Research

Boron

40 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.

1
Meta-analyses
0
Systematic reviews
19
RCTs
20
Other studies
Meta-analyses (3%)
RCTs (48%)
Observational (5%)

Studies

Sorted by quality and recency

2023·Biological trace element research·Saba Jalali, Nasrin Borumandnia, Abbas Basiri, et al

A Comparison of Boron Supplement and Tamsulosin as Medical Expulsive Therapy for Urinary Stones After Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

RCTn = 200

RCT comparing boron supplement (10 mg/BD) and tamsulosin (0.4 mg per night) for stone expulsion after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in 200 patients. The expulsion rate was 46.6% in the boron group and 38.7% in the tamsulosin group, with no statistically significant difference. Pain intensity and side effects were similar in both groups.

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2022·Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS)·Nazila Farrin, Leila Rezazadeh, Samira Pourmoradian, et al

Boron compound administration; A novel agent in weight management: A systematic review and meta- analysis of animal studies.

Meta-analysisPhysique

Systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies assessing the effect of boron on body weight. Findings indicate that boron administration significantly decreases body weight, with greater effects observed in male animals and when administered in borax form for up to 4 weeks.

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2007·Acta veterinaria Hungarica·M Eren, F Uyanik

Influence of dietary boron supplementation on some serum metabolites and egg-yolk cholesterol in laying hens.

RCTn = 224

The study investigated the effects of dietary boron supplementation on serum metabolites and egg-yolk cholesterol in 224 laying hens. Boron supplementation decreased serum GGT activity, albumin, glucose, total cholesterol, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol levels, and increased LDH activity and egg-yolk cholesterol levels.

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2022·Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS)·Neda Akbari, Alireza Ostadrahimi, Helda Tutunchi, et al

Possible therapeutic effects of boron citrate and oleoylethanolamide supplementation in patients with COVID-19: A pilot randomized, double-blind, clinical trial.

RCTn = 40Immunity Inflammation

Pilot RCT assessing boron citrate and oleoylethanolamide supplementation in 40 COVID-19 patients. Boron citrate alone or with oleoylethanolamide improved O2 saturation, respiratory rate, and reduced inflammatory markers. COVID-19 symptoms like cough and fatigue improved in supplemented groups.

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2015·Complementary therapies in clinical practice·Somayeh Nikkhah, Mahrokh Dolatian, Mohammad Reza Naghii, et al

Effects of boron supplementation on the severity and duration of pain in primary dysmenorrhea.

RCTn = 113Womens Health

Triple-blind randomized clinical trial with 113 female university students to assess the effects of 10 mg/day Boron supplementation on menstrual pain. The Boron group showed significantly lower severity and duration of pain compared to the placebo group, suggesting anti-inflammatory benefits.

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2000·The Journal of nutrition·T A Armstrong, J W Spears, T D Crenshaw, et al

Boron supplementation of a semipurified diet for weanling pigs improves feed efficiency and bone strength characteristics and alters plasma lipid metabolites.

RCTn = 96Nutrition Joint Bone Health

Two experiments were conducted to assess the effects of dietary boron on performance, plasma minerals and metabolites, and bone characteristics in young pigs. In Experiment 2, boron supplementation improved the gain:feed ratio and increased plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. A treatment x sex interaction was observed for bone lipid and bending moment in male pigs. Boron supplementation of a low boron diet elicited physiologically important responses.

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2023·Agriculture·Jan Moudr, M. Bartošová, E. Amirahmadi, et al

Boron Fertilization Alleviates the Adverse Effects of Late Sowing in Wheat under Different Tillage Systems

StudyNutrition

Field experiment on the effects of different boron application rates and sowing dates on wheat growth and productivity. Boron application improved plant height, chlorophyll content, and grain yield, especially under late-sown conditions. Foliar application of boron at 2 kg ha−1 was most effective.

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2022·Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tarım ve Doğa Dergisi·Tuğba Hasibe Gökkaya, M. Arslan

Germination and Growth Parameters in Sorghum Cultivars (Sorghum bicolor L.) Effected by Boron Application under Salinity Stress

Study

The study investigates the effects of boron on the germination and growth of three sorghum cultivars under different salinity stress levels. Low-dose boron applications showed positive effects on germination and growth parameters, reducing the adverse effects of salinity stress.

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2021·Pesquisa Agropecuaria Brasileira·Ayaz Ahmad

Boron application influenced growth, yield and fiber quality of upland cotton (Gossipium hirsutum L.) under different irrigation regimes

Study

The study evaluated the effects of boron application and different irrigation regimes on the growth, yield, and fiber quality of upland cotton. Foliar application of boron and maintaining field capacity at 75% improved plant growth, yield, and fiber quality, particularly in the cultivar CIM-678.

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2021·Plants·H. Alharby, K. Nahar, H. Al-Zahrani, et al

Enhancing Salt Tolerance in Soybean by Exogenous Boron: Intrinsic Study of the Ascorbate-Glutathione and Glyoxalase Pathways

Study

The study investigates the role of exogenous boron (1 mM boric acid) in enhancing salt tolerance in soybean plants. Boron supplementation improved antioxidant defense and glyoxalase system components, alleviating oxidative stress and methylglyoxal toxicity induced by salt stress, thereby improving the physiology of salt-affected soybean plants.

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2020·Journal of Plant Nutrition·Habiballah Yousefi, Neda Dalir, R. Rahnemaie, et al

The alleviation of salinity-induced stress by using boron in soilless grown rose

StudyStress

The study evaluated the effects of different levels of boron application on Rosa plants under salt stress. Boron alleviated salt stress-induced adverse effects by improving leaf area, relative water, and soluble carbohydrate contents, and maintaining osmotic potential. Maximum salt resistance was achieved at 40-60 µM boron concentration.

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2019·Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS)·Ruya Kuru, Sahin Yilmaz, Gulsah Balan, et al

Boron-rich diet may regulate blood lipid profile and prevent obesity: A non-drug and self-controlled clinical trial.

RCTn = 13Heart Health Physique Hormone Health

A non-drug, self-controlled clinical trial with 13 healthy women consuming a boron-rich diet for one month. Significant decreases in serum total, LDL, VLDL cholesterol, triglyceride levels, body weight, body fat weight, and BMI were observed. Changes in serum TSH and salivary buffering capacity were also noted.

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2016·Journal of investigative surgery : the official journal of the Academy of Surgical Research·Erhan Aysan, Ufuk Oguz Idiz, Leyla Elmas, et al

Effects of Boron-Based Gel on Radiation-Induced Dermatitis in Breast Cancer: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

RCTn = 47Skin Hair Health

Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the effects of boron-based gel on radiation-induced skin reactions in 47 breast cancer patients. The boron group showed significantly lower RTOG scores compared to placebo, indicating reduced skin reactions.

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2011·Applied radiation and isotopes : including data, instrumentation and methods for use in agriculture, industry and medicine·T Schmitz, K Appelman, P Kudejova, et al

Determination of boron concentration in blood and tissue samples from patients with liver metastases of colorectal carcinoma using Prompt Gamma Ray Activation Analysis (PGAA).

RCTn = 4

Clinical trial measuring boron concentrations in blood and tissue samples from four patients with liver metastases of colorectal carcinoma. Pharmacokinetic curves and blood-to-tissue concentration ratios were produced using Prompt Gamma Ray Activation Analysis.

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2010·Research in veterinary science·R S Fry, T T Brown, K E Lloyd, et al

Effect of dietary boron on physiological responses in growing steers inoculated with bovine herpesvirus type-1.

RCTn = 36

RCT with 36 Angus and Angus×Simmental steers fed different levels of dietary boron to assess effects on disease resistance following bovine herpesvirus type-1 inoculation. Boron supplementation increased plasma boron concentrations but did not affect the duration and severity of clinical signs of the virus.

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2009·Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition·R S Fry, K E Lloyd, S K Jacobi, et al

Effect of dietary boron on immune function in growing beef steers.

RCTn = 36Immunity

RCT with 36 Angus and Angus x Simmental cross steers to determine the effects of dietary boron on performance and immune function. Boron supplementation increased plasma boron concentration but had minimal effects on immune function and did not affect performance. Boron-supplemented steers had greater anti-PRBC IgG titres on day 7 but not on later days.

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2004·Applied radiation and isotopes : including data, instrumentation and methods for use in agriculture, industry and medicine·J A Coderre, J W Hopewell, J C Turcotte, et al

Tolerance of normal human brain to boron neutron capture therapy.

RCT

Analysis of data from Harvard-MIT and BNL Phase I and Phase I/II clinical trials on the tolerance of the normal human brain to BPA-mediated boron neutron capture therapy. The study found a steep dose-response relationship using somnolence syndrome as the clinical endpoint, with specific doses associated with a 50% incidence for somnolence.

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2003·International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics·Wilko F A R Verbakel, Wolfgang Sauerwein, Katalin Hideghety, et al

Boron concentrations in brain during boron neutron capture therapy: in vivo measurements from the phase I trial EORTC 11961 using a gamma-ray telescope.

RCTn = 5

Gamma-ray spectroscopic scans were used to measure boron concentrations in brain tissue during boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) in 5 patients with brain tumors. The study found low boron concentrations in nonoperated brain areas and higher concentrations in target volumes, suggesting that normal brain tissue absorbs little of the boron compound BSH.

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2002·European journal of clinical nutrition·J M W Wallace, M P A Hannon-Fletcher, P J Robson, et al

Boron supplementation and activated factor VII in healthy men.

RCTn = 15

This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over study investigated the effect of acute boron supplementation on activated factor VII in 15 healthy men. Plasma boron concentrations were significantly higher following supplementation, but there was no significant effect on plasma insulin, glucose concentration, blood lipid, or coagulation factor profile. Factor VIIa increased after a high-fat meal, but this was not altered by boron supplementation.

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1995·The American journal of clinical nutrition·S L Meacham, L J Taper, S L Volpe

Effect of boron supplementation on blood and urinary calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, and urinary boron in athletic and sedentary women.

RCTJoint Bone Health

The study investigated the effects of boron supplementation on blood and urinary minerals in athletic and sedentary women consuming typical Western diets. Boron supplementation modestly affected mineral status, with serum phosphorus concentrations lower and serum magnesium concentrations higher in boron-supplemented subjects. Exercise training modified the effects of boron on serum minerals.

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2024·Toxics·Mehmet Enes Arslan, Cem Baba, O. O. Tozlu

Boron Compounds Mitigate 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-Induced Toxicity in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

In vitroImmunity

The study investigates the protective effects of boron compounds against TCDD-induced toxicity in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Boron compounds, including boric acid, ulexite, and borax, were found to mitigate cytotoxic, genotoxic, and oxidative stress effects caused by TCDD exposure.

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2024·Nutrients·Ting Huang, Yuhui Hao, Yao Tan, et al

Low-Mineral Water Diminishes the Bone Benefits of Boron

Animal studyJoint Bone Health

Study on the effects of boron in low-mineral water on bone health in male Balb/C mice. Boron exposure initially improved bone formation, microstructure, and biomechanics, but benefits weakened with higher exposure levels. Co-exposure to purified water elevated serum boron but weakened its bone benefits compared to tap water.

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2018·Environmental and Experimental Botany·M. Riaz, Lei Yan, Xiuwen Wu, et al

Boron deprivation induced inhibition of root elongation is provoked by oxidative damage, root injuries and changes in cell wall structure

Study

The study investigates the effects of boron deprivation on root elongation in trifoliate orange seedlings. Boron deficiency was found to inhibit root growth, cause oxidative damage, root cell injuries, and alter cell wall structure.

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2006·California Agriculture·P. Christensen, R. Beede, W. Peacock

Fall foliar sprays prevent boron-deficiency symptoms in grapes

Study

The study investigates the effectiveness of foliar spraying to increase boron levels in grapevines and reduce boron-deficiency symptoms. Fall sprays were more effective than pre-bloom or bloom sprays in reducing fruit-set deficiency symptoms, likely due to earlier incorporation of boron in reproductive tissues.

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2005·California Agriculture·W. Peacock, L. Christensen

Drip irrigation can effectively apply boron to San Joaquin Valley vineyards

ObservationalNutrition

The study evaluated the safety and efficacy of boron fertigation in grapevines using drip irrigation in the San Joaquin Valley. Applying boron annually at 1/3 pound per acre elevated tissue levels into the adequate range within 2 years, but amounts should be adjusted based on leaching potential to avoid toxicity or deficiency.

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2001·Clinical chemistry·J Laakso, M Kulvik, I Ruokonen, et al

Atomic emission method for total boron in blood during neutron-capture therapy.

Study

The study developed a new method for boron determination using ICP-AES and protein removal with trichloroacetic acid, comparing it with ICP-MS. The method showed high accuracy and feasibility for boron determination during BNCT, with strong correlation between ICP-AES and ICP-MS results.

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1997·Biological trace element research·M R Naghii, S Samman

The effect of boron supplementation on its urinary excretion and selected cardiovascular risk factors in healthy male subjects.

RCTn = 18Hormone Health Heart Health

Two studies quantified urinary boron concentration and the effect of boron supplementation on plasma lipoprotein cholesterol, oxidation susceptibility, and plasma steroid hormones in 18 healthy male subjects. Supplementation with 10 mg boron per day for 4 weeks resulted in significant increases in plasma estradiol concentrations and a trend towards increased plasma testosterone levels, suggesting a protective role in atherosclerosis.

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1997·The American journal of clinical nutrition·C D Hunt, J L Herbel, F H Nielsen

Metabolic responses of postmenopausal women to supplemental dietary boron and aluminum during usual and low magnesium intake: boron, calcium, and magnesium absorption and retention and blood mineral concentrations.

RCTn = 11Nutrition

RCT with 11 postmenopausal women examining the effects of supplemental dietary boron and aluminum during usual and low magnesium intake. The study found that boron supplementation affected calcium and magnesium metabolism, with implications for mineral balance and potential roles in controlling urolithiasis.

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1994·Environmental health perspectives·S L Meacham, L J Taper, S L Volpe

Effects of boron supplementation on bone mineral density and dietary, blood, and urinary calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and boron in female athletes.

RCTn = 28Joint Bone Health

The study investigated the effects of boron supplementation on bone mineral density and mineral levels in female college students, including 17 athletes and 11 sedentary controls, over one year. Athletes showed a slight increase in bone mineral density, while sedentary controls showed a decrease. Boron supplementation affected serum phosphorus and magnesium levels and increased urinary boron excretion.

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1994·Environmental health perspectives·N R Green, A A Ferrando

Plasma boron and the effects of boron supplementation in males.

RCTn = 19

RCT investigating the effect of 2.5-mg boron supplementation in 10 male bodybuilders compared to 9 receiving placebo over 7 weeks. No significant effect of boron supplementation was found on plasma testosterone, lean body mass, or strength measurements, although both groups showed increases in these variables due to bodybuilding.

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1993·International journal of sport nutrition·A A Ferrando, N R Green

The effect of boron supplementation on lean body mass, plasma testosterone levels, and strength in male bodybuilders.

RCTn = 19Physique -Mens Health -Physical Performance -

RCT investigating the effect of 2.5-mg boron supplementation in 19 male bodybuilders over 7 weeks. No significant effect of boron on plasma testosterone, lean body mass, or strength was found, although both groups showed increases in these measures due to bodybuilding.

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2025·Research and Practice in Veterinary and Animal Science·G. Yildiz

Effect of Boron Mineral on Health

Review

The paper discusses the role of boron, a mineral, in humans, animals, and plants. It highlights the historical consumption of boron in certain regions of Türkiye and its presence in various foods. The paper notes that while boron has been shown to have benefits, it is also considered toxic at high doses and requires further biological studies.

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2025·Biomaterials Research·Farooq Ahmad

Boron Nanocomposites for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy and in Biomedicine: Evolvement and Challenges

Review

This review discusses the use of boron nanocomposites in boron neutron capture therapy for cancer treatment. It highlights the challenges in synthesis, selective targeting, and delivery of boron (10B) to tumor cells while minimizing accumulation in healthy tissue. The review also explores the potential of boron nanocomposites in biomedical applications and future research opportunities.

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2024·Food Science & Nutrition·Bahar Ullah

Commentary on “A Pilot Study Investigating the Influence of Dietary Boron Levels on Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women”

ReviewJoint Bone Health

This commentary discusses the potential influence of dietary boron on osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, highlighting its role in bone health through mineral metabolism and hormonal balance. It calls for further research into boron-rich foods to enhance bone density and overall health in this demographic.

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2020·Journal of Dermatological Treatment·D. Jackson, L. Cardwell, E. Oussedik, et al

Utility of boron in dermatology

ReviewSkin Hair Health

Narrative review of boron compounds in dermatology, focusing on clinical trials and case studies. Crisaborole 2% topical solution reduced atopic dermatitis lesions by ∼60% and was effective in psoriasis. Tavaborole significantly reduced or eliminated onychomycosis with minimal side effects.

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2019·Journal of Plant Nutrition·T. C. Lima, M. Freitas, Laís Viana Paes Mendonça, et al

Visual symptoms of macronutrient and boron deficiency in Cymbopogon citratus

Study

Experimental study on Cymbopogon citratus assessing visual symptoms and growth effects of macronutrient and boron deficiency. Boron deficiency did not affect plant growth, while nitrogen deficiency significantly reduced growth metrics.

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2017·Romantisme·R. Dessordi, N. Ma

Boron action in bone health

ReviewJoint Bone Health

Narrative review of primary studies on the function and importance of boron for bone health in humans and animals. The review highlights boron's role in bone growth and development, its synergy with minerals and vitamin D, and the potential benefits of supplementation, especially in postmenopausal women.

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2008·Journal Of Dietary Supplements·Renato de Mello Prado

Boron

ReviewHormone Health Brain Health Joint Bone Health Mens Health Womens Health Inflammation

Narrative review evaluating scientific evidence on boron, including its pharmacology, interactions, and effects on various health conditions. Promising preliminary reports for osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, mixed evidence for hormonal regulation and cognitive function, and negative evidence for use as an anticoagulant, bodybuilding aid, menopausal symptoms, or psoriasis. Excessive use may be harmful.

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1996·The Science of the total environment·K Usuda, K Kono, K Iguchi, et al

Hemodialysis effect on serum boron level in the patients with long term hemodialysis.

Observationaln = 17

The study measured serum and dialysate boron levels in 17 patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis, comparing them to 467 healthy controls. It found that serum boron levels were higher at the start and lower at the end of hemodialysis compared to controls, suggesting that hemodialysis significantly affects boron levels.

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1994·Environmental health perspectives·R E Newnham

Essentiality of boron for healthy bones and joints.

Reviewn = 20Joint Bone Health

The paper reviews evidence suggesting boron is a safe and effective treatment for some forms of arthritis. It includes epidemiologic, animal, and human experimental findings, such as a double-blind placebo-controlled trial showing significant improvement in osteoarthritis symptoms with boron supplementation.

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