An introduction to boron: history, sources, uses, and chemistry.

Abstract

Following a brief overview of the terrestrial distribution of boron in rocks, soil, and water, the history of the discovery, early utilization, and geologic origin of borate minerals is summmarized. Modern uses of borate-mineral concentrates, borax, boric acid, and other refined products include glass, fiberglass, washing products, alloys and metals, fertilizers, wood treatments, insecticides, and microbiocides. The chemistry of boron is reviewed from the point of view of its possible health effects. It is concluded that boron probably is complexed with hydroxylated species in biologic systems, and that inhibition and stimulation of enzyme and coenzymes are pivotal in its mode of action. -Environ Health Perspect 102(Suppl 7): 5-11 (1994)

A Moderate Zinc Deficiency Does Not Alter Lipid and Fatty Acid Composition in the Liver of Weanling Rats Fed Diets Rich in Cocoa Butter or Safflower Oil

“…Zn deprivation impairs the accretion of lean tissue, including protein and membrane lipids. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which has become worldwide the most prevalent chronic liver disease in humans [30], is primarily attributed to long-term overeating and physical inactivity and not to a deficit of zinc as the leading cause, although subclinical Zn deficiency is considered a widespread phenotype among human populations [3–5] and Zn supplementation has shown beneficial effects, especially on diabetic patients [31]. An aberrant hepatic fat accumulation was not among the changes observed in model studies of experimental mild Zn deficiency in human volunteers [32].…”

“…It is an essential cofactor for many hundreds of enzymes and numerous other proteins that fulfill a wide variety of biochemical processes in metabolism [1, 2]. Poor Zn status is considered to be one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies in human populations worldwide [3, 4]. Zn deficiency has been associated with many diseases, including diabetes, chronic liver disease, and cardiovascular disease [5].…”

The Usage of Boron/ Boron Compounds in the Textile Industry and Its Situation in Turkey

“…Table 1: The most prevalent raw boron and refined products in the world brought by Arab merchants, and Arabs also produced medicine from boron salts in the year 875. It is believed that the oldest source for borax was Tibetan lakes and that borax was carried to India over the Himalayas with sheep, and the ore was thought to be brought from Tibet to Europe during the 13th century by Marco Polo (Woods, 1994). It was understood that sassolite (H3BO3) was found in the geysers of the Tuscany region of Italy in 1771.…”

Inhibition of the enzymatic activity of prostate‐specific antigen by boric acid and 3‐nitrophenyl boronic acid

“…Boron, especially in the form of boric acid and borates, is ubiquitous in rocks, soil, and water. Boratemineral concentrates and refined products have widespread commercial use and consumer exposure [19]. In animals, chronic low-level boron exposure has been shown to cause reduced growth, central nervous system and cutaneous disorders, and alterations in male reproductive system function [20,21].…”