# Cold-Pressed Borage Seed Oil (Borago officinalis)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/cold-pressed-borage-seed-oil
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-31
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Seed Oils
**Also Known As:** Borago officinalis seed oil, starflower seed oil, starflower oil, borage oil, GLA oil, borage seed oil, Borago officinalis oil

## Overview

Cold-pressed borage seed oil is the richest plant-derived source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), comprising 18–24% of its fatty acid profile. GLA serves as a direct precursor to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), which competes with arachidonic acid in eicosanoid synthesis pathways to support [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) balance.

## Health Benefits

• Rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (18-24%) - though no clinical studies provided
• Contains [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties demonstrated in vitro (EC50 132-182 mg/mg DPPH) - preliminary evidence only
• High in essential fatty acids including linoleic acid (34-42%) - compositional data only
• Meets USP-NF pharmaceutical purity standards - quality specification, not health benefit
• Note: No human clinical trials or health outcomes data available in current research

## Mechanism of Action

GLA in borage seed oil is elongated by delta-6-desaturase to DGLA, which accumulates in cell membranes and competes with arachidonic acid for cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzyme activity, shifting eicosanoid production toward less pro-inflammatory [prostaglandin](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) E1 (PGE1) and away from prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). The oil's linoleic acid (34–42%) also serves as a substrate for the delta-6-desaturase pathway, contributing to overall n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid homeostasis. In vitro antioxidant assays record an EC50 of 132–182 mg/mg DPPH, suggesting tocopherol and phenolic constituents may scavenge [free radical](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s, though the specific active fractions have not been fully isolated.

## Clinical Summary

No published randomized controlled trials have evaluated cold-pressed borage seed oil specifically as an isolated intervention; existing evidence is primarily compositional or in vitro in nature. Some clinical research on GLA-containing oils broadly suggests potential benefit in atopic dermatitis and rheumatoid arthritis, but these studies used mixed GLA sources and varied dosages (typically 1.4–2.8 g GLA/day), making direct extrapolation to this product unreliable. The oil's compliance with USP-NF standards confirms purity and composition consistency, but does not constitute clinical efficacy evidence. Overall, the evidence base is preliminary and larger, well-controlled human trials are needed before therapeutic claims can be substantiated.

## Nutritional Profile

Cold-pressed borage seed oil is a lipid-rich oil (~99% fat) with a distinctive fatty acid profile. The dominant bioactive compound is gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, C18:3 n-6), present at approximately 18–26% of total fatty acids, making it one of the richest botanical sources of GLA available. Linoleic acid (LA, C18:2 n-6) constitutes approximately 34–42% of total fatty acids, followed by oleic acid (C18:1 n-9) at approximately 15–20%, palmitic acid (C16:0) at approximately 9–12%, stearic acid (C18:0) at approximately 3–5%, and erucic acid (C22:1 n-9) at approximately 2–4%. Minor fatty acids include eicosenoic acid (C20:1) at ~3–5% and nervonic acid (C24:1) at trace to ~2%. The caloric density is approximately 884 kcal per 100 mL (typical of pure plant oils). The oil contains fat-soluble minor constituents including tocopherols (primarily gamma-tocopherol at approximately 30–60 mg/100g and delta-tocopherol at approximately 5–15 mg/100g, with minimal alpha-tocopherol), which contribute to both [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and oxidative stability. Phytosterols are present at approximately 200–400 mg/100g total, including beta-sitosterol (~50–60% of sterol fraction), campesterol (~15–25%), and delta-5-avenasterol (~10–15%). Polyphenolic compounds are present in trace amounts in cold-pressed versions (contributing to the reported in vitro DPPH radical scavenging activity, EC50 132–182 mg/mg DPPH). Phospholipids may be present at low levels (~0.5–1.5%) in unrefined cold-pressed oil. The oil contains no significant protein, carbohydrates, fiber, or water-soluble vitamins. Mineral content is negligible. Regarding bioavailability: GLA from borage oil triglycerides is well-absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract (estimated >90% absorption when consumed with a meal containing dietary fat), and is subsequently converted via elongation to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA, C20:3 n-6), a precursor to [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) series-1 prostaglandins. GLA bioavailability from borage oil is considered comparable to or slightly superior to that from evening primrose oil due to higher GLA concentration per unit dose. Cold-pressing preserves heat-sensitive tocopherols and minor bioactives that may be degraded during solvent extraction or refining. The oil is highly susceptible to oxidative degradation due to its high polyunsaturated fatty acid content (iodine value ~140–155), necessitating storage under nitrogen, in dark glass, and at cool temperatures to preserve nutritional integrity.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as human trials are absent from the research. The oil typically contains 18-24% GLA according to USP-NF specifications, but therapeutic dosing has not been established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Borage seed oil contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in trace amounts depending on extraction method; cold-pressing may retain low levels, and long-term or high-dose use warrants caution due to potential hepatotoxicity associated with unsaturated PAs. It may potentiate the effects of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs such as warfarin and aspirin by modestly inhibiting thromboxane A2 synthesis via the DGLA pathway, increasing bleeding risk. Borage seed oil is contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential uterotonic effects of PGE1 precursors and uncertain PA exposure levels. Individuals with epilepsy should consult a physician before use, as GLA-rich oils have been associated with lowered seizure threshold in isolated case reports.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses were found in the available research. The evidence is limited to compositional analysis and in vitro [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) studies, with no PubMed PMIDs provided for clinical research.

## Historical & Cultural Context

No historical or traditional medicine uses are documented in the provided research sources. Traditional applications of borage oil are not described in the available data.

## Synergistic Combinations

Evening primrose oil, black currant seed oil, fish oil, vitamin E, zinc

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the GLA content of borage seed oil compared to evening primrose oil?

Cold-pressed borage seed oil contains 18–24% gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) by fatty acid composition, making it roughly two to three times more concentrated than evening primrose oil, which typically provides 8–10% GLA. This higher GLA density means smaller doses of borage seed oil are required to deliver equivalent GLA amounts, though clinical equivalence between the two sources has not been formally established.

### Is borage seed oil safe to take every day?

Daily use at moderate doses (500 mg–1 g oil) is generally considered low-risk for healthy non-pregnant adults when using a certified, PA-free or PA-reduced product. However, due to the potential for trace pyrrolizidine alkaloid content and its interaction with anticoagulant medications, daily long-term use should be discussed with a healthcare provider. USP-NF compliance helps ensure product purity, but does not eliminate the need for individual risk assessment.

### Can borage seed oil help with skin conditions like eczema?

The GLA in borage seed oil is hypothesized to support skin barrier function by increasing DGLA levels in keratinocyte membranes, modulating PGE1-mediated anti-inflammatory signaling. Some studies on GLA supplementation from mixed sources suggest modest improvements in atopic dermatitis symptoms, but no large-scale RCTs have isolated cold-pressed borage seed oil as the specific intervention. Current evidence is insufficient to make a definitive clinical recommendation for eczema treatment.

### Does borage seed oil interact with blood thinners?

Yes, borage seed oil may interact with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications including warfarin, clopidogrel, and aspirin. DGLA derived from GLA competes with arachidonic acid for thromboxane A2 synthesis, potentially reducing platelet aggregation and amplifying the blood-thinning effects of these drugs. Patients on anticoagulant therapy should inform their physician before adding borage seed oil supplementation and may require more frequent INR monitoring.

### What does cold-pressed mean for borage seed oil quality?

Cold-pressing extracts oil from borage seeds mechanically without heat or chemical solvents, preserving thermolabile compounds including tocopherols and polyunsaturated fatty acids such as GLA and linoleic acid (34–42%). Heat-based extraction methods can oxidize GLA and degrade antioxidant constituents, reducing bioactive potency. USP-NF certification on cold-pressed borage seed oil further confirms that fatty acid composition, peroxide values, and contaminant levels meet established pharmacopeial standards.

### How much GLA does cold-pressed borage seed oil provide per serving, and how does this compare to other GLA sources?

Cold-pressed borage seed oil typically contains 18-24% GLA by weight, making it one of the richest natural sources of this omega-6 fatty acid. A standard 1,000 mg capsule would provide approximately 180-240 mg of GLA, significantly higher than evening primrose oil which contains 8-10% GLA. The actual GLA content can vary depending on the extraction method and seed quality used in production.

### Is cold-pressed borage seed oil safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

While borage seed oil is generally recognized as a food supplement, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult with their healthcare provider before use, as safety data specific to these populations is limited. The high GLA content and its metabolic effects during pregnancy have not been thoroughly evaluated in clinical studies. Medical supervision is recommended to assess individual risk-benefit considerations.

### What makes cold-pressed borage seed oil different from refined or solvent-extracted versions?

Cold-pressing uses mechanical extraction without heat or chemicals, which preserves heat-sensitive compounds and antioxidants that may be lost in refined or solvent-extracted versions. This extraction method maintains the oil's natural fatty acid profile while minimizing oxidation, though it typically results in lower yields and higher costs compared to conventional extraction methods. Cold-pressed oils are generally considered to have superior quality due to minimal processing, though both forms contain similar GLA concentrations.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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