Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Limited evidenceJoints & skin

Borage Oil

Borage oil is the richest common source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), roughly triple the concentration in evening primrose oil. Like evening primrose it failed for eczema in Cochrane review; the only halfway credible signal is modest pain relief in rheumatoid arthritis.

What the science says

  • Does not improve eczema Strong evidence

    The 2013 Cochrane review that covered 8 borage oil trials (n=449) alongside evening primrose oil found no significant benefit over placebo on eczema symptoms, including patient-rated global improvement. The higher GLA content of borage did not translate into a better outcome.

  • Modest symptom relief in rheumatoid arthritis Limited evidence

    A Cochrane review of herbal therapies for rheumatoid arthritis found that GLA-containing oils (borage seed, evening primrose, blackcurrant) at roughly 1.4-2.8 g GLA/day produced moderate improvements in pain and morning stiffness in some trials, but the evidence was rated low quality with small samples and inconsistent results. It is not a substitute for DMARDs.

  • General anti-inflammatory effects Limited evidence

    GLA is converted to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid and then to series-1 prostaglandins, which is a plausible anti-inflammatory route, but human biomarker and outcome data are inconsistent. Some of the GLA is also elongated to arachidonic acid, a pro-inflammatory precursor, which may blunt any net benefit.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseRheumatoid arthritis trials used about 1.4-2.8 g GLA/day, corresponding to roughly 6-14 g of borage oil (typically 20-24% GLA), for 6-24 weeks. Eczema trials used lower doses with no benefit.
SafetyUsually well tolerated; nausea, bloating, soft stools and headache occur. The important safety issue is that unrefined borage oil can contain hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids — buy only products certified PA-free ("UPA-free"), and avoid it entirely in liver disease. May lower seizure threshold; avoid in epilepsy and with phenothiazines. Mild antiplatelet effect — caution with anticoagulants and before surgery. Contraindicated in pregnancy (pyrrolizidine alkaloid risk and possible uterine effects).

Scientific references

Where to buy

Deva, Vegan Borage Oil, GLA, 90 Vegan Caps (500 mg per Capsule)

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