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Boric Acid – Uses, Effects & Safety

Boric acid is a weak inorganic acid with antiseptic properties. It is used in medicine, pharmacy, and as a preservative in certain food and cosmetic products.

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Things worth knowing about "Boric acid"

Boric acid is a weak inorganic acid with antiseptic properties. It is used in medicine, pharmacy, and as a preservative in certain food and cosmetic products.

What is Boric Acid?

Boric acid (chemical formula: H3BO3) is a naturally occurring weak inorganic acid containing the metalloid boron. It appears as a colorless crystalline solid or white powder and is moderately soluble in water. Boric acid occurs naturally in volcanic regions, mineral springs, and in trace amounts in many foods such as vegetables, fruits, and nuts.

Properties and Mechanism of Action

Boric acid has well-documented antiseptic and fungistatic (antifungal) properties. It disrupts the metabolism of microorganisms by interfering with their enzymatic reactions and impairing cellular function. At low concentrations, it is relatively well tolerated by human cells when applied topically.

Medical Uses

Dermatology: Boric acid solutions and ointments are used for skin conditions, wound care, and minor burns.
Gynecology: Vaginal boric acid suppositories are used to treat recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (yeast infections) and bacterial vaginosis.
ENT and ophthalmology: Dilute boric acid solutions were historically used for ear and eye irrigation.
Pharmacy: Used as an excipient in eye drops, mouthwashes, and other topical preparations.

Dosage and Application

The concentration of boric acid in medical preparations varies depending on the intended use. Typical concentrations for topical applications range from 1% to 5%. For vaginal use, capsules containing 600 mg of boric acid are commonly prescribed. The appropriate dosage should always be determined by a healthcare professional.

Safety and Toxicity

When used as directed at low concentrations for external application, boric acid is generally considered safe. However, several precautions apply:

Systemic toxicity: Ingestion of larger amounts can be toxic, causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin redness, and in severe cases, organ damage.
Pregnancy: Boric acid should not be used during pregnancy due to documented reproductive toxicity.
Children: Boric acid preparations are not suitable for infants and young children, as their skin is more permeable, increasing the risk of systemic absorption.
Open wounds and mucous membranes: Extensive application to large open wounds or damaged skin should be avoided.

Regulatory Status

In the European Union, boric acid is approved as a food preservative (E 284) in certain food products. As an active pharmaceutical ingredient, it is subject to regulatory approval requirements. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established a tolerable daily intake (TDI) for boron of 0.16 mg per kg of body weight per day.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of boric acid (E 284) and sodium tetraborate (borax) (E 285) as food additives. EFSA Journal 2013;11(10):3407.
Iavazzo C, Gkegkes ID, Zarkada IM, Falagas ME. Boric acid for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: the clinical evidence. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2011;20(8):1245-1255.
National Institutes of Health (NIH), MedlinePlus: Boric Acid. URL: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682156.html

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