Status epilepticus associated with borage oil ingestion

J Med Toxicol. 2011 Jun;7(2):154-7. doi: 10.1007/s13181-011-0135-9.

Abstract

The use of herbal and complementary medicine is common. Many herbal products are known to produce serious adverse effects. Borage oil is derived from the seeds of the borage plant (Borago officinalis) an abundant source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and Borage oil has been promoted as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, diabetic neuropathy, and menopause-related symptoms. We report a case of status epilepticus in a patient who consumed borage oil for one week.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acyclovir / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Borago / chemistry*
  • Diethylcarbamazine / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lorazepam / therapeutic use
  • Pentobarbital / therapeutic use
  • Phenytoin / therapeutic use
  • Plant Oils / toxicity*
  • Seizures / chemically induced
  • Seizures / drug therapy
  • Status Epilepticus / chemically induced*
  • Status Epilepticus / drug therapy
  • Treatment Outcome
  • gamma-Linolenic Acid / toxicity*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Plant Oils
  • Phenytoin
  • gamma-Linolenic Acid
  • borage oil
  • Pentobarbital
  • Lorazepam
  • Diethylcarbamazine
  • Acyclovir