Plant Comparison
Borage vs Boswellia
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Borage and Boswellia: they share 7 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, back pain, cancer (anticancer research), …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Borage | Boswellia | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 9/10 | Stronger for Boswellia |
| Back pain | 1/10 | 7/10 | Stronger for Boswellia |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 7/10 | Stronger for Boswellia |
| Headache | 1/10 | 7/10 | Stronger for Boswellia |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Boswellia |
| Pain (general) | 1/10 | 9/10 | Stronger for Boswellia |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Boswellia |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Borage seed oil has one of the highest known GLA contents of any plant oil (typically 20-26%), the basis of its anti-inflammatory reputation.
Unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids present in the whole herb are hepatotoxic and genotoxic on cumulative exposure, limiting internal whole-herb use; the refined seed oil is largely free of them.
Contribute to the plant's traditional demulcent and astringent properties.
The principal anti-inflammatory compounds; AKBA inhibits 5-lipoxygenase. Absorption improves when taken with a high-fat meal.
Additional constituents of the oleo-gum-resin.
Pharmacological Actions
Anti-inflammatory (inhibits 5-lipoxygenase / leukotriene synthesis and NF-kB signalling); Reduces inflammatory markers (e.g. hs-CRP) and, in one RCT, improved knee joint-space and reduced osteophytes on radiograph
Boswellic acids, especially acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) from Boswellia serrata, induce cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis and inhibit proliferation, invasion and metastasis across lung, colorectal and prostate cancers (preclinical, incl. in vivo).
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from immunomodulator action
inferred from digestive action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Osteoarthritis: reduces joint pain and stiffness and improves function (over at least 4 weeks); Supports inflammatory arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis
Boswellia serrata resin and its triterpenoid AKBA arrest the cell cycle and induce apoptosis in non-small-cell lung cancer, suppress colitis-associated colorectal cancer (NF-kB, gut microbiota) and inhibit prostate cancer (IL-17 pathway) in vitro and in vivo (preclinical).
Supportive in inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease)
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Analgesic (pain relief); Osteoarthritis: reduces joint pain and stiffness and improves function (over at least 4 weeks)
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs): Many Boraginaceae can produce PAs; unsaturated PAs are hepatotoxic and genotoxic (risk increases with cumulative exposure). Borage as food/tea: PA presence in borage consumed as herb/tea has been specifically studied; EU has set PA maximum levels for certain foods including borage (context for why sourcing/limits matter). Pregnancy/breastfeeding: avoid internal use of borage herb products due to PA-related concerns and risk uncertainty. Liver disease / long-term use: avoid (PA risk + cumulative exposure logic). Seed oil vs herb: refined/quality-controlled seed oil is generally the preferred form when borage is used medicinally, because the main target compound is GLA; however, product quality and contamination control still matter. Drug interactions (caution): GLA oils have been discussed with anticoagulants (bleeding risk caution is better established for evening primrose oil; borage oil is often grouped in the same “GLA oil” category). Use caution if on anticoagulants/antiplatelets.
Duke (2002) rates borage as a single-plus herb (+) with predominantly folklore-level evidence. Borage seed oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and has been used for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and PMS, and for cardiovascular support; typical dose is one 300 mg softgel containing 24% GLA or 2-4 ml liquid leaf extract. Commission E does not approve borage for any indication, and the herb contains hepatotoxic and carcinogenic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, making long-term use inadvisable (Duke, 2002).
Generally well tolerated; the most commonly reported side effects are mild gastrointestinal symptoms, and allergic reactions are rare.
Boswellic acids can affect drug-metabolising enzymes, so caution is advised when taking other medicines; safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established, so avoid medicinal doses.
External Ids
Botanical Description
Robust, bristly annual herb with hollow, branching stems covered in coarse, stiff hairs. The leaves are large, oval and wrinkled, also coarsely hairy, and smell of cucumber when crushed. The flowers are strikingly bright blue, star-shaped with five pointed petals and a prominent black central cone of anthers, borne in nodding clusters.[1]
Small to medium deciduous tree with thin, papery, peeling bark. The leaves are pinnately compound with numerous small, toothed leaflets, clustered toward the branch tips. Small, pale yellow to white flowers are borne in axillary racemes. When the bark is cut, it exudes a fragrant, resinous gum (oleo-gum-resin) that hardens into pale, waxy tears - the medicinal part.[12]
Habitat
Grows readily on disturbed, nutrient-rich ground, gardens, waste places and field margins; native to the Mediterranean region and widely naturalised and cultivated across Europe and elsewhere as a culinary and oil-seed crop.[1]
Native to dry, rocky, hilly terrain of India and parts of the Middle East and North Africa, where it is tapped for its resin much like frankincense (Boswellia sacra).[12]
Harvesting
Leaves and flowers are picked fresh through the growing season, at their best just as the flowers open; the seed is collected in late summer once the seed heads have dried, pressed for its gamma-linolenic-acid-rich oil.[1]
The bark is deliberately incised and the exuded oleo-gum-resin is allowed to harden and is collected over several days to weeks, then cleaned and graded before use or extraction.[12]
Traditional Uses
Borage has a long folk reputation, reflected in the old saying 'borage for courage', as a mood-lifting, cooling herb for feverish colds and respiratory complaints, and as a digestive and anti-inflammatory remedy; the fresh leaves and flowers have also been used culinarily. Modern use is centred on the seed oil, rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), for inflammatory and skin conditions.[1]
Boswellia resin (salai guggul) is a mainstay of Ayurvedic medicine for inflammatory joint and respiratory conditions, and has been burned as incense across many cultures. Modern standardised extracts, rich in boswellic acids, are used for osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and other inflammatory conditions, directly building on this traditional anti-inflammatory reputation.[12]
Preparations
Resin extract standardised to boswellic acid (often AKBA) content, taken as capsules or tablets, ideally with a fat-containing meal to aid absorption.
Dosage
A phase-two randomised placebo-controlled trial in moderate persistent asthma used Borago officinalis extract at 5 mL three times daily for one month. Because of pyrrolizidine alkaloid content, whole-herb (leaf/flower) preparations should only be used short-term and from PA-controlled sources; avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding and liver disease. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Clinical trials in osteoarthritis commonly use extracts providing around 100-250 mg of boswellic acids (or several hundred mg of standardised extract) daily, in divided doses, taken with food. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
References & Sources
- Slama, M., Slougui, N., Benaissa, A., Nekkaa, A. et al (2024) 'Borago officinalis L.: A Review on Extraction, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Activities', Chemistry & Biodiversity, 21(5), pp. e202301822. doi:10.1002/cbdv.202301822 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202301822 - Michalak, M., Zagórska-Dziok, M., Klimek-Szczykutowicz, M. and Szopa, A (2023) 'Phenolic Profile and Comparison of the Antioxidant, Anti-Ageing, Anti-Inflammatory, and Protective Activities of Borago officinalis Extracts on Skin Cells', Molecules, 28(2), pp. 868. doi:10.3390/molecules28020868 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28020868 - Ghasemian, M., Owlia, S. and Owlia, M.B (2016) 'Review of Anti-Inflammatory Herbal Medicines', Advances in Pharmacological Sciences, 2016, pp. 9130979. doi:10.1155/2016/9130979 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/9130979 - Di Cerbo, A., Carnevale, G., Avallone, R., Zavatti, M. and Corsi, L (2020) 'Protective Effects of Borago officinalis (Borago) on Cold Restraint Stress-Induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats: A Pilot Study', Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7, pp. 427. doi:10.3389/fvets.2020.00427 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00427 - Seo, S.A., Park, B., Hwang, E., Park, S. and Yi, T (2018) 'Borago officinalis L. attenuates UVB-induced skin photodamage via regulation of AP-1 and Nrf2/ARE pathway in normal human dermal fibroblasts and promotion of collagen synthesis in hairless mice', Experimental Gerontology, 107, pp. 178-186. doi:10.1016/j.exger.2018.02.017 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2018.02.017 - Mirsadraee, M., Khashkhashi Moghaddam, S., Saeedi, P. and Ghaffari, S (2016) 'Effect of Borago Officinalis Extract on Moderate Persistent Asthma: A Phase two Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial', Tanaffos, 15(3), pp. 168-174. doi:10.1183/13993003.congress-2016.pa4116 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.congress-2016.pa4116 - Lozano-Baena, M., Tasset, I., Munoz-Serrano, A., Alonso-Moraga, A. and de Haro-Bailon, A (2016) 'Cancer Prevention and Health Benefices of Traditionally Consumed Borago officinalis Plants', Nutrients, 8(1), pp. 48. doi:10.3390/nu8010048 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8010048 - Rodriguez-Magana, M.P., Cordero-Perez, P., Rivas-Morales, C., Oranday-Cardenas, M.A., Moreno-Pena, D.P., Garcia-Hernandez, D.G. and Leos-Rivas, C (2019) 'Hypoglycemic Activity of Tilia americana, Borago officinalis, Chenopodium nuttalliae, and Piper sanctum on Wistar Rats', Journal of Diabetes Research, 2019, pp. 7836820. doi:10.1155/2019/7836820 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/7836820 - Navarro-Herrera, D., Aranaz, P., Eder-Azanza, L., Zabala, M., Romo-Hualde, A., Hurtado, C., Calavia, D., Lopez-Yoldi, M., Martinez, J.A., Gonzalez-Navarro, C.J. and Vizmanos, J.L (2018) 'Borago officinalis seed oil (BSO), a natural source of omega-6 fatty acids, attenuates fat accumulation by activating peroxisomal beta-oxidation both in C. elegans and in diet-induced obese rats', Food & Function, 9(8), pp. 4340-4351. doi:10.1039/c8fo00423d Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1039/c8fo00423d - Moliner, C., Casedas, G., Barros, L., Finimundy, T.C., Gomez-Rincon, C. and Lopez, V (2022) 'Neuroprotective Profile of Edible Flowers of Borage (Borago officinalis L.) in Two Different Models: Caenorhabditis elegans and Neuro-2a Cells', Antioxidants, 11(7), pp. 1244. doi:10.3390/antiox11071244 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11071244 - Samy, M.N., Hamed, A.N.E., Sugimoto, S., Otsuka, H., Kamel, M.S. and Matsunami, K (2015) 'Officinalioside, a new lignan glucoside from Borago officinalis L', Natural Product Research, 30(8), pp. 967-972. doi:10.1080/14786419.2015.1088540 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2015.1088540 - Yue, Y., Jin, F. and Yue, X (2021) 'The effect of Borago officinalis on the signaling pathway of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex, TLR4 and some inflammatory cytokines in type II diabetic patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome', Cellular and Molecular Biology, 67(3), pp. 178-183. doi:10.14715/cmb/2021.67.3.28 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.14715/cmb/2021.67.3.28 - Fernandes, L., Pereira, J.A., Saraiva, J.A., Ramalhosa, E. and Casal, S (2019) 'Phytochemical characterization of Borago officinalis L. and Centaurea cyanus L. during flower development', Food Research International, 123, pp. 771-778. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2019.05.014 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2019.05.014 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2021) 'Public statement on the use of herbal medicinal products containing toxic, unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), including recommendations regarding contamination of herbal medicinal products with PAs, Revision 1'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/public-statement/public-statement-use-herbal-medicinal-products-containing-toxic-unsaturated-pyrrolizidine-alkaloids-pas-including-recommendations-regarding-contamination-herbal-medicinal-products-pyrrolizidine_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/public-statement/public-statement-use-herbal-medicinal-products-containing-toxic-unsaturated-pyrrolizidine-alkaloids-pas-including-recommendations-regarding-contamination-herbal-medicinal-products-pyrrolizidine_en.pdf - Kapoor, R. and Huang, Y.S (2006) 'Gamma linolenic acid: an antiinflammatory omega-6 fatty acid', 7(6), pp. 531--534. doi:10.2174/138920106779116874 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.2174/138920106779116874 - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - World Health Organization (2002) 'WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=WHO%20Monographs%20on%20Selected%20Medicinal%20Plants - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Negroni, M.S., Marengo, A., Caruso, D., et al (2019) 'A case report of accidental intoxication following ingestion of foxglove confused with borage: high digoxinemia without major complications', Case Reports in Cardiology, 2019, pp. 9707428. doi:10.1155/2019/9707428 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/9707428 - Iraci, F. and Herdeg, C. and Holzwarth, M. and Storz, M.A (2023) 'Of mixed vegetables and cardiac arrhythmias - Digitalis purpurea confused with Borago officinalis: a case series of accidental digitoxin intoxications', Journal of Cardiology Cases, 28(2), pp. 86-90. doi:10.1016/j.jccase.2023.04.007 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jccase.2023.04.007
- Siddiqui, M.Z (2011) 'Boswellia serrata, a potential antiinflammatory agent: an overview', Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 73(3), pp. 255-261. doi:10.4103/0250-474X.93507 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.4103/0250-474X.93507 - Majeed, M., Majeed, S., Narayanan, N.K. and Nagabhushanam, K (2019) 'A pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of a novel Boswellia serrata extract in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee', Phytotherapy Research, 33(5), pp. 1457--1468. doi:10.1002/ptr.6338 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6338 - Karlapudi, V., Sunkara, K.B., Konda, P.R., Sarma, K.V. and Rokkam, M.P (2022) 'Efficacy and Safety of Aflapin, a Novel Boswellia serrata Extract, in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Short-Term 30-Day Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study', Journal of the American Nutrition Association, 42(2), pp. 159-168. doi:10.1080/07315724.2021.2014370 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2021.2014370 - Kirste, S., Treier, M., Wehrle, S.J., Becker, G., Abdel-Tawab, M., Gerbeth, K., Hug, M.J., Lubrich, B., Grosu, A.L. and Momm, F (2011) 'Boswellia serrata acts on cerebral edema in patients irradiated for brain tumors: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot trial', Cancer, 117(16), pp. 3788-3795. doi:10.1002/cncr.25945 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.25945 - Abdel-Tawab, M., Werz, O. and Schubert-Zsilavecz, M (2011) 'Boswellia serrata: an overall assessment of in vitro, preclinical, pharmacokinetic and clinical data', Clinical Pharmacokinetics, 50(6), pp. 349-369. doi:10.2165/11586800-000000000-00000 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2165/11586800-000000000-00000 - Gomaa, A.A., Mohamed, H.S., Abd-Ellatief, R.B. and Gomaa, M.A (2021) 'Boswellic acids/Boswellia serrata extract as a potential COVID-19 therapeutic agent in the elderly', Inflammopharmacology, 29(4), pp. 1033-1048. doi:10.1007/s10787-021-00841-8 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-021-00841-8 - Khan, M.A., Ali, R., Parveen, R., Najmi, A.K. and Ahmad, S (2016) 'Pharmacological evidences for cytotoxic and antitumor properties of Boswellic acids from Boswellia serrata', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 191, pp. 315-323. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.06.053 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.06.053 - Ammon, H.P.T (2010) 'Modulation of the immune system by Boswellia serrata extracts and boswellic acids', Phytomedicine, 17(11), pp. 862-867. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2010.03.003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2010.03.003 - Alluri, V.K., Kundimi, S., Sengupta, K., Golakoti, T. and Kilari, E.K (2020) 'An Anti-Inflammatory Composition of Boswellia serrata Resin Extracts Alleviates Pain and Protects Cartilage in Monoiodoacetate-Induced Osteoarthritis in Rats', Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, pp. 7381625. doi:10.1155/2020/7381625 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/7381625 - Henrotin, Y., Dierckxsens, Y., Delisse, G., Maes, N. and Albert, A (2022) 'Curcuma and Boswellia serrata extract combination for hand osteoarthritis: an open-label pre-post trial', Pharmaceutical Biology, 60(1), pp. 2295-2299. doi:10.1080/13880209.2022.2147550 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2022.2147550 - Cherepanova, M.O. and Subotyalov, M.A (2023) 'Component Composition and Biological Activity of Oleo-Gum Resin from Boswellia serrata (Burseraceae)', Doklady Biological Sciences, 512(1), pp. 336-342. doi:10.1134/S0012496623700643 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1134/S0012496623700643 - Ammon, H.P.T (2016) 'Boswellic Acids and Their Role in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases', Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-41334-1_13 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41334-1_13 - Yu, G., Xiang, W., Zhang, T., Zeng, L., Yang, K. and Li, J (2020) 'Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis', BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. doi:10.1186/s12906-020-02985-6 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-020-02985-6 - Lv, M. and Shao, S. and Zhang, Q. and Zhuang, X. and Qiao, T (2020) 'Acetyl-11-Keto-beta-Boswellic Acid Exerts the Anti-Cancer Effects via Cell Cycle Arrest, Apoptosis Induction and Autophagy Suppression in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells', OncoTargets and Therapy, 13, pp. 733-744. doi:10.2147/OTT.S236346 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2147/OTT.S236346 - Xu, F. and Li, W. and Zheng, X.-J. and Hao, Y. and Yang, Y.-H. and Yang, H. and Zhang, S. and Cao, W.-X. and Li, X.-X. and Zhang, X. and Du, G.-H. and Ji, T.-F. and Wang, J.-H (2025) '3-O-Acetyl-11-Keto-beta-Boswellic Acid Suppresses Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer by Inhibiting the NF-kB Signaling Pathway and Remodeling Gut Microbiota', Oncology Research, 33(8), pp. 1969-1989. doi:10.32604/or.2025.062386 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.32604/or.2025.062386 - Zou, B. and Liu, Q. and Long, Y. and Dai, X. and Tian, X. and Zhou, Q (2025) 'Network Pharmacology Combined with Proteomics Reveals That 3-Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic Acid Inhibits the Progression of Prostate Cancer by Regulating the IL-17 Signaling Pathway', ACS Omega, 10(21), pp. 21813-21822. doi:10.1021/acsomega.5c01683 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.5c01683 - Ragab, E.A. and Abd El-Wahab, M.F. and Doghish, A.S. and Salama, R.M. and Eissa, N. and Darwish, S.F (2023) 'The journey of boswellic acids from synthesis to pharmacological activities', Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, 397(3), pp. 1477-1504. doi:10.1007/s00210-023-02725-w Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-023-02725-w - Liu, X., Machado, G.C., Eyles, J.P., Ravi, V. and Hunter, D.J (2018) 'Dietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis', British Journal of Sports Medicine, 52(3), pp. 167--175. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2016-097333 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-097333
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.