Boldo

Boldo/Drug Interactions:

  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: Concomitant use of boldo and anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs may increase the risk of bleeding. A case report describes an increased international normalized ratio (INR) in a patient stabilized on warfarin following the use of boldo and fenugreek (19). Boldo may also contain coumarin constituents.
  • Anti-inflammatory drugsAnti-inflammatory drugs: Based on unsubstantiated reports, boldo may have anti-inflammatory effects.
  • DiureticsDiuretics: Historically, boldo has been used as a diuretic and therefore may cause an additive effect when used with diuretic drugs. Boldo oil may also act as an irritant, based on unsubstantiated reports.
  • Hepatotoxic drugsHepatotoxic drugs: Boldo may cause hepatotoxicity (15). Theoretically, concomitant use of boldo with hepatotoxic drugs (e.g. ketoconazole, ritonavir, valproic acid, etc.) may increase the risk of liver damage.

    • Boldo/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: Concomitant use of boldo and anticoagulant/antiplatelet herbs and supplements may increase the risk of bleeding. A case report describes an increased international normalized ratio (INR) in a patient stabilized on warfarin following the use of boldo and fenugreek (19). Boldo may also contain coumarin constituents.
  • Anti-inflammatory herbs and supplementsAnti-inflammatory herbs and supplements: Based on unsubstantiated reports, boldo may have anti-inflammatory effects.
  • DiureticsDiuretics: Historically, boldo has been used as a diuretic and therefore may cause an additive effect when used with other diuretic herbs and supplements. Boldo oil may also act as an irritant, based on unsubstantiated reports.
  • Hepatotoxic herbs and supplementsHepatotoxic herbs and supplements: Boldo may cause hepatotoxicity (15). Theoretically, concomitant use of boldo with other hepatotoxic herbs and supplements (e.g. chaparral, comfrey, pennyroyal oil, etc.) may increase the risk of liver damage.

    • Boldo/Food Interactions:

  • AlcoholAlcohol: Boldo may cause hepatotoxicity. Theoretically, concomitant use of boldo with alcohol may increase the risk of liver damage

    • Boldo/Lab Interactions:

  • Coagulation panelCoagulation panel: A patient stabilized on warfarin displayed an elevated INR following the use of boldo and fenugreek (19). It is unclear if one or both agents have anticoagulant activity. Caution is advised if anticoagulants and boldo are used together, and bleeding time should be monitored.
  • Liver function testsLiver function tests: Boldo may cause hepatotoxicity and, theoretically, may alter liver function tests.