intake and weight gain in the obese animals, whereas no effect was observed in lean
genotypes (Phinney et al. 1993; Thurmond et al. 1993). Earlier, Takahashi et al.
(2000) studied the effect of dietary GLA (from borage oil) on body fat accumulation
in male Sprague-Dawley rats. It was observed that in spite of having high fat (20%),
GLA-rich diet enhanced the gene expression for lipoprotein lipase and hepatic
mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation rate, which in turn decreased the body fat mass
in animals when compared to control having low-fat diet (2% safflower oil).
14.11 Food Applications
A large number of studies are available on the health effects of borage oil and GLA.
However, no literature is available wherein borage oil as such is supplemented or
fortified in food products in order to improve their physico-chemical, techno-functional and/or sensory properties. The other parts of borage herb such as leaves and
flowers are edible, rich in antioxidants and consumed raw and/or cooked in the form
of salads and beverages. Several researchers have worked on the addition of borage
leaves’ extract in meat (Miceli et al. 2014; Gupta and Negi 2016), fish and vegetables
(Miceli et al. 2014) and pasta (Miceli et al. 2015) owing to its antioxidative and
antimicrobial properties. Globally, borage oil is available as dietary supplements in
the form of capsules and microencapsulated powder (dietary supplements or
nutraceuticals). In a study, Puch et al. (2008) supplemented borage oil (300 mg
GLA) along with green tea (47 mg catechins) and vitamin E (2 mg) in a fermented
milk beverage, which was consumed by healthy women (n ¼ 36) for 6 months. Data
showed a significant increase in stratum corneum barrier function and decrease in
transepidermal water loss in test group than that of control.
14.12 Conclusion
Borage oil, an important plant source of γ-linolenic acid, is recognised for its antiinflammatory effects, which, in turn, improve the skin health and reduce the sign and
symptoms of atopic dermatitis and other chronic inflammatory diseases. In some
areas (such as anticarcinogenic, eczema, rheumatoid arthritis), the mechanisms for
the positive effects are well-understood. However, in other areas (like obesity,
respiratory problems, etc.), more clinical studies are required to establish the clear
molecular mechanisms and safety levels of borage oil for human consumption.
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B. Tanwar et al.
genotypes (Phinney et al. 1993; Thurmond et al. 1993). Earlier, Takahashi et al.
(2000) studied the effect of dietary GLA (from borage oil) on body fat accumulation
in male Sprague-Dawley rats. It was observed that in spite of having high fat (20%),
GLA-rich diet enhanced the gene expression for lipoprotein lipase and hepatic
mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation rate, which in turn decreased the body fat mass
in animals when compared to control having low-fat diet (2% safflower oil).
14.11 Food Applications
A large number of studies are available on the health effects of borage oil and GLA.
However, no literature is available wherein borage oil as such is supplemented or
fortified in food products in order to improve their physico-chemical, techno-functional and/or sensory properties. The other parts of borage herb such as leaves and
flowers are edible, rich in antioxidants and consumed raw and/or cooked in the form
of salads and beverages. Several researchers have worked on the addition of borage
leaves’ extract in meat (Miceli et al. 2014; Gupta and Negi 2016), fish and vegetables
(Miceli et al. 2014) and pasta (Miceli et al. 2015) owing to its antioxidative and
antimicrobial properties. Globally, borage oil is available as dietary supplements in
the form of capsules and microencapsulated powder (dietary supplements or
nutraceuticals). In a study, Puch et al. (2008) supplemented borage oil (300 mg
GLA) along with green tea (47 mg catechins) and vitamin E (2 mg) in a fermented
milk beverage, which was consumed by healthy women (n ¼ 36) for 6 months. Data
showed a significant increase in stratum corneum barrier function and decrease in
transepidermal water loss in test group than that of control.
14.12 Conclusion
Borage oil, an important plant source of γ-linolenic acid, is recognised for its antiinflammatory effects, which, in turn, improve the skin health and reduce the sign and
symptoms of atopic dermatitis and other chronic inflammatory diseases. In some
areas (such as anticarcinogenic, eczema, rheumatoid arthritis), the mechanisms for
the positive effects are well-understood. However, in other areas (like obesity,
respiratory problems, etc.), more clinical studies are required to establish the clear
molecular mechanisms and safety levels of borage oil for human consumption.
366
B. Tanwar et al.