Borage seed oil: Proceed cautiously

Borage seed oil, sometimes called starflower oil for its herb’s star-shaped flowers, is (like evening primrose oil) one of the few rich plant sources of the essential fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA.

*

Uses: Borage oil is often used for arthritis, eczema, premenstrual syndrome and diabetes symptoms. It’s also taken in attempts to prevent cancer, heart disease and stroke, but there’s limited human evidence for any of these uses.

Dose: Usually about 1 to 2 grams a day, in separate doses, for arthritis, and several hundred milligrams a day for eczema and chronic disease prevention.

Precautions: Borage oil can hinder the blood’s ability to clot, so it should be avoided by people on blood-thinning drugs and those with plans to undergo surgery. People with immune disorders and those with epilepsy should also avoid the supplement, as it may suppress the immune system and prompt seizures. Borage plants contain unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids, plant chemicals that can damage the liver and may be carcinogenic in large doses, so supplement takers should look for products that are labeled UPA-free. The supplement can cause nausea and bloating.

Research: Studies of borage oil use for PMS have produced inconsistent results. A few small studies have shown that it may be useful in treating arthritis and high blood pressure, but larger, long-term trials are needed. Past studies on borage oil’s ability to relieve the itchiness of atopic eczema produced mixed results, but a study released last week in the British Medical Journal showed the oil was less effective in treating the skin condition than a placebo -- or dummy pill.

Dietary supplement makers are not required by the U.S. government to demonstrate that their products are safe or effective. Ask your health-care provider for advice on selecting a brand.

-- Elena Conis