Home Ingredients Borage Oil (Starflower Oil)
Hair, Skin & NailsJoint Health

Borage Oil (Starflower Oil)

Borago officinalis
Evidence Level
Moderate
2 Clinical Trials
5 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Borage oil is cold-pressed from BORAGE SEEDS (Borago officinalis, also known as 'starflower') — distinguished as having the HIGHEST KNOWN CONCENTRATION OF GAMMA-LINOLENIC ACID (GLA, ~20-26%) of any commercial plant oil, surpassing evening primrose (~9%) and black currant (~15%). Used for atopic dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, premenstrual syndrome, and other conditions where GLA's anti-inflammatory effects are sought. CRITICAL: contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) — hepatotoxic; reputable products are PA-tested/certified PA-free.

Studied Dose 1-3 g borage oil/day (providing 240-720 mg GLA daily); RA trials used up to 1.4 g GLA/day
Active Compound Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, 20-26% of oil)

Benefits

Highest GLA Concentration of Plant Oils

Distinguishes borage from evening primrose (~9% GLA) and black currant (~15% GLA). Lower volume of borage oil needed for equivalent GLA dose. Cost-effective GLA source per dose.

Supported by Trial 2

Rheumatoid Arthritis Adjunct

Multiple trials (others) show GLA from borage oil (1.4 g/day) reduces joint pain, morning stiffness, and NSAID requirements in RA. Adjunct to standard treatment. Effect smaller than fish oil EPA/DHA but documented.

Supported by Trial 1

Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema (Mixed Evidence)

Earlier trials suggested benefit; larger systematic review of 27 trials found GLA (from borage and evening primrose) NOT effective for atopic dermatitis. Current consensus: limited/no benefit despite long-standing folk use.

Supported by Trial 2

Premenstrual Syndrome Support

Some evidence for cyclic mastalgia and PMS symptoms. Effects modest; foundational evidence from older trials less robust by modern standards.

Supported by Trial 2

Diabetic Neuropathy Adjunct

Older research suggested GLA may help diabetic neuropathy. Modern evidence less robust; alpha-lipoic acid has stronger evidence for this indication.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

GLA → DGLA → PGE1 Anti-Inflammatory Pathway

GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) is metabolized via elongase to DGLA (dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid), which produces SERIES-1 PROSTAGLANDINS (PGE1) — anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet, vasodilatory. Distinguishes from arachidonic acid pathway producing pro-inflammatory PGE2. Mechanism for anti-inflammatory effects.

2

Bypass Delta-6 Desaturase Limitation

Conversion of LA to GLA requires DELTA-6 DESATURASE — limited in: aging, diabetes, alcohol use, deficiency states. Direct GLA supplementation bypasses this conversion bottleneck. Theoretical advantage in those with reduced conversion capacity.

3

Skin Barrier Lipid Support

GLA contributes to skin barrier lipid composition; theoretical benefit for skin conditions (though clinical evidence limited for eczema).

4

Cytokine Modulation

GLA modulates pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) via DGLA-derived eicosanoids and direct effects.

Clinical trials

1
Borage Oil for Rheumatoid Arthritis — Leventhal 1993
PubMed

RCT of borage oil GLA (1.4 g GLA/day) vs placebo in 37 RA patients for 24 weeks.

37 RA patients.

GLA group had significant improvements in joint tenderness, swelling, and morning stiffness. Established borage oil as RA adjunct. Adjunct only — not replacement for DMARDs/biologics.

2
GLA for Atopic Dermatitis — Systematic Review (Bamford 2013)
PubMed

Systematic review/meta-analysis of 27 RCTs of borage and evening primrose oil for atopic dermatitis.

Pooled across 27 RCTs.

GLA NOT effective for atopic dermatitis. Despite long folk use, RCT evidence does not support benefit. Notable example of folk medicine claims not surviving rigorous evaluation.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated.
Mild GI distress (nausea, soft stools).
Headache rare.
PYRROLIZIDINE ALKALOID (PA) CONCERN — borage plant contains hepatotoxic PAs; reputable products test/certify PA-free; AVOID untested products.
Theoretical seizure threshold lowering (older case reports of seizures in epileptics at very high doses).
Bleeding risk theoretical (modest).

Important Drug interactions

ANTICOAGULANTS — additive bleeding risk theoretical; minor.
PHENOTHIAZINES (chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine) — case reports of seizure threshold lowering; AVOID combination.
Anticonvulsants — theoretical seizure risk; consult.
Hepatotoxic medications — pyrrolizidine alkaloid risk amplified; choose PA-tested products.
Pregnancy — limited safety data; PA risk for fetus; AVOID without obstetric guidance.
Lactation — PAs may transfer to breast milk; AVOID without medical guidance.
Pre-surgery — discontinue 1-2 weeks before.
Featured In

Symptom-specific supplement guides

🌿Best Supplements for Eczema

More Hair, Skin & Nails Ingredients

Cardiovascular
Niacin
Niacin, or vitamin B3, is a vital nutrient that supports energy production by serving as a…
Cardiovascular
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an…
Immune Support
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin commonly used in supple…
Immune Support
Zinc
Zinc, an essential trace mineral, is commonly supplemented in forms like zinc gluconate, a…

Frequently asked questions about Borage Oil (Starflower Oil)

What is Borage Oil (Starflower Oil)?

Borage oil is cold-pressed from BORAGE SEEDS (Borago officinalis, also known as 'starflower') — distinguished as having the HIGHEST KNOWN CONCENTRATION OF GAMMA-LINOLENIC ACID (GLA, ~20-26%) of any commercial plant oil, surpassing evening primrose (~9%) and black currant (~15%).

What does Borage Oil (Starflower Oil) do?

GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) is metabolized via elongase to DGLA (dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid), which produces SERIES-1 PROSTAGLANDINS (PGE1) — anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet, vasodilatory. Distinguishes from arachidonic acid pathway producing pro-inflammatory PGE2. In clinical research, Borage Oil (Starflower Oil) has been studied for highest gla concentration of plant oils, rheumatoid arthritis adjunct, atopic dermatitis / eczema (mixed evidence).

Who should take Borage Oil (Starflower Oil)?

Borage Oil (Starflower Oil) may be most relevant for people interested in hair, skin & nails, joint health. It has been clinically studied for highest gla concentration of plant oils, rheumatoid arthritis adjunct, atopic dermatitis / eczema (mixed evidence). As with any supplement, consult your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you have medical conditions or take prescription medications.

How long does Borage Oil (Starflower Oil) take to work?

Most clinical trial effects appear over weeks of consistent use; individual response varies. Acute or same-day effects (where applicable) typically appear within hours, but most cumulative benefits — particularly those affecting biomarkers, mood, sleep quality, or chronic symptoms — require 4-12 weeks of regular use to fully assess. If you don't notice benefit after 12 weeks at the appropriate dose, it may not be your responder.

When is the best time to take Borage Oil (Starflower Oil)?

Borage Oil (Starflower Oil) can typically be taken with breakfast or dinner — taking with food reduces GI sensitivity for most supplements. Specific timing matters less than daily consistency for cumulative effects. Always check product labeling and follow personalized guidance from your healthcare provider.

Is Borage Oil (Starflower Oil) worth taking?

Borage Oil (Starflower Oil) has moderate clinical evidence (Evidence Level 3/5 on NutraSmarts) — meaningful trial support exists, though results are less consistent than top-tier ingredients. Whether it's worth taking depends on your specific goals, what you've already tried, your budget, and your overall supplement strategy. The honest framing: no supplement is essential for most people, and lifestyle factors (sleep, exercise, diet, stress management) typically produce larger effects than any single supplement. Borage Oil (Starflower Oil) is most worth trying if its evidence-supported uses align with your specific goals.

What is the recommended dosage of Borage Oil (Starflower Oil)?

The clinically studied dose for Borage Oil (Starflower Oil) is 1-3 g borage oil/day (providing 240-720 mg GLA daily); RA trials used up to 1.4 g GLA/day. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is Borage Oil (Starflower Oil) used for?

Borage Oil (Starflower Oil) is studied for highest gla concentration of plant oils, rheumatoid arthritis adjunct, atopic dermatitis / eczema (mixed evidence). Distinguishes borage from evening primrose (~9% GLA) and black currant (~15% GLA). Lower volume of borage oil needed for equivalent GLA dose. Cost-effective GLA source per dose.