Peumus boldus

Related Terms

Ascaridole, asymmetric monoterpene endoperoxide, baldina, boldine ([s]-2,9-dihydroxy-1, 10-dimethoxyaporphine), Boldea fragrans, boldina, boldine, boldine houde, boldoa, Boldoa fragrans, boldoak boldea, boldo-do-Chile, boldo folium, boldoglucin, boldu, Boldu boldus, boldus, boldus boldus, bolldin, bornyl-acetate, Chilean boldo tree, coclaurine, coumarin, cuminaldehyde, diethylphthalate, eugenol, farnesol, fenchone, gamma terpinene, isoboldine, kaempferols, laurolitsine, laurotetainine, Monimiaceae (family), molina, norboldine, norisocorydine, pachycarpine, P-cymene, P-cymol, Peumus boldus, Peumus boldus Mol., Peumus fragrans, pro-nuciferine, qian-hu, reticuline, rhamnosides, sabinene, sinoacutine, tannins, terpinoline, thymol, trans verbenol.

Background

Boldo is an evergreen shrub found in the Andean regions of Chile and Peru, and also is native to parts of Morocco. Boldo was employed in Chilean and Peruvian folk medicine and recognized as an herbal remedy in a number of pharmacopoeias, mainly for the treatment of liver ailments.
Boldine, a major alkaloidal constituent found in the leaves and bark of the boldo tree, has been shown to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The German Commission E has approved boldo leaf as treatment for mild dyspepsia (upset stomach) and spastic gastrointestinal complaints. Well-designed human studies on the efficacy of boldo are lacking.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older):
There is no proven safe or effective dose for boldo in adults. A common dose of the liquid extract, 1:1 in 45% alcohol, is 0.1-0.3 milliliters three times daily. Traditionally, 60-200 milligrams of the dried leaf three times daily or as a tea three times a day has been used. The tea is prepared by steeping 1 gram of the dried leaf in 150 milliliters boiling water for five to 10 minutes and then straining. The average daily dose of the boldo leaf by infusion is 3 grams. A tincture, 1:10 in 60% alcohol, is usually given as 0.5-2 milliliters three times daily.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Concomitant use of boldo and anticoagulant or anti-platelet (blood thinning) drugs may increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples of drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding include aspirin, anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Boldo may have anti-inflammatory effects, although this has not been well studied in humans. Caution is advised when using boldo with other anti-inflammatory agents.
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.
Boldo may cause hepatotoxicity. Theoretically, concomitant use of boldo with hepatotoxic drugs (e.g. ketoconazole, ritonavir, valproic acid, etc.) may increase the risk of liver damage.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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Jang YY, Song JH, Shin YK, et al. Protective effect of boldine on oxidative mitochondrial damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Pharmacol Res 2000;42(4):361-371.
Jimenez I, Garrido A, Bannach R, et al. Protective effects of boldine against free radical-induced erythrocyte lysis. Phytother Res 2000;14(5):339-343.
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