Borage

Borage is a naturalised aimual plant which has grown wild or in gardens for maity centuries. It was developed as a crop plant for its seed, with an oil content of about 30% which is very rich in GLA. It therefore competes with evening primrose oil and again, the crop should only be grown on contract for a reputable end-user. 

As early as the 2nd century a.d., borage mixed with honey was used to treat sore throat for which it is still recommended by contemporary herbalists. An infusion of the leaves and stems was once used as a diuretic, diaphoretic, and emollient. Other traditional uses include relief of symptoms of rheumatism, colds, and bronchitis. It is also believed to increase breast milk production. A poultice of fresh leaves has been used to treat inflammation. 

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Cook D, Grierson D, Jones C, Wallace A, West G and Tucker G. 2002. Modification of fatty acid composition in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) by expression of a borage delta6-desaturase. Mol Biotechnol 21 123-128. 

Prepare microsomes from borage seeds, lipid extraction, and fatty acid analysis according to Galle et al. (31). Protocol adapted from ref. (31). 

Borage (blue or, rarely, white) Calendula (orange)... 

Out f the blue Borage flowers are characteristically blue, but more unusual white flowers can sometimes be found. 

Borage, chives, lungwort Pulmonaria), sage, thyme, teasel Dipsacus futtonum), mint, marjoram, oregano, lavender... 

Below right) Space Invaders Rampant herbs include horseradish and Russian tarragon (pictured), plus feverfew, tansy, mint, comfrey, borage, evening primrose, coltsfoot, and creeping Jenny. 

There are several sources of y-linolenic acid including evening primrose, borage and blackcurrant oils. Indeed, the evening primrose is grown commercially for the production of y-linolenic acid. It is available in most health food shops and pharmacies. 

The Borage plant (syn. Forget-me-not) family (Boraginaceae Lindl.) contains L-ornithine (Figure 11 and 15) derived alkaloids, such as indicine-N-oxide in the heliotrope (Heliotropium indicum) and southern hound s tongue Cynoglosum creticum) species (Table 8). Farsam et al. reported on new alkaloids from... 

Table 8 General botanical characteristics of the Borage family - - ...

Borage Borage officinalis) Uses Oil used for eczema d matitis as a GLA supplement treat colds, coughs, bronchitis anti-inflammatory action used to treat arthritis Action Oil contains gamma linoleic acid (GLA) its metabohtes that are anti-inflammatory topical oil absorbed in skin t fluid retention in stratum comeum mucilage mahe acid components have ejqjectorant diuretic actions contains alkaloids that are hqjatotoxic AvaUable fonns Caps w/ 10-25%... 

Wettasinghe M, Shahidi F. Scavenging of reactive-oxygen species and DPPH free radicals by extracts of borage and evening primrose meals. Food Chemistry. 2000 70 17-26. 

Borage Anti-inflammatory diuretic Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, hepatotoxicity Avoid... 

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) Uses Topical treatment of wounds, bruises, sprains, inflammation Action Multiple chemical components, allantoin promotes cell division, rosmarinic acid has anti-inflammatory effects, tannin possesses astringent effects, mucilage is a demulcent w/ anti-inflammatory properties, pyrrolizidine alkaloids cause hepatotox Available forms Topical application w/ 5—20% of herb applied on intact skin for up to 10 d Contra Do not take orally d/t hepatotox, do not use if PRG or w/ lactation Notes/SE N/V, exfoliative dermatitis w/ topical use Interactions T Risk of hepatotox W/ ingestion of borage, golden ragwort, hemp, Petasites EMS None... 

Borage Borago officinalis (Boraginaceae) seed 28-35 linoleic (38), y-linolenic (23-26), oleic (16), palmitic (11) dietary supplement for y-linolenic acid content (see page 46)... 

Linolenic acid (Gamma) 18 3 cis,cis,cis- 6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid Borage oil... 

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