Borage oil supplies a plant omega-6 fat the body can turn toward calming inflammation. The strongest signals are modest relief in joint disease and diabetic nerve pain, both needing patience and high doses. The once-popular eczema benefit did not hold up. It is inexpensive and generally well tolerated when a certified contaminant-free product is chosen. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| hs-CRP | < 1.0 mg/L | Tracks the systemic inflammation the oil aims to lower |
| Fatty-acid panel (DGLA, AA:DGLA ratio) | Rising DGLA with a stable or falling AA:DGLA ratio | Confirms the intended anti-inflammatory fatty-acid shift |
| INR (on warfarin) | Individualized to therapy (commonly 2.0–3.0) | Detects added bleeding risk from GLA's antiplatelet effect |
| ALT and AST | ALT ~10–26 U/L; AST ~10–26 U/L | Screens for the pyrrolizidine-alkaloid liver concern |
| Fasting glucose / HbA1c | Glucose 75–86 mg/dL; HbA1c < 5.4% | Tracks underlying control when used for diabetic neuropathy |
| ESR | < 15 mm/hr | Secondary inflammation marker useful in rheumatoid arthritis use |
Cadence: Recheck inflammation markers and the fatty-acid panel at about 8–12 weeks, then every 6–12 months if continued; those on anticoagulants should verify clotting shortly after starting and after any dose change.