Pharmacology of Borage (Borago officinalis L.) Medicinal Plant

The plant Borage (Borago officinalis L.) family-Boraginaceae, also known as "starflower" is an annual herb 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.