From the Guidelines
Borage oil is not recommended for the treatment of atopic dermatitis due to lack of supportive evidence. The use of borage oil in the management of atopic dermatitis has been evaluated in two randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which found no improvement in key outcomes compared to placebo 1. Although borage oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties, the current evidence does not support its use in reducing inflammation or improving symptoms in atopic dermatitis. Some key points to consider when evaluating the use of borage oil include:
- The majority of studies on evening primrose oil, which also contains GLA, have found no benefit in the treatment of atopic dermatitis 1
- Fish oils, rich in n-3 fatty acids, may have anti-inflammatory effects, but there is little supportive data for their use in atopic dermatitis 1
- Other dietary supplements, such as evening primrose oil and borage oil, have been tried orally, but the evidence is limited and mixed 1 When considering alternative therapies for atopic dermatitis, it is essential to prioritize treatments with strong evidence supporting their efficacy and safety. In the absence of robust evidence, it is recommended to avoid using borage oil for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
From the Research
Borage Oil and Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)
Borage oil is a rich source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid with potential health benefits. The following points highlight the key aspects of GLA and its relationship to borage oil:
- GLA is an anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid that plays a significant role in health and disease by generating potent modulatory molecules for inflammatory responses 2.
- GLA is produced in the body from linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid of the omega-6 series, and is also present in trace amounts in green leafy vegetables, nuts, and breast milk 2.
- The therapeutic value of GLA has been explored in various studies, with potential applications in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, eczema, cyclic mastalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and ADHD 3.
- GLA supplementation has been shown to be safe, non-toxic, and non-cancerogenic, making it a potential alternative for supporting treatment 3.
- A pilot study investigated the effects of GLA supplementation on plasma and red blood cell phospholipid fatty acid composition and calcium oxalate kidney stone risk factors in healthy subjects from two race groups, suggesting that GLA may have different effects on different populations 4.
Potential Health Benefits of Borage Oil and GLA
The potential health benefits of borage oil and GLA include:
- Anti-inflammatory effects: GLA has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may be beneficial in the treatment of conditions such as arthritis and eczema 2, 3.
- Cardiovascular health: The omega-6 fatty acids present in borage oil may help to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels and preventing blood clots 2.
- Immune system support: GLA may have immunomodulatory effects, which could help to support the immune system and prevent infections 2, 3.