Borage Oil
Commonly used for
Women's HealthInflammation
Where to Buy
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The cheapest product is usually low quality, but more expensive doesn’t always mean better.
Wellness uses
Skin, joint, and hormonal support
This is anecdotal, and there isn't strong clinical evidence that it works for everyone.
What is it? / Overview
As the most concentrated common botanical GLA source, borage oil supplies anti-inflammatory prostaglandin precursors on the same rationale -- and with the same limited human trial evidence -- as evening primrose oil, but carries an additional liver-safety concern from pyrrolizidine alkaloids in unrefined product.
How is it used? / Administration
Form: Borago officinalis seed oil, the most concentrated common GLA source (~20-24% GLA) -- choose products certified pyrrolizidine-alkaloid (PA)-free
Typical dose studied: 1-3 g/day
Timing: With food
Pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) liver toxicity is the main safety concern, particularly with existing liver conditions; efficacy evidence is as weak as evening primrose oil's.
How well does it work? / Evidence
? Emerging / limited evidence
Who should avoid it?
Avoid with: End-stage liver disease / Cirrhosis; NAFLD / MASLD — Fatty liver disease; Breastfeeding; Epilepsy / Seizure disorder; Bleeding disorder / Coagulopathy
Interacts with: Anticoagulants, antiplatelets -- theoretical additive bleeding risk; Other hepatotoxic drugs -- additive risk if the product isn't PA-free certified
Already taking it? Confirm the specific product is certified pyrrolizidine-alkaloid-free -- unrefined borage oil can carry hepatotoxic PAs, which is the key differentiator from evening primrose oil.
Research & references
Sharifi M et al. (2024). The Effect of Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil on Inflammatory Diseases: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. Bayles B et al. (2009). Evening primrose oil. Am Fam Physician.
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