From the Guidelines
Borage oil is not recommended for the treatment of atopic dermatitis due to lack of supportive evidence showing its effectiveness. The use of borage oil in managing atopic dermatitis has been evaluated in two randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which found no improvement in key outcomes compared to placebo 1. This suggests that borage oil may not provide significant benefits in reducing inflammation or improving symptoms in patients with atopic dermatitis.
Some key points to consider when evaluating the use of borage oil include:
- The proposed mechanism of action involves the anti-inflammatory properties of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a component of borage oil
- However, the majority of data from RCTs evaluating evening primrose oil, which also contains GLA, have found no benefit in treating atopic dermatitis 1
- The lack of supportive evidence from high-quality studies makes it difficult to recommend borage oil as a treatment option for atopic dermatitis
- Patients with atopic dermatitis should instead focus on established treatments and prevention strategies, such as moisturizing, avoiding triggers, and using topical corticosteroids or other prescribed medications.
In terms of safety, while borage oil is generally considered well-tolerated, potential side effects and interactions should be taken into account, particularly for patients with certain medical conditions or those taking specific medications. However, the primary concern in this context is the lack of efficacy, which outweighs considerations of safety.
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 2, 3.
- GLA has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, and may be useful in the treatment of conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis 3, 4.
- The mechanism of action of GLA involves the production of anti-inflammatory eicosanoids, which can help to reduce inflammation and improve immune function 2, 5.
Health Benefits of GLA
- GLA may have a positive effect on heart health by reducing inflammation and improving blood lipid profiles 2, 5.
- GLA may also have a role in the prevention and treatment of cancer, due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties 2, 5.
- Additionally, GLA may be useful in the treatment of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and ADHD, due to its ability to improve synaptic plasticity and reduce inflammation 4.
Dietary Sources and Supplementation
- Borage oil is one of the richest sources of GLA, and can be taken as a dietary supplement 3, 6.
- Other sources of GLA include green leafy vegetables and nuts, although the amounts are generally smaller than those found in borage oil 2.
- The optimal dosage and duration of GLA supplementation have not been established, and more research is needed to determine the potential benefits and risks of GLA supplementation 3, 6.