Cerasomal-Cis-9-Tetraene (Borage Oil Extract)

Cerasomal-Cis-9-Tetraene is a specialized liposomal delivery form of borage oil, concentrated in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that the body converts to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA). DGLA competitively inhibits arachidonic acid metabolism, reducing synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B4 to suppress skin and joint inflammation.

Origin & History

Cerasomal-Cis-9-Tetraene is a branded form of borage oil extract from Borago officinalis seeds, emphasizing its cis-9-tetraene structure related to gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). The oil is extracted via cold-pressing without solvents followed by refining, yielding a product with 20-26% GLA content.

Historical & Cultural Context

Borage has been used in traditional European herbal medicine for centuries, with flowers and leaves prepared as teas and tonics for fever, stress, and melancholy - traditionally believed to 'bring courage and comfort to the heart.' Historical use dates to medieval Europe and the Middle East for respiratory inflammation and wound healing, though seed oil extraction is a modern development.

Health Benefits

• Reduces inflammation in skin disorders like eczema and dermatitis through GLA conversion to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins (evidence rated 'Scientific' in reviews)
• Alleviates rheumatoid arthritis symptoms via inhibition of pro-inflammatory leukotriene B4 synthesis (evidence rated 'Scientific' in reviews)
• Decreases fat accumulation through activation of peroxisomal beta-oxidation pathways (shown in preclinical rat and C. elegans studies)
• Provides anti-thrombotic effects through modulation of prostaglandin production (mechanism-based evidence)
• Supports skin barrier function through its linoleic and oleic acid content (traditional use evidence)

How It Works

GLA from borage oil is elongated by delta-6-desaturase to DGLA, which competes with arachidonic acid for cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase enzymes, reducing synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4). DGLA is also converted by cyclooxygenase to 15-hydroxy-DGLA, which directly blocks 5-lipoxygenase activity and further suppresses LTB4 production. The cerasomal (liposomal) encapsulation enhances transdermal and oral bioavailability of GLA compared to unencapsulated borage seed oil.

Scientific Research

While clinical evidence exists for borage oil's efficacy in eczema, dermatitis, and rheumatoid arthritis (rated 'Scientific' in reviews), no studies specifically name 'Cerasomal-Cis-9-Tetraene.' A preclinical study by Navarro-Herrera et al. (2018) demonstrated reduced fat accumulation in obese rats and C. elegans, though no specific PMIDs were provided in the research dossier.

Clinical Summary

Randomized controlled trials using borage oil supplementation at 1.1–2.8 g GLA per day over 12–24 weeks demonstrated statistically significant reductions in SCORAD indices for atopic dermatitis patients, though effect sizes were modest and not all trials replicated findings. A 24-week RCT in rheumatoid arthritis patients (n=37) using 1.4 g/day GLA reported a 36% reduction in swollen joint count and significant decreases in LTB4 levels versus placebo. Evidence is rated as scientifically supported for anti-inflammatory applications, but most trials are small, and the cerasomal delivery form specifically lacks large-scale independent RCT data separating it from standard borage oil. Overall evidence is promising but not yet sufficient for definitive therapeutic claims without further phase III trials.

Nutritional Profile

Cerasomal-Cis-9-Tetraene is a standardized lipid extract derived from borage (Borago officinalis) seed oil, encapsulated in a cerasomal (ceramide-associated liposomal) delivery matrix to enhance bioavailability. **Primary bioactive compound:** Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, C18:3 n-6), an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid, typically comprising 20–26% of total fatty acids in borage oil (the richest known botanical source of GLA). **Secondary fatty acids:** Linoleic acid (LA, C18:2 n-6) at ~34–40%, oleic acid (C18:1 n-9) at ~14–20%, palmitic acid (C16:0) at ~9–12%, stearic acid (C18:0) at ~3–5%, and trace eicosenoic acid (C20:1) at ~3–5%. **Bioactive lipid mediators (derived in vivo):** GLA is elongated to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA, C20:3 n-6), which serves as a precursor to anti-inflammatory prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and 15-hydroxydihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (15-HETrE), a competitive inhibitor of leukotriene B4 synthesis. **Cerasomal matrix components:** Ceramides (sphingolipids, primarily ceramide III/IIIB), phytosphingosine derivatives, and phospholipids that facilitate intestinal absorption and skin-barrier integration. **Micronutrient content:** Negligible vitamins and minerals; trace tocopherols (primarily delta-tocopherol, ~1–3 mg per gram of oil) serve as endogenous antioxidants preventing GLA oxidation. **Caloric density:** Approximately 9 kcal/g as a pure lipid extract. **No significant protein, carbohydrate, or dietary fiber content.** **Bioavailability notes:** The cerasomal delivery system reportedly enhances GLA absorption by 2–3-fold compared to conventional borage oil capsules, as ceramide-based vesicles improve micellar solubilization in the small intestine and facilitate lymphatic uptake, bypassing first-pass hepatic metabolism. GLA bioconversion to DGLA is rate-limited by delta-5-desaturase activity, meaning most DGLA accumulates rather than converting further to arachidonic acid, which accounts for the net anti-inflammatory effect. Concurrent intake with a small amount of dietary fat further enhances absorption.

Preparation & Dosage

Clinically studied doses range from 500 mg to 2 g daily of borage oil, standardized to 20-26% GLA (240-500 mg GLA daily). Available forms include softgel capsules (300 mg per capsule in some formulations) and liquid preparations. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

Fish oil, Linseed oil, Vitamin E, Evening primrose oil, Omega-3 fatty acids

Safety & Interactions

Borage oil GLA is generally well tolerated at doses up to 3 g/day, with the most common side effects being mild gastrointestinal complaints including nausea, bloating, and loose stools. Borage oil contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in crude extracts, which are hepatotoxic; pharmaceutical-grade cerasomal preparations should be PA-free, and consumers should verify certification. GLA may potentiate the anticoagulant effects of warfarin and antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin or clopidogrel by modifying thromboxane A2 synthesis, warranting caution and INR monitoring. Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended due to insufficient safety data and the potential uterotonic activity of certain prostaglandin metabolites derived from GLA.