Authentication of borage oil

Abstract

Over the past 30 years borage (Borago officinalis) has become established as a speciality oilseed crop grown exclusively for its oil, a rich source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), C18 : 3n – 6. GLA is metabolised in the human body from linoleic acid and is itself a precursor in the formation of dihomo‐gammalinolenic acid, arachidonic acid and metabolites of these, prostaglandins, leukotrienes and thromboxanes. The oil is used extensively in the nutritional supplements, cosmetics and pet care industries primarily for its anti‐inflammatory and skin health properties. Global usage is estimated to be approximately 1000 tonnes per year and oil is usually traded on the basis of its GLA content with higher contents attracting a premium commercially. In recent years the development of competitively priced high GLA sources, particularly oils from genetically modified safflower have resulted in an increase in the aduleration of borage oil to raise GLA levels. Analytical and statistical techniques have now been developed to assist authenticating borage oil samples.