A Concise Review Study of Borage (Borago officinalis)

Abstract

Borage plant (Borago officinalis L.) is an herbaceous annual plant. It is used as a medicinal plant since ancient times.  It is also known as "starflower" originating in Syria, but naturalized throughout the Mediterranean region, as well as Asia Minor, Europe, North Africa, and South America. Traditionally borage was cultivated for culinary and medicinal uses, although today commercial cultivation is mainly as an oilseed which contains gamma-linolenic acid and other fatty acids. Naturopathic practitioners uses of borage for regulation of metabolism and the hormonal system, and consider it to be a good remedy for PMS and menopause symptoms such as the hot flash. Borage is sometimes indicated to alleviate and heal colds, bronchitis, and respiratory infections in general for its anti-inflammatory and balsamic properties. The flowers can be prepared in infusion to take advantage of its medicinal properties. The oleic and palmitic acid of borage may also confer a hypocholesterolemic effect. In Unani system of medicine the plant is very popular as Gaozaban and used in various khameeras for cardioprotection.

Keywords: Borago officinalis, Borage, γ-Linolenic acid, Gaozaban

Cite this Article

Rather S A, Ansari A N, Dar P A, Siddiqui M A. A Concise Review Study of Borage (Borago officinalis). Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2017; 7(1): 6–10p.