When looking to soothe dry, irritated skin, ease stiff morning joints, or smooth out monthly hormonal shifts, everyday polyunsaturated fats often fall short. NOW® Borage Oil 240mg provides an ultra-rich botanical source of Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), a unique Omega-6 fatty acid that your body directly transforms into calming, anti-inflammatory compounds.
Curated by VitaNet, LLC, an independent, family-owned natural supplement retailer serving customers online since 1995 with over 31 years of direct industry experience[cite: 1]. Every bottle is backed by our 100% money-back guarantee, which includes paid return shipping even on opened items[cite: 1].
Why This Formula Works:
✓ More Than Double the GLA of Evening Primrose: Supplies 240 mg of active GLA per 1,000 mg softgel compared to just 90 mg in standard evening primrose oil.
✓ Bypasses Enzymatic Roadblocks: Delivers pre-formed GLA so your body does not have to struggle converting basic dietary vegetable oils.
✓ Pure & Toxin-Screened: Mechanically expeller-pressed without chemical solvents and lab-tested to confirm undetectable levels of liver-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
✓ Clean Formulation: Non-GMO, hexane-free, and produced in an A-rated Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) facility.
The Science of GLA: Why Borage Oil Outperforms Evening Primrose Oil
Most people associate Omega-6 fats with common cooking oils like corn or soybean oil, which can trigger inflammatory pathways when consumed in excess. However, Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) behaves completely differently. It is a specialized, beneficial Omega-6 fatty acid that serves as the direct biological building block for Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), one of the body's strongest natural soothing and blood-vessel-relaxing signals (Fan & Chapkin, 1998).
The "Metabolic Traffic Jam" Your Body Faces
Under ideal conditions, human cells convert linoleic acid (from seeds and nuts) into GLA using an internal enzyme called Delta-6-Desaturase (D6D). Think of D6D as a narrow highway tollbooth. When you experience everyday stress, natural aging, high sugar intake, alcohol consumption, viral fatigue, or trace mineral deficiencies (like low zinc or magnesium), that tollbooth gets completely backed up. As a result, your body cannot produce enough GLA to keep skin hydrated and joints comfortable.
Taking NOW® Borage Oil 1000mg provides an immediate "express lane pass." By delivering 240 mg of ready-to-use GLA straight to your bloodstream, it completely bypasses the stalled D6D enzyme, allowing your cells to rapidly manufacture soothing PGE1 prostaglandins.
Potency Comparison: Borage Seed Oil vs. Other Botanical Oils
Botanical Source
Typical GLA Concentration
GLA Yield per 1,000 mg Softgel
Capsules Needed for 240 mg GLA
Borage Seed Oil (Borago officinalis)
20% – 24%
240 mg
Only 1 Softgel
Black Currant Seed Oil (Ribes nigrum)
15% – 17%
~150 mg
1.6 Softgels
Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera biennis)
8% – 10%
~90 mg
Nearly 3 Softgels
Clinical Benefits: How 240 mg of Borage GLA Supports Your Daily Health
1. Deep Skin Barrier Hydration & Moisture Retention
Your epidermis (the outer skin layer) cannot manufacture GLA on its own because human skin cells lack the Delta-6-Desaturase enzyme. The skin relies entirely on getting GLA through your circulation. When GLA levels drop, the skin's moisture barrier becomes porous, leading to excessive transepidermal water loss (TEWL), dry scaling, itching, and red patches.
In a randomized human clinical trial published in the British Journal of Nutrition, daily supplementation with borage oil significantly reduced skin reddening and scaling while markedly restoring the skin's structural moisture barrier (De Spirt et al., 2009). Systematic dermatological reviews also show that borage GLA helps replenish epidermal ceramides from the inside out, offering targeted relief for chronic dry skin and atopic eczema (Foster et al., 2010).
2. Soothing Joint Comfort & Morning Flexibility
Tender, swollen joints and persistent morning stiffness often stem from runaway pro-inflammatory signaling molecules (such as Leukotriene B4 and Prostaglandin E2). Once ingested, GLA metabolizes into Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), which directly competes against inflammatory pathways and inhibits tissue-damaging cytokines like TNF-alpha and interleukin-1beta.
In a landmark randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, patients receiving high-potency GLA experienced clinically meaningful reductions in joint tenderness scores by 36% and swollen joint counts by 28%, demonstrating significant relief for inflammatory joint challenges (Zurier et al., 1996; Leventhal et al., 1993).
3. Female Hormonal Balance & Monthly Ease
Many women experience cyclical monthly challenges—including breast tenderness, fluid retention, skin breakouts, and mood irritability—due to an exaggerated tissue response to prolactin and imbalanced eicosanoids. By restoring healthy Prostaglandin E1 balance, GLA helps regulate cellular receptor sensitivity, providing gentle, non-hormonal nutritional support throughout the menstrual cycle and into peri-menopause.
4. Cardiovascular Tone & Cellular Membrane Fluidity
PGE1 prostaglandins play a vital physiological role in promoting smooth arterial muscle relaxation and supporting healthy microcirculation. Regular dietary GLA intake supports vascular elasticity and cellular membrane integrity throughout the cardiovascular system.
Not all borage oil products on the market are identical. Because the borage plant (Borago officinalis) naturally develops trace defense chemicals known as Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs) in its stems, leaves, and flowers, raw or improperly processed borage extracts carry potential risks of liver irritation. This makes verified manufacturer testing essential when selecting a supplement.
The Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid-Free (PA-Free) Guarantee
Peer-reviewed chemical analyses have confirmed that modern mechanical refining and extraction processes lower total PA content by a factor of more than 30,000, bringing finished borage seed oil to undetectable concentrations (Wretensjö & Karlberg, 2003).
NOW Foods subjects incoming lots of borage seed oil to state-of-the-art Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and tandem liquid chromatography testing. This guarantees that NOW® Borage Oil contains undetectable levels of harmful unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids (such as thesinine and amabiline), delivering full therapeutic benefits without liver toxicity concerns.
NOW Foods operates advanced, ISO/IEC 17025-accredited in-house analytical testing laboratories staffed by over 40 chemists, analytical scientists, and microbiologists. Every batch of Borage Oil 1000mg undergoes exhaustive quality screening:
Expeller-Pressed & Hexane-Free: Seeds are mechanically crushed using cold expeller pressing without petroleum solvents like hexane.
Fatty Acid Fingerprint Verification (GC-FID): Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection verifies that every softgel delivers a full 240 mg of active GLA (24%) alongside natural linoleic (296 mg) and oleic (120 mg) fatty acids.
Heavy Metal ICP-MS Testing: Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry verifies the oil is pure and well below strict USP thresholds for Lead (< 0.05 ppm), Arsenic, Cadmium, and Mercury.
Rancidity & Oxidation Defense: Peroxide and p-anisidine levels are rigorously tracked to ensure the oil remains fresh, clean, and unoxidized throughout shelf life.
Microbiological & Allergen Screening: Screened for yeasts, molds, coliforms, and pathogens in an NPA A-rated cGMP facility.
Other Ingredients (Softgel Capsule): Bovine Gelatin (BSE-free), Glycerin, Purified Water.
Allergen & Dietary Statement: Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk, egg, fish, or shellfish ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens. Non-GMO, Hexane-Free, Expeller-Pressed.
Suggested Use & Expert Dosing Advice:
Usage: Adults take 1 softgel 1 to 2 times daily, preferably with a meal, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
Retailer Tip: Always consume oil-based softgels with meals that contain healthy dietary fats (such as avocado, yogurt, eggs, or olive oil). Dietary lipids stimulate bile flow and pancreatic lipase enzymes, optimizing digestive comfort and GLA absorption.
Safety Precautions, Drug Interactions & Best Practices
While borage oil is well-tolerated by most adults, understanding contraindications and physiological interactions is crucial for safe supplementation:
Blood-Thinning & Anticoagulant Medications: Because GLA supports circulatory fluidity and exhibits mild antiplatelet activity, individuals taking prescription anticoagulants (such as warfarin, Plavix, or heparin) or daily high-dose NSAIDs (such as aspirin or ibuprofen) should consult their physician before starting borage oil.
Upcoming Surgery: It is standard medical practice to discontinue borage oil and other concentrated nutritional lipid supplements at least 2 weeks prior to scheduled surgery or dental procedures to minimize bleeding tendencies.
Pregnancy & Nursing: Pregnant or nursing mothers should avoid using concentrated GLA supplements without the direct supervision of an obstetrician, as specific prostaglandins can influence uterine muscle tone.
Digestive Tolerance: In rare cases, high initial doses taken on an empty stomach may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms or loose stools. Taking your softgel midway through a full meal resolves this issue.
Caution: For adults only. Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place after opening. Natural color variation in softgels is normal and does not affect product potency.
Scientific Citations & Clinical References
De Spirt, S., Stahl, W., Tronnier, H., et al. (2009). Intervention with flaxseed and borage oil reduces skin sensitivity and improves skin barrier function. British Journal of Nutrition, 102(8), 626–634. DOI: 10.1017/S000711450938210X.
Foster, R. H., Maher, G. M., & Lindsay, D. G. (2010). Borage oil in the treatment of atopic dermatitis: a review. British Journal of Dermatology, 163(2), 277–283. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2010.09848.x.
Zurier, R. B., Rossetti, R. G., Jacobson, E. W., et al. (1996). Gamma-Linolenic acid treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 124(3), 276–284. DOI: 10.7326/0003-4819-124-3-199602010-00002.
Leventhal, L. J., Boyce, E. G., & Zurier, R. B. (1993). Treatment of arthritis with gammalinolenic acid. Annals of Internal Medicine, 119(9), 865–873. DOI: 10.7326/0003-4819-119-9-199311010-00001.
Wretensjö, I., & Karlberg, B. (2003). Pyrrolizidine alkaloid content in crude and processed borage oil. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society, 80(10), 963–970. DOI: 10.1007/s11746-003-0805-4.
Fan, Y. Y., & Chapkin, R. S. (1998). Importance of dietary gamma-linolenic acid in human health and nutrition. The Journal of Nutrition, 128(9), 1411–1414. DOI: 10.1093/jn/128.9.1411.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between NOW Borage Oil 240mg and Evening Primrose Oil?
The main difference is concentration and capsule count. Evening primrose oil contains approximately 8% to 10% GLA (~90 mg per 1,000 mg softgel), whereas NOW Borage Oil delivers 24% GLA (240 mg per 1,000 mg softgel). That means one single borage oil softgel delivers nearly 2.5 times the active GLA of an evening primrose capsule, saving you money and reducing pill fatigue.
Does NOW Foods Borage Oil contain harmful Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs)?
No. NOW Foods utilizes advanced mechanical expeller-pressing and strict extraction protocols that eliminate pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Each batch is verified in NOW's ISO 17025-accredited laboratories using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to ensure PAs are completely non-detectable down to parts-per-billion, making it safe for daily use.
How long does it take to notice improvements in dry skin or joint comfort?
Fatty acids require steady incorporation into cell membranes. Most clinical studies on skin hydration and epidermal barrier repair show noticeable improvements after 4 to 8 weeks of consistent daily supplementation. For joint flexibility and morning stiffness, clinical trials indicate optimal results typically emerge within 6 to 12 weeks of daily use.
Can I take NOW Borage Oil alongside my Omega-3 fish oil?
Yes. In fact, combining Omega-3 fish oil (EPA and DHA) with Omega-6 GLA (from borage oil) creates an optimal eicosanoid balance. While fish oil supports resolvins and protectins, GLA builds anti-inflammatory Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). Together, they provide broad-spectrum support for skin integrity, joint mobility, and cardiovascular health.
When is the best time of day to take Borage Oil softgels?
Take your softgel with your largest or fattiest meal of the day (such as breakfast or dinner). Dietary fats stimulate bile secretion, which helps break down and absorb the delicate polyunsaturated fatty acids while preventing digestive burping.
Are there any known drug interactions or side effects?
Borage oil has mild antiplatelet effects. If you are taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications (such as warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin) or scheduling elective surgery within two weeks, speak with your doctor first. Pregnant women should also consult their healthcare provider prior to starting borage oil.
