Ultimate guide to starflower oil: potential benefits, uses, side effects

GLA has been connected to potential relief of joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.⁷ What’s more, research indicates that administering topical borage oil containing high levels of GLA may support skin structure and function.²

Let’s delve into some of these supposed benefits – is starflower oil really the elixir du jour?

Results of one study suggest that borage seed oil (containing GLA) may improve pain and function, and probably doesn’t increase unwanted side effects in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).⁷

In another small study, borage seed oil, fish oil and a combination of both were examined in people with rheumatoid arthritis with synovitis (inflammation of the tissue that lines your joints) over an 18-month period. Improvements were seen in all three groups and these continued across 18 months.⁸ 

A trial published in Arthritis & Rheumatism also investigated the use of GLA in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, showing a reduction in joint tenderness and morning stiffness in those affected by the condition.¹ However, starflower oil isn’t approved in the United States for the treatment of any condition and further controlled studies of its use in RA are needed.¹

Starflower oil contains high levels of certain essential fatty acids that are important for preserving the structure and function of the skin.⁹ 

A 2018 review of plant oils pointed to several possible benefits of borage oil for skin health.² For example, for children with atopic dermatitis, borage oil was shown to normalise skin barrier function.^10,1 

Taking GLA (such as starflower oil) may also contribute to reducing lesions in people with acne. The authors of a recent study suggest that starflower oil may be a potential treatment for the condition.¹² 

A study involving 45 women showed that a 2g daily supplement of borage oil may reduce skin redness (though no improvements were found for skin hydration, scaling or roughness).¹³

However, research suggests the GLA in starflower oil could be helpful in reducing the risk of weight regain after weight loss. In one study, taking a daily 5g dose of borage oil helped 50 people who were previously affected by obesity to reduce the amount of weight they regained.¹⁴

Sometimes, the NHS recommends trying either starflower oil and evening primrose oil, both of which contain GLA, to potentially reduce breast discomfort connected with the menstrual cycle.¹⁵ Please note that it’s recommended to avoid starflower oil if you’re trying to become pregnant or taking blood thinners (see more in side effects below).¹⁵

The exact reasons why GLA may be able to help with breast pain aren’t really understood and current research is mixed on whether starflower oil can actually help with breast pain or not.15 One trial showed that women with cyclic breast pain who received a formula containing GLA plus iodine and selenium needed less over-the-counter pain medication and experienced reduced lumpiness of their breasts.¹⁶ However, it’s hard to say which of these components may have contributed to these positive results based on the study’s design.