Effect of Borage Oil Supplementation on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of Randomized Control Trials
Subject Areas :
َSamira Movahed
1
,
Hoda Heidarali
2
,
Behnaz Kamali
3
,
Mina Rashidipour
4
,
Mina Moghadam Zarandi
5
,
Sina Khalifeh
6
,
Sepehr Khalifeh
7
,
Behnood Abbasi
8
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5 -
6 -
7 -
8 -
Keywords: Borage Oil, Dermatitis, Atopic, Acne Vulgaris, gamma-Linolenic Acid, Skin Care.,
Abstract :
Background: Borage oil, rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), has been widely used for its potential anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing properties. This systematic review aims to evaluate the current evidence on the efficacy of borage oil in improving skin health.
Method: A comprehensive literature review was performed across prominent databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and the Scientific Information Database, extending until February 2025. This review was complemented by searches in the Elsevier and SpringerLink databases. The search strategy was formulated using the terms "Borage" OR "Borage oil", "Borage seed" in combination with "Skin" OR "Dermatitis" OR "Eczema" OR "skin health", along with all relevant components, to explore the articles and databases. Following the screening process, a total of 14 articles were identified.
Result: After screening 628 abstracts, 14 RCTs were identified and met the inclusion criteria. In general, the findings suggested that borage may alleviate itching and improve erythema. It positively affected vesiculation and reduced skin blood flow. Borage may enhance skin hydration, benefiting skin barrier function, crusting, acne severity, and oozing. Improvements were noted in skin roughness, smoothness, and dryness, along with increased hydration and humidity. GLA levels in plasma phospholipids rose, which also showed reduced interleukin-8 and TGF-beta markers.
Conclusion: Borage oil may effectively alleviate skin issues and is recommended as an adjunct therapy for skin disorders.
1. Hay RJ, Augustin M, Griffiths CEM, Sterry W. The global challenge for skin health. Br J Dermatol. 2015;172(6):1469-72.
2. Yakupu A, Aimaier R, Yuan B, Chen B, Cheng J, Zhao Y, et al. The burden of skin and subcutaneous diseases: findings from the global burden of disease study 2019. Front Public Health. 2023;11:1145513.
3. Mengist Dessie A, Fenta Feleke S, Getaye Workie S, Getinet Abebe T, Mossu Chanie Y, Kassa Yalew A. Prevalence of Skin Disease and Its Associated Factors Among Primary Schoolchildren: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Northern Ethiopian Town. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2022;15:791-801.
4. Tabassum N HM. Plants used to Treat Skin Diseases. Pharmacognosy Reviews. 2014;15(8):52-60.
5. van Gool CJ, Thijs C, Henquet CJ, van Houwelingen AC, Dagnelie PC, Schrander J, et al. γ-Linolenic acid supplementation for prophylaxis of atopic dermatitis—a randomized controlled trial in infants at high familial risk. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2003;77(4):943-51.
6. Andreassi M, Forleo P, Dilohjo A, Masci S, Arate G, Amerio P. Efficacy of γ-linolenic acid in the treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis. Journal of International Medical Research. 1997;25(5):266-74.
7. Buslau M, Thaci D. Atopische dermatitis: Borretschol zur systemischen therapie. Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie. 1996;182(3):131-2+ 4-6.
8. Borrek S, Hildebrandt A, Forster J. Gamma-linolenic-acid-rich borage seed oil capsules in children with atopic dermatitis. A placebo-controlled double-blind study. Klinische Padiatrie. 1997;209(3):100-4.
9. Henz B, Jablonska S, Van De Kerkhof P, Stingl G, Blaszczyk M, Vandervalk P, et al. Double‐blind, multicentre analysis of the efficacy of borage oil in patients with atopic eczema. British journal of dermatology. 1999;140(4):685-8.
10. Brosche T, Platt D. Effect of borage oil consumption on fatty acid metabolism, transepidermal water loss and skin parameters in elderly people. Archives of gerontology and geriatrics. 2000;30(2):139-50.
11. De Spirt S, Stahl W, Tronnier H, Sies H, Bejot M, Maurette J-M, et al. Intervention with flaxseed and borage oil supplements modulates skin condition in women. British journal of nutrition. 2008;101(3):440-5.
12. Thijs C, Van Houwelingen A, Poorterman I, Mordant A, Van Den Brandt P. Essential fatty acids in breast milk of atopic mothers: comparison with non-atopic mothers, and effect of borage oil supplementation. European journal of clinical nutrition. 2000;54(3):234-8.
13. Takwale A, Tan E, Agarwal S, Barclay G, Ahmed I, Hotchkiss K, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of borage oil in adults and children with atopic eczema: randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, parallel group trial. Bmj. 2003;327(7428):1385.
14. Genovese L, Corbo A, Sibilla S. An insight into the changes in skin texture and properties following dietary intervention with a nutricosmeceutical containing a blend of collagen bioactive peptides and antioxidants. Skin pharmacology and physiology. 2017;30(3):146-58.
15. Puch F, Samson‐Villeger S, Guyonnet D, Blachon JL, Rawlings AV, Lassel T. Consumption of functional fermented milk containing borage oil, green tea and vitamin E enhances skin barrier function. Experimental dermatology. 2008;17(8):668-74.
16. Jung JY, Kwon HH, Hong JS, Yoon JY, Park MS, Jang MY, et al. Effect of dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid and gamma-linolenic acid on acne vulgaris: a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial. Acta dermato-venereologica. 2014;94(5):521-5.
17. Morse NL, Reid AJ, St‐Onge M. An open‐label clinical trial assessing the efficacy and safety of Bend Skincare Anti‐Aging Formula on minimal erythema dose in skin. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine. 2018;34(2):152-61.
18. Jung JY, Kwon HH, Hong JS, Yoon JY, Park MS, Jang MY, et al. Effect of dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid and gamma-linolenic acid on acne vulgaris: a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial. Acta Derm Venereol. 2014;94(5):521-5.
