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Borage Oil

source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)

Evidence · Grade C
Human trial evidenceTraditional useInteraction risk

Borage oil, rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), is explored for its potential anti-inflammatory and skin-supporting properties.

Borage oil, extracted from the seeds of the Borago officinalis plant, is a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid. It is commonly used as a dietary supplement and topical application for various skin conditions, including eczema due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Quick answer

What it is: Borage oil, extracted from the seeds of the Borago officinalis plant, is a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid.

May support:Rheumatoid Arthritis, Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Evidence:Evidence · Grade C

Evidence Summary

Evidence · Grade C

The current understanding of borage oil's potential benefits is largely based on its biochemical composition and the known metabolic pathways of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). While GLA's role in eicosanoid synthesis is established, direct clinical evidence for borage oil's efficacy in specific conditions requires further robust human trials. The current evidence base for its use in rheumatoid arthritis and eczema is considered limited, often relying on smaller studies or those with methodological limitations.

Last reviewed · Jun 2026

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Why It Works

GLA is metabolized in the body into anti-inflammatory compounds such as prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), which can help to reduce inflammation and modulate immune responses in the skin. Eczema is often associated with a deficiency in delta-6-desaturase, an enzyme crucial for converting linoleic acid to GLA, making GLA supplementation potentially beneficial.

How it works in more detail

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a key component of borage oil, is an omega-6 fatty acid that is metabolized in the body. It is converted by the enzyme delta-6-desaturase into dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA). DGLA can then be further metabolized into series 1 prostaglandins (e.g., PGE1) and series 3 leukotrienes, which are generally considered to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. This pathway contrasts with the metabolism of arachidonic acid, another omega-6 fatty acid, which typically leads to pro-inflammatory series 2 prostaglandins and series 4 leukotrienes. By providing a substrate for the anti-inflammatory pathway, borage oil may help to shift the balance of eicosanoid production in the body.

How to use

Always consult a qualified clinician.

Editorial guidance

Suggested dosage
For oral use, doses often range from 300 mg to 400 mg of GLA daily. For topical application, products typically contain 20% borage oil and are applied 1-2 times daily.
Research dosage range
Studies investigating borage oil have used a range of dosages, often providing 360-720 mg of GLA per day, derived from varying amounts of borage oil (e.g., 1.4 to 7.2 grams of borage oil).
Typical onset
The effects of borage oil, particularly for chronic inflammatory conditions, may not be immediate and could take several weeks to months of consistent use to become noticeable.
Typical forms
Capsule, Liquid oil
Quality markers
When purchasing borage oil, look for products that are cold-pressed, hexane-free, and certified free of unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). Products should be stored in opaque containers away from light and heat to prevent oxidation, and ideally contain antioxidants like vitamin E to maintain
Medication interactions
  • Anticoagulants/Antiplatelet drugs
  • NSAIDs
Avoid if
  • Pregnant (without medical supervision)
  • Breastfeeding (without medical supervision)
  • Taking blood-thinning medications (potential interaction)
  • Known allergy to borage or related plants
  • History of seizure disorders (theoretical concern with high doses)

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Suggested dosage

For oral use, doses often range from 300 mg to 400 mg of GLA daily. For topical application, products typically contain 20% borage oil and are applied 1-2 times daily.

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Active medicinal compounds

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), Linoleic acid (LA), Oleic acid

Traditional use

Historically, borage (Borago officinalis) has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including as a diuretic, diaphoretic, and for its perceived soothing properties. The leaves and flowers were sometimes used in teas or poultices. The use of borage oil specifically for its GLA content is a more modern application, stemming from scientific understanding of fatty acid metabolism.

Safety

Safety warnings

Borage oil is generally considered safe. Mild side effects may include gastrointestinal upset, bloating, or headache. Ensure products are pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA)-free, as PAs can be hepatotoxic.

Avoid if

  • Pregnant (without medical supervision)
  • Breastfeeding (without medical supervision)
  • Taking blood-thinning medications (potential interaction)
  • Known allergy to borage or related plants
  • History of seizure disorders (theoretical concern with high doses)

Medication interactions

  • Anticoagulants/Antiplatelet drugs
  • NSAIDs

Reported side effects

  • Mild gastrointestinal upset
  • Bloating
  • Nausea
  • Headache

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Evidence ecosystem

Scientific literature, clinical guidance, government sources, ongoing research, traditional use, and lived experience — grouped by source type and quality.

Overall grade (C)

The current understanding of borage oil's potential benefits is largely based on its biochemical composition and the known metabolic pathways of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). While GLA's role in eicosanoid synthesis is established, direct clinical evidence for borage oil's efficacy in specific conditions requires further robust human trials. The current evidence base for its use in rheumatoid arthritis and eczema is considered limited, often relying on smaller studies or those with methodological limitations.

Randomized Human Trials(1)

Controlled human studies with random assignment.

High Quality

  • Effect of dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid and gamma-linolenic acid on acne vulgaris: a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial.

    Jung JY, Kwon HH, Hong JS, Yoon JY, Park MS, Jang MY · Acta dermato-venereologica · 2014 · n=45

    This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, and histological changes induced by dietary omega-3 fatty acid and γ-linoleic acid in acne vulgaris. A 10-week, randomised, controlled parallel dietary intervention study was performed in 45 participants with mild to moderate acne, which were allocated to either an omega-3 fatty acid group (2,000 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid), a γ-linoleic acid group (borage oil containing 400 mg γ-linoleic acid), or a control group. After 10 weeks of omega-3 fatty acid or γ-linoleic acid supplementation, inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions decreased significantly. Patient subjective assessment of improvement showed a similar result. Heamatoxylin & eosin staining of acne lesions demonstrated reductions in inflammation and immunohistochemical staining intensity for interleukin-8. No severe adverse effect was reported. This study shows for the first time that omega-3 fatty a

    Randomized TrialPubMedHigh Quality

Limitations: A significant limitation is the lack of extensive, large-scale, placebo-controlled clinical trials specifically for borage oil in many of its purported applications. Existing studies may have small sample sizes, varying dosages, inconsistent formulations, or short durations, making it challenging to draw definitive conclusions about efficacy and optimal use. There is also a need for more research comparing borage oil directly with other GLA-rich oils or conventional treatments.

This page is educational. Statements use phrases like "may support" and "has been studied for"because no remedy here is approved to cure, treat, or reverse any condition. Discussion happens on the ailment pages — community statistics here are derived from those reports. Always consult a qualified clinician.

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