As medicinal herbs gain centre stage amid a global search for safer and more holistic therapies, a comprehensive review by a team of Indian researchers has decoded the science behind Borago officinalis, commonly known as borage or starflower.
Long used in traditional medicine systems across Europe and parts of Asia, the plant is now being examined through a modern pharmacological lens for its potential in reducing persistent inflammation that underlies conditions such as arthritis and cardiovascular disease. Equally significant is the plant’s role in metabolic regulation, say the researchers in their review published in the journal Biological Diversity, positioning it as a promising candidate for modern drug development.
Drawing on evidence from both preclinical experiments and human clinical studies, the researchers from the Department of Pharmacology at Integral University, Lucknow, maps how the plant’s bioactive compounds interact with key biological pathways involved in inflammation, metabolism and cellular protection.
According to the authors, the findings mark an important transition—from traditional knowledge rooted in empirical use to evidence-based phytotherapy grounded in molecular science. “While borage has been used for generations, our review highlights how its benefits are driven by well-characterised bioactive compounds,” said Zahra Sufwan, lead author of the study. “These compounds act on specific inflammatory and metabolic pathways, which explains its broad therapeutic relevance.”
At the heart of borage’s medicinal potential are several potent phytochemicals, notably gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), rosmarinic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol. These compounds allow the plant to exert multi-target effects across different organ systems.
One of the key mechanisms identified involves the suppression of major inflammatory pathways, including NF-κB and COX-2, which are central to chronic inflammation, autoimmune disorders and pain. By dampening these molecular “switches,” borage may help reduce persistent inflammation that underlies conditions such as arthritis and cardiovascular disease.
Equally significant is the plant’s role in metabolic regulation. The review highlights how borage activates PPAR-γ, a protein involved in controlling glucose and lipid metabolism. This mechanism has implications for managing diabetes-related inflammation and improving cardiovascular health, particularly in populations at high risk of metabolic disorders.
The researchers also point to strong antioxidant properties, mediated through activation of the NRF2 pathway. This pathway helps protect cells from oxidative stress—a key contributor to neurodegenerative diseases and liver damage. By enhancing cellular defence systems, borage may offer protective benefits for the brain and liver, areas where oxidative injury plays a critical role.
Importantly, the review goes beyond laboratory findings. Clinical evidence cited in the study supports the plant’s safety and efficacy in treating a range of conditions, including inflammatory skin disorders such as dermatitis, symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and metabolic markers in patients with diabetes. These human studies lend credibility to borage’s therapeutic claims and underscore its potential for broader clinical use.
The review, titled “Advances in Pharmacological Insights of Borago officinalis: A Comprehensive Review,” also addresses safety concerns. While borage is generally well tolerated, the authors stress the need for careful processing and standardisation, as variations in extraction methods can influence both efficacy and safety.
Despite the encouraging findings, the researchers caution that borage should not yet be viewed as a ready-made pharmaceutical solution. Large-scale, well-controlled clinical trials are still required to establish optimal dosing, long-term safety and consistent therapeutic outcomes.
“The potential of Borago officinalis is vast, ranging from anti-inflammatory and metabolic applications to possible anticancer and skin-healing roles,” said Javed Akhtar Ansari, co-author of the study. “However, transforming this botanical resource into reliable mainstream medicine will require rigorous standardisation and regulatory oversight.”
Dr. RP Parasher, Chief Medical Officer (Ayurveda) Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), who was not part of the review concurred with the researchers views, saying, borage is traditionally used as an expectorant to relieve cough, cold, asthma and rhinitis, and to support digestive health, easing indigestion, diarrhoea and IBS. The leaves and seed oil have anti-inflammatory benefits, helping in eczema, dermatitis, joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis due to their high gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content. It also has mild sedative and diuretic properties, aiding stress relief, sleep and kidney health.
However, at the same time Parashar who is also National President, All India Doctors Association of Indian System of Medicines(ISM), called for scientific validations as “borage contains trace pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can harm the liver with prolonged use, and recommended PA-free extracts. It should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation, while those on medical thinners must take medical advice.”
The review on Borago officinalis comes at a time when medicinal herbs are moving from the margins to the mainstream of global healthcare. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly affirmed that India is committed to scientifically validating time-tested herbal medicines and integrating them into evidence-based public health systems.
The review on Borago officinalis holds importance as medicinal herbs are moving from the margins to the mainstream of global healthcare. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly affirmed that India is committed to scientifically validating time-tested herbal medicines and integrating them into evidence-based public health systems.
Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of India's Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) too recently said that his organisation’s mandate aligns closely with the WHO’s recognition that although traditional medicine is widely used, it requires systematic generation of robust evidence on safety, efficacy, and appropriate use.
To address this, he said, scientifically rigorous clinical trials, observational studies, and public health research, grounded in classical Ayurvedic knowledge are undertaken while fully complying with modern scientific and ethical standards.
In fact, India has already been actively promoting herb-based time-tested medicines by scientifically validating traditional remedies and elevating them to national and global platforms. For instance, a dedicated session on Ashwagandha, a time -tested herb known for its vast therapeutic value was held recently on the sidelines of the WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi, highlighting India’s efforts to integrate evidence-based traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare.
