Borage Oil

fatcastor oil

What is it

Borage oil is extracted from the seeds of the borage plant (Borago officinalis) and contains the highest natural concentration of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid. Typical borage oil contains 20-26% GLA, compared to evening primrose oil at 8-10%.

How it works

GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid that the body normally synthesizes from linoleic acid via delta-6 desaturase. In some individuals, especially with aging, diabetes, or atopic conditions, this conversion is impaired, making dietary GLA more important. GLA is metabolized to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), which serves as a precursor for the anti-inflammatory series-1 prostaglandins (PGE1). Research suggests these anti-inflammatory mediators may benefit conditions involving inflammation, including rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, and certain inflammatory skin conditions. DGLA also competes with arachidonic acid as a substrate for prostaglandin synthesis, potentially shifting the inflammatory balance toward less inflammatory products. Borage oil also contains very small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, plant compounds that can be hepatotoxic. Reputable supplement manufacturers test borage oil to ensure pyrrolizidine alkaloid content is below safety thresholds. Choose certified PA-free borage oil products.

Evidence for 5 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Grade B

Good evidence

Multiple trials show GLA-rich oils including borage oil reduce joint swelling, pain, and morning stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis, often allowing reduced NSAID use.

Diabetic neuropathy

Grade C

Moderate evidence

Some trials suggest GLA supplementation may improve symptoms of mild-to-moderate diabetic neuropathy, possibly because diabetes impairs endogenous GLA production.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Grade D

Mixed evidence

Evidence is mixed. Some trials suggest GLA supplementation modestly improves eczema; others find no benefit. Meta-analyses are generally inconclusive.

Premenstrual symptoms

Grade D

Mixed evidence

Limited evidence suggests GLA-rich oils may modestly help breast tenderness and other PMS symptoms; evidence is mixed.

Cardiovascular markers

Grade D

Mixed evidence

Some studies suggest modest improvements in blood pressure and lipid profiles. Evidence is limited and effects modest.

3 commercial forms

Standardized borage oil softgels

Typical content 20-26% GLA; check label for GLA per softgel.

Most common supplement form. Softgels protect the oil from oxidation.

Cold-pressed liquid borage oil

Less processed; more sensitive to oxidation; refrigerate after opening.

Provides flexibility in dosing; use within shelf life and store cool.

PA-free certified borage oil

Manufacturing process removes pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Recommended form. Look for explicit PA-free certification on labels.

Dosage

Typical doses provide 240-720 mg of GLA per day, often expressed as 1-3 grams of borage oil daily (depending on GLA percentage). Clinical trials in rheumatoid arthritis have used 1.4-2.8 grams of GLA per day. There is no established RDA.

When and how to take it

Take borage oil with food to improve absorption and reduce gastrointestinal upset (it is fat-soluble). Splitting daily doses (morning and evening) may help maintain steady GLA levels. Therapeutic effects on inflammatory conditions or skin typically take 4-12 weeks of consistent use to assess.

Safety

Borage oil is generally well tolerated. Common side effects include mild gastrointestinal upset, soft stools, and occasional burping. The primary safety concern is hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids; choose certified PA-free products. Long-term use of high-dose omega-6 supplements is theoretically concerning for some inflammatory conditions, though clinical evidence is mixed.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy due to potential effects on uterine activity and rare reports of complications; safety in breastfeeding is also uncertain. People with epilepsy or seizure disorders should consult a clinician; GLA may lower seizure threshold. People taking anticoagulants should consult a clinician. Choose certified PA-free borage oil to avoid liver risk.

Interactions

GLA-containing oils may have mild antiplatelet effects and could theoretically increase bleeding risk with anticoagulants. They may lower the seizure threshold and should be used cautiously with anticonvulsants or by people with epilepsy. Phenothiazine antipsychotics may interact unfavorably. Generally compatible with most other medications.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between borage oil and evening primrose oil?⌄

Both are sources of GLA. Borage oil has a higher GLA concentration (20-26%) than evening primrose oil (8-10%), meaning smaller doses can deliver equivalent GLA.

Is borage oil safe?⌄

Generally yes, but choose certified PA-free borage oil. Raw borage contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that must be removed during oil processing. Avoid during pregnancy.

Does borage oil help arthritis?⌄

Yes, multiple trials show GLA-rich borage oil reduces symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, including joint pain and stiffness. Effects typically appear after 4-12 weeks of consistent use.

How much GLA should I take?⌄

For arthritis, clinical trials have used 1.4-2.8 grams of GLA per day. For general use, 240-720 mg per day is typical. The borage oil dose to provide these GLA amounts depends on GLA percentage in your product.

Can borage oil cause seizures?⌄

GLA-rich oils may lower the seizure threshold in some people. People with epilepsy should consult a clinician before use, particularly if taking certain anticonvulsants or phenothiazines.

References

  • Wikidata: Borage Oil — Wikidata link

Track Borage Oil with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.