Boron
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| Boron |
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Boron is a trace element, which is found throughout the global environment. It
has been suggested for numerous medicinal purposes, but there is not strong
evidence for any specific use. Preliminary studies report that boron may not
be helpful for enhancing bodybuilding, reducing menopausal symptoms, or
treating psoriasis.
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1-amino-3-[(dihydoxyboryl)methyl]-cyclobutanecarboxylic acid, 2-APB
(2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate),
3-[3-(7-NH(3)(+)-nido-m-carboran-1-yl)propan-1-yl] thymidine, 3-carboranyl
thymidine analogs (3CTA), 3-carboranlyalkyl thymidine analogs,
3-[(closo-o-carboranyl)methyl] thymidine, 4-META/MMA-TBBO, 10B (pure isotope),
11B (pure isotope), 12-dicarba-closo-dodecaboranel-carboxylate (BCH), alanin-boric
compound acid, amorphous boron (impure boron), Arc Dia TPX®, atomic number 5,
B, BCH (12--dicarba-closo-dodecaboranel-carboxylate) (borondifluoride), BF2
bor, BF3 (borontrifluoride), bis-phenylboronate, boracic acid [B(OH)3],
boracite, boracium, boranophosphate, borate transporter, borates, borax
[Na2B4O5(OH)4.8H2O], Borax®, bore, boric acid, boric anhydride, boron 10
(pure isotope), boron 11 (pure isotope), boron aspartate, boron citrate, boron
enriched cathode, borondifluoride [BF2], boron fluoride, boron glycinate,
boron hydroxide [B(OH)3], boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), boron nitride,
boron oxide [B2O3], boron sesquioxide, boronated aminocyclobutanecarboxylic
acid, boronic acid, boronophenylalanine (BPA), burah [Na2B4O5(OH)4.8H2O],
buraq [Na2B4O5(OH)4.8H2O], C&B Metabond®, carborane (a carbon-boron
compound) closo-dodecarborate, colemanite, crystalline boron (99% pure boron),
decaborane, dicarba-closo-dodecaborane, dipyrrylmethene-BF2, Dobill's solution®,
drug vitrum osteomag®, furan boron ethers, kernite [Na2B4O5(OH)4.2H2O],
magnesium perborate, metaboric acid, rasorite [Na2B4O5(OH)4.2H2O], MMA-TBB
(methyl methacrylate tri-n-butylborane), mono-phenylboronate,
NH(2)-closo-m-carborane, NH(3)(+)-nido-m-carborane-substituted thymidine
analogues, orthoboric acid, ortho-carborane derivative, sassolite, sodium
biborate, sodium borate, sodium borocaptate, sodium metaborate, sodium
perborate, sodium pyroborate, sodium tetraborate [Na2B4O5(OH)4.8H2O], sal
sedativum [B(OH)3], sodium tetraborate, Superbond C&B®, Tincal®, TBB
(tri-n-butylborane), TBBO (tri-n-butylborane partially oxide),
tetracarboranylketone 4, thermal water, tincal [Na2B4O5(OH)4.8H2O], tribromide,
tributylborane (TBB), trifluoride-methanol [BF3-MeOH], tri-n-butylborane
partially oxide (TBBO), ulexite [CaB4O7*NaBO2*8H2O], zwitterionic 3-carboranyl
thymidine analogues.
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety
and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are
potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
| Uses based on scientific evidence |
Grade* |
| Improving cognitive function
Preliminary human study reports better performance on tasks of eye-hand
coordination, attention, perception, short-term memory and long-term
memory with boron supplementation. However, additional research is
needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
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| Osteoarthritis
Based on human population research, in a boron rich environment, people
appear to have fewer joint disorders. It has also been proposed that
boron deficiency may contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.
However, there is no clear human evidence that supplementation with
boron is beneficial as prevention against or as a treatment for
osteoarthritis.
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| Osteoporosis
Animal and preliminary human studies report that boron may play a role
in mineral metabolism, with effects on calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin
D. However, research of bone mineral density in women taking boron
supplements does not clearly demonstrate benefits in osteoporosis.
Additional study is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
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| Vaginitis
Inorganic boron (boric acid, borax) has been used as an antiseptic based
on proposed antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is proposed that
boric acid may have effects against candidal and non-candidal
vulvovaginitis. A limited amount of poor-quality research reports that
boric acid capsules used in the vagina may be effective for vaginitis.
Further evidence is needed before a recommendation can be made.
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| Bodybuilding aid (increasing testosterone)
There is preliminary negative evidence for the use of boron for
improving performance in bodybuilding by increasing testosterone.
Although boron is suggested to raise testosterone levels, in early human
research, total lean body mass has not been affected by boron
supplementation in bodybuilders. Additional research is necessary before
a firm conclusion can be drawn.
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D |
| Menopausal symptoms
It has been proposed that boron affects estrogen levels in
post-menopausal women. However, preliminary studies have found no
changes in menopausal symptoms.
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| Prevention of blood clotting (coagulation effects)
It has been proposed that boron may affect the activity of certain blood
clotting factors. Study results conflict. There is not enough evidence
in this area to form a clear conclusion.
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| Psoriasis (boric acid ointment)
Preliminary human study of an ointment including boric acid does not
report significant benefits in psoriasis.
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*Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;
B: Good scientific evidence for this use;
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;
D: Fair scientific evidence against this use;
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use.
Grading rationale
Uses based on tradition or theory
The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often
have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have
not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and
should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, breast cancer, boron deficiency, diabetes, diaper
rash (avoid due to case reports of death in infants from absorbing boron through
skin or when taken by mouth), cancer, eye cleansing, high cholesterol,
hypersensitivity to temperature, increasing lifespan, leukemia, pain, prostate
cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, vitamin D deficiency, wound care.
The below doses are based on scientific research,
publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements
have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven.
Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same
brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product
labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting
therapy.
Adults (18 years and older)
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The average reported boron intake in the American diet is 1.17 milligrams per
day for men, 0.96 milligrams per day for women and 1.29 to 1.47 milligrams per
day for vegetarians. High boron content foods include peanut butter, wine,
grapes, beans, and peaches. 2.5 to 6 milligrams have been taken by mouth in
studies.
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For psoriasis, 1.5% boric acid with 3% zinc oxide ointment applied to the skin
as needed has been studied. Boric acid powder capsules administered vaginally
daily have also been studied. Safety and effectiveness have not been well
established.
Children (younger than 18 years)
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There is not enough scientific data to recommend the safe use of boron in
children. Case reports exist of death in infants following use of boron (taken
by mouth or placed on the skin).
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly
regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or
safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels.
If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or
supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before
starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you
experience side effects.
Allergies
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Boron should be avoided in patients who have a history of reactions to boron,
boric acid, borax, citrate, aspartate, or glycinate.
Side Effects and Warnings
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Boron is potentially toxic, although humans tend to rapidly excrete it and
therefore boron does not usually accumulate in high levels. In adults, it is
believed that adverse reactions in doses below 10 milligrams of boron per day
are less likely to occur, and there are few reports of toxicity. Large doses
may result in acute poisoning. There are fatal case reports of infants who
have been exposed to boron by mouth or on the skin. Historically, a honey and
borax solution was used to clean infant pacifiers, and topical boric acid
powder was used to prevent diaper rash. However, these practices were
associated with several infant deaths.
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Boron toxicity may cause skin rash, nausea, vomiting (may be blue-green
color), diarrhea (may be blue-green color), abdominal pain, and headache. Low
blood pressure and metabolic changes in the blood (acidosis) have been
reported. Agitation and irritability, or the opposite reaction (weakness,
lethargy, depression) may occur. Fever, hyperthermia, tremors and seizure have
been reported. Based on animal study, excess amounts of boron ingestion have
been shown to cause testicular toxicity, decreased sperm motility, and reduced
fertility. Hair loss has been reported with boron poisoning. Chronic boron
exposure may cause dehydration, seizures, low red blood cell count, as well as
kidney or liver damage.
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Boron is proposed to increase blood levels of estrogen and testosterone, with
mixed results of research. Boron may be associated with reduced blood levels
of calcitonin, insulin, or phosphorus, and with increased levels of vitamin
D2, calcium, copper, magnesium, or thyroxine. Exposure to boric acid or boron
oxide dust can cause eye irritation, dryness of the mouth or nose, sore
throat, and productive cough.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
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There is not enough scientific evidence to recommend the safe use of boron
during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly
tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The
interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications,
laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product
labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or
supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before
starting a new therapy.
Interactions with Drugs
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Magnesium may interfere with effects of boron in the body. Sources of
magnesium may include antacids containing magnesium oxide or magnesium sulfate
(milk of magnesia, Maalox®).
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In theory, use of boron with estrogen-active drugs such as birth control pills
or hormone replacement therapy may result in increased estrogen effects. Use
of boron with testosterone-active drugs such as Testoderm® may result in
increased testosterone effects.
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Supplemental boron may decrease insulin levels in the blood. It may also alter
thyroid hormone levels.
Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements
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Boron supplementation may result in increased calcium levels in the blood, and
may add to the effects of calcium or vitamin D supplementation.
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Supplemental boron may decrease phosphorous levels in the blood.
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In theory, use of boron with estrogen-active herbs or supplements may result
in increased estrogen effects.
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Supplemental boron may decrease insulin levels in the blood. It may also alter
thyroid hormone levels.