Plant Comparison
Borage vs Bay Leaf
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 Bay Leaf: they share 10 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, back pain, bloating, …); 5 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Borage | Bay Leaf | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Back pain | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Bloating | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Headache | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Indigestion | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Pain (general) | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Respiratory support | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
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.
Leaf essential oil dominated by 1,8-cineole and eugenol, giving the characteristic aroma and much of the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.
Contribute to the plant's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.
Pharmacological Actions
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
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from analgesic action
inferred from digestive action
inferred from vulnerary action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from neuroprotective action
inferred from analgesic action
inferred from digestive action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from neuroprotective action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
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 safe when used in food amounts. Not toxic to people and safe to cook with. Leaves are very rigid and leathery - should be removed before eating as they don't soften with cooking and edges can be sharp. Insufficient reliable information about safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding - stick to food amounts. Large amounts of bay leaf tea may cause vomiting (emetic properties) and drowsiness (sedative properties). In high doses, bay laurel has cytotoxic activity. Some people may experience allergic contact dermatitis from bay laurel oil.
Duke (2002) notes antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities for bay laurel, primarily at the experimental level. The essential oil contains eugenol and 1,8-cineole as principal bioactive components. Traditional dosages in European phytotherapy include 1–3 g of dried leaf as a tea. Caution is advised as the essential oil may cause allergic contact dermatitis, and bay berries should not be confused with the less toxic leaves (Duke, 2002).
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]
Evergreen shrub or small tree with dark green, glossy, aromatic leaves, smooth-edged and slightly wavy at the margin. Small, pale yellow-green flowers are borne in clusters in the leaf axils in spring, followed by small, dark purple-black berries on female trees.[11]
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 the Mediterranean region; widely cultivated as a culinary herb and ornamental tree in warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates worldwide.[11]
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]
Leaves are picked year-round from established plants and used fresh or dried; berries/seed are collected once ripe in autumn.
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]
Bay leaf has an ancient Mediterranean culinary and medicinal history, used as a digestive carminative for indigestion and bloating, and topically and traditionally for muscle and joint pain and minor wounds; it remains one of the most widely used culinary herbs worldwide.[11]
Preparations
Dried leaf infused in hot water as a traditional digestive tea.
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.
Two clinical studies in healthy volunteers used an infusion prepared from 5 g of dried Laurus nobilis leaves in 100 mL of boiled water, taken once daily for 10 days. Traditional references suggest a smaller 1-3 g per cup up to three times daily; no EMA or WHO monograph exists for bay leaf. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
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
- Hammoodi, O.T., Alkhilani, M.A., Alhayani, W.A., Al-Nuaimy, W. and Tala'a, A.A (2024) 'Effects of Laurus nobilis Leaf Extract on Healing of Experimentally Induced Wounds in Rabbits', Veterinary Medicine International, 2024, pp. 2889480. doi:10.1155/2024/2889480 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/2889480 - Caputo, L., Nazzaro, F., Souza, L.F., Aliberti, L., De Martino, L. and Fratianni, F (2017) 'Laurus nobilis: Composition of Essential Oil and Its Biological Activities', Molecules, 22(6), pp. 930. doi:10.3390/molecules22060930 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22060930 - Bourebaba, N., Kornicka-Garbowska, K., Marycz, K., Bourebaba, L. and Kowalczuk, A (2021) 'Laurus nobilis ethanolic extract attenuates hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia-induced insulin resistance in HepG2 cell line through the reduction of oxidative stress and improvement of mitochondrial biogenesis', Mitochondrion, 59, pp. 190-213. doi:10.1016/j.mito.2021.06.003 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mito.2021.06.003 - Dobroslavic, E., Repajic, M., Dragovic-Uzelac, V. and Elez Garofulic, I (2022) 'Isolation of Laurus nobilis Leaf Polyphenols: A Review on Current Techniques and Future Perspectives', Foods, 11(2), pp. 235. doi:10.3390/foods11020235 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11020235 - Chbili, C., Maoua, M., Zaouali, M., Selmi, M., Kacem, I. and Mrizek, N (2022) 'Evaluation of daily Laurus nobilis tea consumption on anxiety and stress biomarkers in healthy volunteers', Archives Italiennes de Biologie, 160(3-4), pp. 136-146. doi:10.12871/000398292022343 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.12871/000398292022343 - Chbili, C., Maoua, M., Selmi, M., Mrad, S., Khairi, H. and Limem, K (2020) 'Evaluation of Daily Laurus nobilis Tea Consumption on Lipid Profile Biomarkers in Healthy Volunteers', Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 39(8), pp. 733-738. doi:10.1080/07315724.2020.1727787 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2020.1727787 - Bouadid, I., Amssayef, A. and Eddouks, M (2023) 'Study of the Antihypertensive Effect of Laurus nobilis in Rats', Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 21(1), pp. 42-54. doi:10.2174/1871525720666220512154041 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2174/1871525720666220512154041 - Mohammed, R.R., Omer, A.K., Yener, Z., Uyar, A. and Ahmed, A.K (2020) 'Biomedical effects of Laurus nobilis L. leaf extract on vital organs in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: Experimental research', Annals of Medicine and Surgery, 61, pp. 188-197. doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2020.11.051 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amsu.2020.11.051 - Uchiyama, N., Matsunaga, K., Kiuchi, F., Honda, G., Tsubouchi, A. and Nakajima-Shimada, J (2002) 'Trypanocidal terpenoids from Laurus nobilis L', Chemical & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 50(11), pp. 1514-1516. doi:10.1248/cpb.50.1514 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1248/cpb.50.1514 - Saab, A.M., Guerrini, A., Zeino, M., Wiench, B., Rossi, D. and Gambari, R (2015) 'Laurus nobilis L. Seed Extract Reveals Collateral Sensitivity in Multidrug-Resistant P-Glycoprotein-Expressing Tumor Cells', Nutrition and Cancer, 67(4), pp. 664-675. doi:10.1080/01635581.2015.1019632 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2015.1019632 - Elansary HO, et al. Laurus nobilis: Composition of Essential Oil and Its Biological Activities. Biomolecules. 2018;8 (2018) ';8(3):98', 8(3). Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6152719/ Traditional / reference
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6152719/ - Fernandes F, et al. Laurus nobilis Leaves and Fruits: A Review of Metabolite Composition and Interest in Human Health. Applied Sciences. 2023;13 (2023) ';13(7):4606', 13(7). Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/7/4606 Traditional / reference
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/7/4606 - Ramos C, et al. Bay Leaf. In: Nonvitamin and Nonmineral Nutritional Supplements. Academic Press; 2019:269-276. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7152419/ (2019) ':269-276'. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7152419/ Traditional / reference
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7152419/ - Singletary KW. Bay Leaf: Potential Health Benefits. Nutrition Today. 2021;55 (2021) ';55(4):184-193', 55(4). Available at: https://journals.lww.com/nutritiontodayonline/fulltext/2021/07000/bay_leaf__potential_health_benefits.8.aspx Traditional / reference
https://journals.lww.com/nutritiontodayonline/fulltext/2021/07000/bay_leaf__potential_health_benefits.8.aspx - University of Arizona Campus Arboretum. Medicinal Plant Virtual Tour - Bay Laurel. https://arboretum.arizona.edu/medicinal-plant-virtual-tour-bay-laurel. Available at: https://arboretum.arizona.edu/medicinal-plant-virtual-tour-bay-laurel Traditional / reference
https://arboretum.arizona.edu/medicinal-plant-virtual-tour-bay-laurel - 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 - Malaspina, P. and Betuzzi, F. and Ingegneri, M. and Smeriglio, A. and Cornara, L. and Trombetta, D (2022) 'Risk of Poisoning from Garden Plants: Misidentification between Laurel and Cherry Laurel', Toxins, 14(11), pp. 726. doi:10.3390/toxins14110726 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins14110726 - Henriet, M. and Auquiere, J.P. and Moens, P (1974) 'Analysis and content of hydrocyanic acid by cutting, row and organographic zone of leaves of cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus L)', Journal de Pharmacie de Belgique, 29(5), pp. 437-43. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4377277/ Preclinical
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4377277/
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.