Bore

Related Terms

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, amine-boranes, amorphous boron (impure boron), AN-2690, Arc Dia TPX?, atomic number 5, B, BCH (12--dicarba-closo-dodecaboranel-carboxylate) (borondifluoride), BF2 (borondifluoride), 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.

Background

Boron is a trace element that is found throughout the global environment. It has been suggested for numerous medicinal purposes, but there is a lack of strong evidence for any specific use. Preliminary studies report that boron may not be helpful for enhancing bodybuilding, reducing menopausal symptoms, or treating psoriasis.

Evidence Table

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. GRADE *
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. GRADE *


Boron may increase hormone (estrogen) levels in women, reducing vaginal discomfort after menopause. More research is needed in humans before a strong conclusion can be reached.

 C


Boron may increase hormone (estrogen) levels in women, reducing vaginal discomfort after menopause. More research is needed in humans before a strong conclusion can be reached.

 C


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.

 C


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.

 C


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.

C


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.

C


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.

 C


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.

 C


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.

C


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.

C


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.

 D


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.

 D


It has been proposed that boron affects estrogen levels in post-menopausal women. However, preliminary studies have found no changes in menopausal symptoms.

D


It has been proposed that boron affects estrogen levels in post-menopausal women. However, preliminary studies have found no changes in menopausal symptoms.

D


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.

 D


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.

 D


Preliminary human study of an ointment including boric acid does not report significant benefits in psoriasis.

 D


Preliminary human study of an ointment including boric acid does not report significant benefits in psoriasis.

 D
* 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 for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* 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 for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. 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. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
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.
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.

Safety

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.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Magnesium may interfere with the effects of boron in the body. Sources of magnesium may include antacids containing magnesium oxide or magnesium sulfate (milk of magnesia, Maalox?).
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.
Supplemental boron may decrease insulin levels in the blood. It may also alter thyroid hormone levels.
Alzheimer's drugs, analgesics (pain relievers), androgens, anti-inflammatories, antilipemics (cholesterol-lowering), antineoplastic agents, antiviral agents, arthritis agents, dopamine agonists, dopamine antagonists, drugs that damage the liver, osteoporosis agents, and drugs eliminated by the kidney may interact with boron.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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