Common names | borage, starflower

Scientific name | Borago of cinalis

Used part | Flower

Known active compounds | gallic acid, salicylic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, rutin, daidzein

Potential benefits in cosmetics | anti-oxidant, anti-microbial

Product name | Borage Flower-APD, Borage Flower-ANB

Plant Story

Borage (Borago officinalis), also known as starflower, is an annual flowering plant. It is native to the Mediterranean region and has naturalized in other regions. Borage has hairy, oblong leaves and produces clusters of blue star-shaped flowers. Borage has a long history of use. It is thought that the ancient Greek and Roman people consumed borage before battle for courage. Borage can also be used as a vegetable or garnish.

Borage flowers are a source of various phenolic compounds. Phenolic acids such as gallic acid, salicylic acid, and caffeic acid, as well as flavonoids including myricetin, rutin, and daidzein have been identified. Anti-oxidant activity of borage flowers has been confirmed by DPPH, nitric oxide scavenging, and FRAP assays, as well as inhibiting beta-carotene/linoleic acid beaching assay. In addition, borage flowers have anti-microbial properties. Borage extracts inhibited the growth of Gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, and Staphylococcus aureus.