Borage Oil

Borage Oil appears to be effective in some cases of rheumatoid arthritis. Borage Oil might also be indicated in other inflammatory disorders, such as Sjogren's syndrome and ulcerative colitis. Other possible indications include acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), diabetic neuropathy, elevated serum lipids, hypertension, and osteoporosis. Borage Oil has not proved useful for menopausal flushing, premenstrual syndrome, or tardive dyskinesia. It may be indicated in some cases for atopic dermatitis as well as for uremic skin conditions in hemodialysis patients. Borage Oil should probably not be used in efforts to enhance immunity, as it may be immunosuppressive.

Nursing mothers and women who are pregnant women should avoid using Borage Oil supplements. Individuals with a history of partial complex seizure disorders should avoid using Borage Oil. Individuals with other types of seizure disorders and schizophrenics who are being treated with certain neuroleptic drugs, such as aliphatic phenothiazines, which may lower seizure threshold, should avoid Borage Oil use. Those with hemophilia or other hemorrhagic diatheses and those taking warfarin should exercise caution in the use of this supplement due to possible antithrombotic activity. Before any surgical procedure, Borage Oil supplementation should be stopped. Individuals with immune deficiency disorders, such as AIDS, should exercise caution in the use of Borage Oil due to its possible inhibition of lymphocyte function. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (such as amabiline, lycopsamine and thesinine) are found in various parts of the borage plant. The unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids, such as amabiline, are potentially hepatotoxic and carcinogenic. Amabiline hasn't been detected in Borage Oil supplements down to five parts per million. However, chronic consumption of Borage Oil containing levels of amabiline of one part per million might be harmful. Individuals who use Borage Oil chronically should only use products that are certified free of unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Borage Oil might cause such gastrointestinal symptoms as bloating, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, and vomiting. Borage Oil may precipitate symptoms of undiagnosed complex partial seizures and should be used, if at all, with extreme caution in individuals with a history of seizure disorders or those taking drugs that lower the seizure threshold, such as aliphatic phenothiazines. Use of Borage Oil in schizophrenics who are being treated with certain neuroleptic agents that lower seizure threshold might cause partial complex seizures and possibly other types of seizures. Interactions might occur between Borage Oil and anticoagulants, such as warfarin, as well as antiplatelet medicines, such as aspirin and NSAIDs. Such interactions might enhance the effects of the anticoagulants and antiplatelet medicines. Manifestations of such interactions, if they were to occur, include hematuria, nosebleeds, and increased susceptibility to bruising. Borage Oil intake should be halted if these symptoms develop. Interactions might occur if Borage Oil is used with supplements that have antithrombotic activity, such as fish oils. This might be marked by nosebleeds and increased susceptibility to bruising. Interactions may occur if Borage Oil is used with such herbs as garlic and ginkgo. Such interactions may be marked by nosebleeds and easy bruising. This website is intended to educate and inform, and should not replace discussions with your doctor.