Compendium of the most significant studies with reference to properties, intake, effects.

Urkan M, Güven HE. Boric acid is as effective as hyaluronic acid-based agent in preventing intra-abdominal adhesions in a rat model. Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2021 May;27(3):284-289. English. doi: 10.14744/tjtes.2020.23460.

Abstract. In this experimental rat model, we aimed to investigate boric acid's possible protective effect against the formation of post-operative abdominal adhesions through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Karaca U, Pinar SG, Savran M, Usta G, İlhan İ, Ozkaya D, Avci M. The Possible Protective Effect of Boric Acid in an Alkaline-Induced Corneal Neovascularization Rat Model. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2022 Jan 5. doi: 10.1007/s12011-022-03094-w.

Abstract. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible preventive effects of boric acid administration on oxidative damage and corneal neovascularization..

Hakki SS, Bozkurt SB, Hakki EE, Nielsen FH. Boron as Boric Acid Induces mRNA Expression of the Differentiation Factor Tuftelin in Pre-Osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 Cells. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2021 Apr;199(4):1534-1543. doi: 10.1007/s12011-020-02257-x.

Abstract. The effects of boron on the formation and maintenance of mineralized structures at the molecular level are still not clearly defined. Thus, a study was conducted using MC3T3-E1 cells to determine whether boron affected mRNA expressions of genes associated with bone/alveolar bone formation around the teethMC3T3-E1 (clone 4) cells were cultured in media treated with boric acid at concentrations of 0, 0.1, 10, 100, or 1000 ng/ml. 

Princz J, Becker L, Scheffczyk A, Stephenson G, Scroggins R, Moser T, Römbke J. Ecotoxicity of boric acid in standard laboratory tests with plants and soil organisms. Ecotoxicology. 2017 May;26(4):471-481. doi: 10.1007/s10646-017-1789-0.

Abstract. To verify the continuous sensitivity of ecotoxicological tests (mainly the test organisms), reference substances with known toxicity are regularly tested. Ideally, this substance(s) would lack specificity in its mode action, be bioavailable and readily attainable with cost-effective means of chemical characterization. Boric acid has satisfied these criteria, but has most recently been characterized as a substance of very high concern, due to reproductive effects in humans, thus limiting its recommendation as an ideal reference toxicant.

Powell A, Ghanem KG, Rogers L, Zinalabedini A, Brotman RM, Zenilman J, Tuddenham S. Clinicians' Use of Intravaginal Boric Acid Maintenance Therapy for Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis and Bacterial Vaginosis. Sex Transm Dis. 2019 Dec;46(12):810-812. doi: 10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001063.

Abstract. A retrospective chart review characterized clinicians' use of maintenance intravaginal boric acid for women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis or bacterial vaginosis. Average length of use was 13 months with high patient satisfaction and few adverse events. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of maintenance boric acid for these conditions.

Martinko K, Ivanković S, Đermić E, Đermić D. In vitro antifungal effect of phenylboronic and boric acid on Alternaria alternata. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol. 2022 Apr 7;73(1):83-87. doi: 10.2478/aiht-2022-73-3620. 

Abstract. Due to frequent use of fungicides, A. alternata has developed resistance with negative economic and environmental consequences. Research of new ways to control fungal pathogens has turned its eye to environmentally friendly chemicals with low toxicity such as boronic acids. The aim of our study was therefore to test the antifungal effects of phenylboronic and boric acid in vitro on A. alternata.

Bashir NZ, Krstic M. Boric acid as an adjunct to periodontal therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Dent Hyg. 2021 May;19(2):139-152. doi: 10.1111/idh.12487.

Abstract. Epidural fibrosis is a major problem after spine surgery, with some patients having recurrent symptoms secondary to excessive formation of scar tissue resulting in neurologic compression. We used a rat laminectomy model to determine if topical application of boric acid could be helpful in the prevention of epidural fibrosis.

Ushio K, Watanabe E, Kamiya T, Nagashima A, Furuta T, Imaizumi G, Fujiwara T, Romero MF, Kato A. Boric acid transport activity of human aquaporins expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Physiol Rep. 2022 Jan;10(1):e15164. doi: 10.14814/phy2.15164.

Abstract. Boric acid transport activities of human aquaporins (AQPs) were analyzed by Xenopus oocyte swelling assay, elemental quantification, and electrophysiological analysis using a pH microelectrode. The results indicate that human AQP3, 7, 8, 9 and 10 act as boric acid channels. This is the first demonstration of identification of boric acid channels in mammals.

Sierras A, Wada-Katsumata A, Schal C. Effectiveness of Boric Acid by Ingestion, But Not by Contact, Against the Common Bed Bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). J Econ Entomol. 2018 Dec 14;111(6):2772-2781. doi: 10.1093/jee/toy260. 

Abstract.  Boric acid products, formulated as dusts, sprays, granular baits, pastes, gels, and liquids, are widely available to consumers and pest management professionals, especially to control pest infestations within homes. Boric acid dust is commonly used against bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L. [Hemiptera: Cimicidae]), but its efficacy has not been demonstrated. We evaluated the efficacy of boric acid as an ingestible and residual contact insecticide on bed bugs, and compared its efficacy on the German cockroach (Blattella germanica L. [Blattodea: Ectobiidae]) which is known to be susceptible to boric acid by both routes.