumed in large amounts. NEVER consume fresh boneset. It is toxic. It must be dried before consuming. Do not use it if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. People who are allergic to ragweed should not consume boneset.
Parts Used Medicinally:Flowers, Seed Oil, Borage Seed Oil, Leaves
Habitat
Borage Is Native To Southern Europe

Borage Seed Oil

DescriptionThe seeds contain 26-38% of borage seed oil, of which 17-28% is gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), the richest known source.[5] The oil also contains the fatty acids palmitic acid (10-11%), stearic acid (3.5-4.5%), oleic acid (16-20%), linoleic acid (35-38%), eicosenoic acid (3.5-5.5%), erucic acid (1.5-3.5%), and nervonic acid (1.5%). The oil is often marketed as "starflower oil" or "borage oil" for use as a GLA supplement, although healthy adults will typically produce ample GLA from dietary linoleic acid.
The Most Important Ingredients
Fatty Acids
Omega-6 AcidsLinoleic Acid(18:2n6)
35% - 38%
Gamma-Linolenic Acid(18:3n6)
17% - 28%
Omega-9 AcidsOleic Acid(18:1, n−9)
16% - 20%
Erucic Acid(22:1ω9)
1,5% - 3,5%

The references to scientific articles about Borago are not meant to imply that any products treat, cure, or diagnose any disease or human condition. We encourage our audience to do their own research beyond the resources we have provided so your decision is as educated as possible.