Boldo
Scientific names: Peumus boldus, Boldea fragrans, Peumus fragrans
Family: Monimiaceae
Alternate names: Boldine, Boldo Folium, Boldoak Boldea, Boldus, Boldus Boldus, Peumus boldus Molina
Actions: Antioxidant, Antiplatelet, Chemoprotective, Gastrointestinal, Hepatoprotective, Myogenic, Vasodilatory
Background
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.
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.
Safety Safety definitions
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.
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.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if boldo is safe. Side effects might include skin irritation.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
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.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using boldo for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
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.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Lithium
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Boldo 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)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Boldo 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)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Boldo might slow blood clotting. Taking boldo along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Tacrolimus (Prograf)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Tacrolimus 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.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
Herbs and supplements that might harm the liver: Boldo might harm the liver. Taking it with other supplements that can also harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage. Examples of supplements with this effect include garcinia, greater celandine, green tea extract, kava, and kratom.
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Boldo might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Boldo might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 16/11/2023 11:00:00 and last updated on 09/12/2021 07:45:14. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
