History and Origin
Borage with the scientific name of “Echium amoenum” is native to some parts of northern Iran and the Caucasus. This plant is also found in many parts of Europe, West Asia, and North America and is often seen wildly (the plant that grows by itself without cultivating its seed) beside the rivers. In the early nineteenth century, they used young parts of the plant like its foliage cooked, or as a salad. Old botanists sometimes called this plant Bugloss.
According to some documentation, the Latin name of borage, i.e. Borago, is a distortion of the word corago (“cor” means heart and “ago” means the past). This name was due to the effect of this plant on the human heart. However, John Steve Henslow (1796-1861), a British botanist, believed that this word derives from barrach, a word from the ancient Irish language (Celtic) meaning a brave man.
Borage Plant Structure
Borage is a perennial herbaceous plant with alternate-leaves and long-stalked flowers. The flowers are star-shaped wheel or funnel-shaped. Echium amoenum (Iranian borage) is a hairy herb with russet-red and funnel-shaped flowers and lance-shaped dark green foliage. Its leaves and stems are covered in very fine hairs. As the flowers become mature, their color changes to become lighter pink and purple. After the drying process, they can be seen in violet-blue.
The photo of Echium amoenum
Borage Health Benefits
1. Antidepressant Properties
In a study, 35 patients with mild to moderate major depressive disorder were examined. These patients randomly received a placebo or 375 mg of aqueous extract of borage. They were examined within six weeks; the results indicated that in the final weeks, borage extract was superior to the placebo; this difference was significant in the fourth week and was close to significant in the sixth week. Extract of borage did not cause side effects more than the placebo in any weeks.
2. Calming Anxiety and Stress
A 6-week clinical trial was carried out for evaluating the efficacy of aqueous borage extract for the treatment of 33 patients with an obsessive-compulsive disorder. The study shows the extract can be an effective and safe drug for treating such patients, although more studies are required to confirm it.
The aqueous extract of borage probably has an effect on the serotonergic system, which may reduce the nervous system discomfort.
3. Regulating Irregular Heartbeat
In a research, ten groups of male rats were fed with 100, 200, 400, 600 mg/kg brewed borage, and also its combination with 250 mg/kg Citrus Aurantiflia for 6 days. The control group received water. Then, their heart rate was measured by noninvasive methods before and after Phenylephrine injection to their tails. Consumption of borage along with dried lime reduced basic heart rate and heart rate after Phenylephrine injection. The greatest effect was related to dried lime and borage extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg. The basic heart rate was significantly different between the brewed plant group and the control group.
The heart rate-lowering property of these extracts was more than the heart rate-lowering property of Phenylephrine at a dose of 688.6 mg/kg. The findings of this experiment have shown that consumption of brewed borage increases blood pressure, especially in those suffering from higher blood pressure. But consumption of borage with dried lime is useful for reducing heartbeat.
4. Anticonvulsant
In a research, the anticonvulsant effect of methanolic extract of Iranian borage was investigated on seizures caused by picrotoxin in Syrian mice. Animals were pre-treated by inside trait injection of different doses of the extract. 20 minutes later, they were injected with picrotoxin. The effect of the extract on changing the start time of seizure attacks, duration of seizures, and death time due to picrotoxin, was measured and compared in volunteer and control groups.
Phytochemical studies have shown the presence of flavonoids in this plant, and it has been proved that these ingredients can be traced to benzodiazepine receipts by binding them. As a result, the study clearly shows that the methanolic extract of borage has anticonvulsant effects on Syrian mice. The borage extract significantly delayed the start time of seizure compared to the control group that only received picrotoxin.
5. Preventing Skin Aging and Repairing Damaged Skin
A research investigated the borage effect on improvement (recovery) and recurrence of Atopic Dermatitis (a chronic skin disease). This study was performed to compare the effects of prescribed topical corticosteroids and borage extract on the recovery and recurrence of lesions in children with atopic dermatitis.
In this clinical trial, two groups of 25 patients (children up to 12 years old) with atopic dermatitis condition, were randomly selected and prescribed either topical corticosteroids or borage extract. The finding of this study, 20 days after the start of treatment, indicated that the rate of recovery in response to consumption of borage extract was 72% high, 4% moderate, and 24% low. But with the use of corticosteroids, the recovery rate was 24% high, 12% moderate, and 64% low.
Moreover, Skin lesions did not recur after using the extract, and also up to 10 days after stopping its consumption. But after using topical corticosteroids, 64% of the participants had a moderate risk of recurrence, and 36% had a low risk. According to the results of this study, due to the higher rate of recovery and a lower rate of recurrence with borage extract in comparison with corticosteroids, the borage extract can be used to treat skin dermatitis.
A research published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2009 shows that consumption of borage oil reduces women’s inflammation and skin redness.
Animal studies suggest that skin disorders, caused by the imbalance of fatty acids, can be treated with this plant.
It also helps to treat acne, eczema, and psoriasis. (1)
6. Alleviating Arthritis Inflammation
A study was conducted to investigate borage extract effects on patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In this double-blind clinical trial, 37 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were given 4.1 g/day extract of borage for a period of 24 weeks. The results showed that consumption of borage seed oil reduced clinical symptoms of arthritis in these patients without creating any side effects. (2)
There is also some evidence that following a consecutive regular borage oil treatment for six weeks, some people noticed a decrease in joint pain, severity of tenderness as well as swelling.
Studies have shown that borage oil provides high levels of fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a strong anti-inflammatory found in certain plant oils. Entering the body, GLA changes to a substance named dihomo-y-linolenic acid (DGLA). This ingredient helps to reduce inflammation in the body by inhibition of leukotriene synthesis. (3)
7. Improving Kidney Function
A study has been conducted with the aim of determining the effect of consumption of brewed borage on urine and blood biochemistry in non-dialysis patients with renal failure. In this clinical trial, a group of 25 mature patients with CRF (chronic renal failure) was randomly selected. The patients were prescribed 70g of brewed borage twice a day for one week. They determined relative healing and preventing the severity of chronic renal failure by a significant increase of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). As other indicators of recovery and control of GRF progression, we can refer to reducing blood pressure levels and weights of the patients, which both increase as the accumulation of fluids in the body.
Based on the results of this study, urinary creatinine, sodium, and phosphorus excretion of the patients increased, clearly resulted from the use of borage plant.
Based on the safe nature of the plant, and also the effect of oral use on improving some of the kidney function criteria such as increasing GFR, consumption of its brewed can be recommended to patients with mild to advanced renal failure.
According to another research on laboratory mice in Ontario, Canada, 7-day oral consumption of borage seed oil reduces inflammation, glomerular injuries, and sclerosis.
8. Regulating Blood Glucose Levels
A research was carried out to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of borage plant on blood glucose levels. In this study, the effect of borage was investigated on 30 diabetic male rats by intraperitoneal injection of hydroalcoholic extract of borage (100, 400, and 600 mg/kg) for 30 days. The insulin level in under-treatment animals with 400 and 600 mg/kg of borage extract showed a significant increase in comparison with the diabetic group. This study proved that Persian borage extract has a decreasing effect on blood glucose levels. In addition, the levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL in all groups were reduced in a dose-dependent manner; the reduction was rather significant in higher doses of the extract (400 and 600 mg/kg) compared with the diabetic control group. These effects are probably due to the presence of ingredients such as flavonoids, saponins, polyphenols, and antioxidants. (4)
9. Anti-cancer
Researches show that borage plant has antioxidant and antimutagenic properties, which fight the growth of cancer cells.
In laboratory studies, they noticed that borage oil increases cytotoxic activities that significantly shorten the life span of toxic cells while prolonging the life span of the healthy host. Furthermore, due to its ability to lower underlying oxidative genetic damage that causes inflammation and disease development, borage oil supplementation is recommended for protecting DNA and treating cancer naturally. (3)
What Are Borage Side Effects?
1. Children
An appropriate dose of borage seed oil is POSSIBLY SAFE when consumed orally. However, borage seed oil can be UNSAFE when the products containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) are taken orally.
2. Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding
Borage seed oil is likely UNSAFE during pregnancy and while breast-feeding.
Avoid borage products that might contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). PAs are a risk to mothers because they can cause serious liver disease and might be a cause for cancer; they are also a risk to infants because they might cause birth defects, and they can pass into breast milk.
Nevertheless, researchers are not sure if certified PA-free borage products are safe during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Therefore, stay on the safe side and avoid using borage during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
3. Bleeding Disorders
There is some concern that borage seed oil might prolong bleeding time and subsequently increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
If you have a bleeding disorder, take borage with caution.
4. Liver Disease
Borage products containing hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) might worsen liver disease.
5. Surgery
Borage may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery.
So, stop consuming borage at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. (5)
Nutritional Information
The herb contains many important phytonutrients, minerals, and vitamins that are essential for optimum health and wellness.
Evaluation of its nutritional composition showed the presence of calcium, phosphorus, iron, and Vitamin C. Furthermore, the extract contained carotenoids and anthocyanin. (6)
Borage Daily Dosage
A 2-gr dose of dried herb brewed in one cup of boiled water, taken 3 times a day, is recommended. (7)
Bioactive Compounds
Iranian borage has many effective compounds, such as tannin, mucilage, phenolic compounds (like rosmarinic acid, cyaniding, and delphinidin), sugar, flavonoid, and a small amount of alkaloid. This plant contains mucilage (3-5%), flavonoid (0.15%), and anthocyanin (13.43%) with delphinidin and cyaniding aglycones. The plant also contains an insignificant amount of pyrrolizidine alkaloid.
Best Time to Consume
2 hours before or after meals.
Possible Drug Interactions
1. Medications that increase the break down of other medications by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inducers)
Borage is broken down by the liver. Some chemicals that form, when the liver breaks down borage seed oil, can be harmful.
Medications which cause the liver to break down borage seed oil may enhance the toxic effects of chemicals contained in borage seed oil. Some of these medicines include carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), rifampin, and rifabutin (Mycobutin).
2. Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)
Borage seed oil contains GLA (gamma-linolenic acid). GLA might slow blood clotting. Taking borage seed oil along with medications that slow blood clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), clopidogrel (Plavix), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), dalteparin (Fragmin), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, and others.
3. Medications used during surgery (Anesthesia)
Borage seed oil might interact with medications used during surgery. So, consult with your GP about the natural products you are taking before your surgery.
Therefore, it is better to stop taking borage seed oil at least two weeks before surgery.
4. NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
NSAIDs are anti-inflammatory medications used to decrease pain and swelling. Borage seed oil is also used as an anti-inflammatory medication. Sometimes NSAIDs and borage seed oil are consumed together for rheumatoid arthritis. However, borage seed oil seems to function differently from NSAIDs.
Some scientists propose that taking NSAIDs along with borage seed oil can weaken the impact of borage seed oil. Some NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, and Nuprin), indomethacin (Indocin), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan, and Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), and aspirin. (5)
Traditional Use
E. amoenum was called “Lesan al sour” in Iranian traditional medicine. Its temperament has been mentioned as warm and dry. In Iranian traditional medicine texts, the flowers are used for the treatment of concern, cough, dyspnea, sore throat, grippe, and pneumonia. There are also some other effects such as efficacy in melancholy, obsession, fear, and icterus mentioned for this plant. Its flowers are known as an exhilarant and a tonic for the heart, liver, spirit, and brain. It was also mentioned for the treatment of nephrolithiasis. (8)
Some Questions about Borage
What is Persian borage tea?
Echium amoenum (known as Gol-e-Gavzaban in Persian) is an indigenous Iranian plant; its dried violet-blue petals are brewed in the same manner as tea.
What are the health benefits of borage tea?
Beneficial effects of aqueous extract of this plant in the management of an obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, depression, seizure, pain, brain ischemia, and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have been reported. The aqueous extract of E. amoenum petals has also been reported to reduce blood lipid peroxidation and increase total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total thiol in human, suggesting its potential antioxidant activity.
For more information, see the “Borage Health Benefits” section.
Is borage toxic and nightshade?
Borage plant parts contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are toxic to the liver and lungs and possibly carcinogenic. These alkaloids might be excreted into breastmilk.
Are borage flowers edible?
Yes, they are edible and are used as a medicinal herb in various countries.
How do borage flowers taste?
Borage flowers have a mild and distinct taste. They do not taste medicinal at all.
It is an aromatic, flavorful and soothing herbal tea, and has a rather pleasant cucumber-like taste. Some say it is cooling, while others say that it is spicy. Try it yourself to judge.
What are borage medicinal uses?
Borage flowers and leaves, as well as the oil extracted from the seeds, are used as medicine.
The flower and leaves are known to be useful for alleviating cough, reducing fever, and depression. Borage seed oil is also used to treat skin disorders, including dermatitis, seborrhea, eczema, and neurodermatitis.
Furthermore, it is used for stress, diabetes, obsessive-compulsive disorder, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), alcoholism, pain, swelling (inflammation), and for preventing heart disease and stroke.
Besides, borage is used for blood purification, increasing urine flow, increasing sweating, preventing lung inflammation, and it also works as a sedative.
For more information, please refer to the “Borage Health Benefits” section.
What are borage-healing properties?
The main medicinal parts of the E. amoenum plant are its flowers and leaves, used for therapeutic purposes in various parts of the world.
It is believed that this plant contains antidepressant, analgesic, antibacterial, antioxidant, anxiolytic, and immunomodulatory properties. Besides, it has been noted that its aqueous extract is effective in treatment of an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
For more information, please refer to the “Borage Health Benefits” section.
References
1. https://articles.mercola.com/
2. https://www.drugs.com/
3. https://draxe.com/borage-oil/
4. http://zums.ac.ir/journal/
5. http://www.webmd.com/
6. https://www.academia.edu/
7. http://articles.mercola.com/
8. https://www.researchgate.net/
