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Borage

Borage (Boraginacae, Borago officinalis) has been known at least since the seventeenth century and has been used medicinally to treat conditions, such as melancholic states, coughs and depression. Other uses of borage along with other herbs included: culinary use to flavor ready-made alcoholic beverages such as wine cups; and flavoring in food, such as salads. Borage was also used as a source of gamma linoleic acid. Borage (Borago officinalis) conatains approximately 23% of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) (based on the total fatty acid content). GLA has a variety of beneficial effects on the human body, which include the health benefits in curing, for example, atopic eczema, rheumatic arthritis, atheriosclerosis, diabetic neuropathy, migraines, schizophrenia and cancer. The constituents of borage seed oil contains gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), sterols (e.g., campestrol and sitosterol), tocopherols, linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic, amabiline, etc. Borage has been shown to have diaphoretic, expectorant, tonic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, galactogogue and nervine activities. It has a reputation as an anti-inflammatory herb used in conditions such as pleurisy. Borage contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, including lycopsamine, intermedine and their acetyl derivatives, amabiline and supinine.

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