Boldo
OTHER NAME(S): Boldine, Boldo Folium, Boldoak Boldea, Boldus, Boldus Boldus, Peumus boldus Molina, Peumus boldus, Boldea fragrans, Peumus fragrans
Overview
Boldo (Peumus boldus) is an evergreen shrub native to South America. It's most commonly found in Chile. Its leaf has been traditionally used as medicine.
Boldo contains antioxidants and chemicals that might fight the growth of bacteria in the urine. But it also contains a chemical called ascaridole, which is toxic to the liver.
People use boldo for gallbladder disease, kidney stones, joint paint, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Uses
We currently have no information for Boldo overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Boldo is commonly consumed in foods. But boldo is possibly unsafe when taken in larger amounts as medicine. Boldo contains a chemical called ascaridole, which is toxic and can lead to liver damage. Only ascaridole-free products should be used.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if boldo is safe. Side effects might include skin irritation.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Boldo is commonly consumed in foods. But boldo is possibly unsafe when taken in larger amounts as medicine. Boldo contains a chemical called ascaridole, which is toxic and can lead to liver damage. Only ascaridole-free products should be used.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if boldo is safe. Side effects might include skin irritation.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Boldo is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth while pregnant or breast-feeding. Boldo contains chemicals that might harm the fetus and cause liver damage. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Gallbladder problems: Boldo seems to increase the flow of bile, a fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. The extra bile flow might be harmful in people with gallbladder problems. Also, it's possible that having gallbladder problems increases the risk of liver damage from boldo.
Liver disease: Boldo might cause liver damage, especially in people who have liver disease.
Surgery: Boldo might slow blood clotting. This might increase the chance of too much bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using boldo at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Lithium interacts with BoldoBoldo might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking boldo might increase how much lithium is in the body. This could cause serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
- Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs) interacts with BoldoBoldo might harm the liver. Some medications can also harm the liver. Taking boldo along with a medication that can harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage.
- Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with BoldoBoldo might slow blood clotting. Taking boldo along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
- Tacrolimus (Prograf) interacts with BoldoTacrolimus is a medication used to prevent organ rejection in people with organ transplants. Taking boldo with tacrolimus might reduce the amount of tacrolimus in the body. This could decrease the effects of tacrolimus and increase the chance for transplant rejection. Do not take boldo if you are taking tacrolimus after an organ transplant.
Dosing
Boldo has been traditionally used by adults as a tea. It's prepared by steeping 1 gram of dried boldo leaves in 150 mL of boiling water for 5-10 minutes. But there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of boldo might be. It might also be unsafe. Speak with your healthcare provider before use.
References
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- Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
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- Teng, C. M., Hsueh, C. M., Chang, Y. L., Ko, F. N., Lee, S. S., and Liu, K. C. Antiplatelet effects of some aporphine and phenanthrene alkaloids in rabbits and man. J Pharm Pharmacol 1997;49(7):706-711.
- Carbajal R, Yisfalem A, Pradhan N, et al. Case report: Boldo (Peumus boldus) and tacrolimus interaction in a renal transplant patient. Transplant Proc 2014;46(7):2400-2.
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- Almeida ER, Melo AM, Xavier H. Toxicological evaluation of the hydro-alcohol extract of the dry leaves of Peumus boldus and boldine in rats. Phytother Res 2000;14(2):99-102.
- Falé PL, Amaral F, Amorim Madeira PJ, et al. Acetylcholinesterase inhibition, antioxidant activity and toxicity of Peumus boldus water extracts on HeLa and Caco-2 cell lines. Food Chem Toxicol 2012;50(8):2656-62.
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- Oliveira Sá A, Pimentel T, Oliveira N. Boldo-Induced Hepatotoxicity: A Case of Unexplained Jaundice. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med 2020;7(12):002116.
- Orlando G, Chiavaroli A, Ferrante C, et al. Protective effects induced by the food supplement Fluxonorm® in the lower urinary tract. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021;25(7):3074-3082.
- Valdes R, Feuereisen A, Bellinghausen M. Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Boldo. Dermatitis 2021;32(2):e31-e32.
- Caione P, Salerno A, Collura G, et al. Phytotherapy as ancillary treatment after urinary stone lithotripsy in pediatric age. Ann Ital Chir 2022;92:313-318.