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 treag psoriasis.
                                                         
                                                           Synonyms

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, [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], 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.

                                                 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, antiviral, bone healing, breast cancer, cancer, diabetes, diaper rash (avoid due to case reports of death in infants from absorbing boron through skin or when taken by mouth), eye cleansing, high cholesterol, hypersensitivity to temperature, increasing lifespan, leukemia, onychomycosis (fungal infection), pain, prostate cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, vitamin D deficiency, wound care.

                                                                Dosing

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)
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.
 
Children (younger than 18 years)
There is not enough scientific data to recommend the safe use of boron in children. Case reports exist of death in infants following the use of boron (taken by mouth or placed on the skin).

                                                               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.

                                                               Allergies

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

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 associated with low doses 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.
 
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.
 
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

There is not enough scientific evidence to recommend the safe use of boron during pregnancy or breastfeeding. There is a trace amount of boron distributed to human milk. Excessive amounts of boron taken by mouth may cause toxicity in male fertility.
Interactions
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

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.

                               Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Boron supplementation may result in increased calcium levels in the blood and may add to the effects of calcium or vitamin D supplementation. Boron may interact with herbs or supplements that have effects similar to antacids.
Supplemental boron may decrease phosphorous levels in the blood.
In theory, use of boron with estrogen-active herbs or supplements may result in increased estrogen effects.
Supplemental boron may decrease insulin levels in the blood. It may also alter thyroid hormone levels.
Alzheimer's agents, analgesics (pain relievers), androgens, anti-inflammatoriess, antilipemics (cholesterol-lowering), antineoplastics, antivirals, arthritis agents, dopamine agonists, dopamine antagonists, herbs and supplements that damage the liver, osteoporosis agents, phytoestrogens, and herbs and supplements cleared by the kidneys may interact with boron.