# Biocompounds and Bioactivities of Selected Greek Boraginaceae Seeds
###### Abstract  
The seeds of Boraginaceae species constitute a source of \(\gamma\)-linolenic acid (GLA, 18:3\(n\)-6)-rich oils, mainly those of _Borago officinalis_. However, there are many wild unexplored Boraginaceae taxa that are potentially GLA producers. This work scrutinizes the seeds of several Greek Boraginaceae species for fatty acids (FAs), phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and in vitro antiproliferative activity against HT-29 colorectal cancer cells. The FA profiles were checked by GC-FID, and GLA (FA% of total FA) highlights in _Symphytum bulosum_ (26.2), _S. ecricum_ (23.2), and _Lithadora zahtii_ (17.4). The total FA content ranged from 9.2 in _Alkanna methanaea_ to 27.3 g/100 g of seeds in _Alkanna correspnsis_. The total FA content ranged from 9.2 in _Alkanna methanaea_ to 27.3 g/100 g of seeds in _Alkanna correspnsis_. The antioxidant activity of the water/methanol extracts, evaluated by the ABTS and DPPH methods, was in line with other GLA producer seeds. Phenolic acids were analyzed by HPLC-DAD and LC-MS, and rosmarintic acid ranged from 160.2 in _S. bullosum_ to 479.7 mg/100 g in _L. zahtii_. The MTT assay showed dose- and time-dependent inhibitory effects of the water/methanol extracts against HT-29 cancer cells, especially those of _C. major_ and _L. zahtii_ (Gly\({}_{0}\) of 600 and 375 ug/mL for 72 h-exposed cells). This work constitutes the first approach to evaluate the seeds of Boraginaceae taxa from Greece as functional oil providers. \(\gamma\)-linolenic acid; steardionic acid; phenolic compounds; antioxidants; HT-29 cells 2  
valuable eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5_n_-3); then, increasing dietary intake of SDA-rich oils can enhance the body's ability to convert SDA into EPA, which is associated with cardiovascular health, anti-inflammatory effects, and cognitive function [4,10]. Therefore, exploring and identifying new oil sources containing such FAs can improve nutritional profiles and provide potential avenues for therapeutic interventions [4,11,12]. Both GLA and SDA sources are scarce in nature. Besides some microbiological sources, GLA is primarily obtained from three plants: borage (_Borago officinalis_ L., -21-23% GLA of total FAs); evening primrose (_Oenothera biennis_ L., -9-12% GLA of total FAs); and blackcurrant (_Ribes nigrum_ L., -15-20% GLA of total FAs) [13]. Concerning SDA, the oils from _Buglososides arrensis_ (Ahiflower\({}^{\text{\textregistered}}\) oil, -17% SDA) and _E. plantagineum_ and _E. vulgare_ seeds (-14% SDA) are the richest commercial known sources of SDA. Moreover, SDA is also found in some other marketed seed oils, such are those of blackcurrant (_R. nigrum_, -2-4% SDA) [14]. Consequently, the FA composition of Boraginaceae seeds, in which both GLA and SDA occur, highlights their potential as valuable sources of these conditionally essential FAs and their potential applications in promoting human health [15]. Phenolic compounds present antioxidant activity, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative stress. The presence of phenolic compounds in Boraginaceae seed oils suggests their potential as natural antioxidants, which can be beneficial for human health and the prevention of chronic diseases [16]. These contribute to the stability and nutritional quality of the oils while offering potential health benefits. Boraginaceae seeds, such as those of borage, contain phenolic compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins [17, 18, 19]. Antioxidant-rich oils, as those having high amounts of phenolic compounds, have been associated with various health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. For instance, extra virgin olive oil, which is abundant in phenolic compounds, exhibits potent antioxidant properties that contribute to its protective effects on heart health. These antioxidants contribute to the stability and shelf life of oils while offering potential health benefits when consumed.