Borage Purchase & Information

Alternative Names

Beebread, Bee Plant, Borage, Borage Oil, Borraja, Borago, Bourrache Commune, Bourrache, Burrage, Burage, Common Bugloss, Common Borage, Cool Tankard, Fleur de Bourrache, Feuille de Bourrache, Huile de Graines de Bourrache, Huile de Bourrache, Langue de Bœuf, Ox's Tongue, Pain-des-Abeilles, Starflower, Starflower Oil, Talewort CAUTION: Please refer to separate listing for Evening Primrose Oil, Black Currant, Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Gamma Linolenic Acid

Scientific Name

Borage Officinalis

Why Do People Use Borage?

Orally The oral preparations of Borago officinalis (Borage), like borage powder, are used: • For the treatment of atopic eczema • To increase the production of breast milk • For neurodermatitis • To relieve stress • For infantile seborrheic dermatitis • As a means for blood purification • To increase circulatory capacity • To boost up adrenal function • To prevent lung inflammation • As a cardiac tonic • As a diuretic • To induce sweating • As a sedative • To mitigate rheumatoid arthritis (RA) While topical form of borage is used as an emollient poultice and for infantile seborrheic dermatitis. Miscellaneous in food items, borage powder is used to prepare salads and soups. For manufacturing purpose, Borago officinalis is also utilized in skin protection items.

Is It Safe To Use?

Likely Safe - It is likely safe when utilized topically or orally in an appropriate manner. Clinical experiments have demonstrated that borage powder may also be safe to use for children. Likely Unsafe - Borago officinalis is possibly unsafe when products containing liver damaging (hepatotoxic) constituent pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) are used. In addition, borage may trigger veno-occlusive diseases and may act as a carcinogen and mutinogenic agent. Likely Unsafe in Lactation & Pregnancy - It is likely unsafe when hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) containing borage powder is utilized orally during pregnancy and lactation (as it may also be excreted in milk). Moreover, the PA constituent of borage may also initiate veno-occlusive diseases and may act as a carcinogen and mutinogenic agent.

How Effective Is Borage?

Possibly Effective Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) - There are some clinical confirmations that borage powder, especially when used in combination with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), may be useful for patients with ARDS as it may be helpful in decreasing the number of days spent in an ICU under ventilator support. Moreover, Borago officinalis has also shown promise in the management of following conditions: • Prematurity • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) • Seborrheic dermatitis Likely Ineffective Atopic Dermatitis - Taking 500-2000 mg of borage powder orally on daily basis for six consecutive months does not seem to cause any improvement in the symptoms of atopic dermatitis in children or persons up to 18 years of age or above.

How Borage Works?

Leaves and flowers are the most effective parts of Borago officinalis. Borage oil possess 18%-26% gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a member of omega 6 fatty acid family. The blooms and leaves of borage don't contain GLA. GLA functions to lessen the level of several mediators of inflammation like interleukin 1 (IL-1)-beta, which may be the basic culprit behind rheumatoid arthritis. GLA is metabolized quickly to dihomogammalinolenic acid (DGLA). DGLA eventually leads to the production of prostaglandin, which possess anti-inflammatory properties. Borage and fish oil mixture, tweaks the immune system by diminishing the serum level of interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interleukin 10 (IL-10). Likewise, borage can diminish the activity of tumor necrosis factor (TNF). GLA is also considered to increase the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), lowers triglycerides, has antiplatelet impacts, declines pulse, and prolongs bleeding time. Further, GLA may have an antiestrogenic impact on body. It appears to improve breast cancer cells sensitivity to drugs like fulvestrant (Faslodex) and paclitaxel (Taxol), making them able to kill cancerous cells without any side effects on ordinary cells. But, other experiments recommend that GLA alone can initiate the breast cancer development at low concentrations and prevent its development at high concentrations. It has been hypothesized that low level of arachidonic acid in breast milk of atopic ladies may enhance the potential risk of atopy in babies. But maternal oral supplementation with borage does not build arachidonic acid concentration in breast milk. Borage powder also seems to contain variety of pyrrolizidine (PA) compounds. These compounds are known hepatoxins. Although these compounds are present in almost all parts of Borago officinalis but roots seem to be the most abundant source. Different types of PAs have different levels of toxicity. Unsaturated PAs are more notorious for causing liver damage as compared to any other forms. The exact mechanism of hepatotoxity induced by borage PAs is still not properly understood but it is believed that these substances may increase the level of oxidative stress resulting in increased cell death of hepatocytes (liver cells). Not only do these toxins cause damage to the liver but they cause damage to the lungs as well.

What Are The Side Effects /Adverse Reactions of Borage?

Following oral usage, borage powder may show side effects like diarrhea, softening of stool, bloating and belching. Moreover, it contains high concentration of hepatotoxic PA, which may cause liver damage even within days of use.

How Borage Interacts With Other Herbs and Supplements?

Borage powder may interact with following herbs and supplements: • Antiplatelet / Anticoagulant supplements & herbs • Hepatotoxic Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid (PA) containing herbs

How Borage Interacts With Drugs?

Borago officinalis may show adverse interacts with following drugs: • Anesthetics • Antiplatelet / Anticoagulant drugs • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs

How Borage Interacts With Foods?

Not known.

How Borage Interacts With Lab Tests?

Bleeding Time - Bleeding time may extend following the oral usage of borage powder. Lipid Profile - Borago officinalis may increase lipid prolife. Liver Disease - Liver diseases may worsen due to alkaloids of borage. Surgery - It is known that borage has antiplatelet effects. If utilized preoperatively, it may cause over bleeding. So, patients should be advised to stop the use of borage powder at least two weeks before their suggested surgical treatments.

How Borage Interacts With Diseases and Conditions?

Not known.

What Should Be the Dose/Administration of Borage?

ORAL Patients with rheumatoid arthritis should consume borage powder in a daily dose of 1.1 or 1.4 grams. Duration of this dosage should be up to 6 months. While for atopic dermatitis, borage should be utilized in a dose of 500-2000 mg for 6 consecutive weeks. TOPICAL For infantile form of seborrheic dermatitis, 0.5 ml of borage should be applied to the affected areas twice daily for at least 10-12 days. After the lesions subside, borage should be used for extended period, thrice each week till the baby reaches the age of 6 to 7 months.

Comments

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General Certificate of Analysis (COA)

Specification sheet links below are a standard copy of the COA less the batch or lot number and manufactures dates. Specification sheet can be dated and should only be considered as a general information. Please contact and request an up to date COA if needed for specific updated information before placing order by filling out the contact form with product name and SKU number. If ordering quantities of twenty five kilos or more contact for availability.