Scientific Effect
Borage seed oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid. Research indicates that this compound can alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and certain skin conditions.
Clinical Study
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with gammalinolenic acid.
Results
"Gammalinolenic acid in doses used in this study is a well-tolerated and effective treatment for active rheumatoid arthritis. "
Study Citation
Leventhal, L. J., Boyce, E. G., & Zurier, R. B. (1993). Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with gammalinolenic acid. Annals of internal medicine, 119(9), 867-873.
LinkClinical Study
The antiinflammatory effects of GLA administration observed in animal models, and the apparent clinical improvement experienced by 6 or 7 rheumatoid arthritis patients given borage seed oil in this open, uncontrolled study may be due in part to reduced generation of arachidonic acid oxygenation products.
Results
"Alteration of the cellular fatty acid profile and the production of eicosanoids in human monocytes by gamma-linolenic acid."
Study Citation
Pullman‐Mooar, S., Laposata, M., Lem, D., Holman, R. T., Leventhal, L. J., Demarco, D., & Zurier, R. B. (1990). Alteration of the cellular fatty acid profile and the production of eicosanoids in human monocytes by gamma‐linolenic acid. Arthritis & Rheumatism: Official Journal of the American College of Rheumatology, 33(10), 1526-1533.
LinkClinical Study
...patients treated with borage oil showed a favourable effect with regard to the skin changes...
Results
"Treatment of atopic dermatitis with borage seed oil (Glandol)--a time series analytic study"
Study Citation
Bahmer, F. A., & Schaefer, J. (1992). Treatment of atopic dermatitis with borage seed oil (Glandol)--a time series analytic study. Kinderarztliche Praxis, 60(7), 199-202.
Link