Boldo

Scientific Name(s): Peumus boldus Molina
Common Name(s): Boldea, Boldo, Boldoa, Boldu, Boldus

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 13, 2021.

Clinical Overview

Use

In vitro and animal studies suggest boldo leaf extract and its constituent, boldine, possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects, as well as potential applications in diabetes, GI disorders, and cancer. However, clinical trials are lacking to support any therapeutic application.

Dosing

No quality clinical trials exist to support therapeutic dosing of boldo leaf extract. Traditional doses include 1 to 2 teaspoons (2 to 3 g) of dry leaf per cup of water; 0.1 to 0.3 mL of liquid extract (1:1 in 45% alcohol) 3 times a day. Commercial preparations may contain ascaridole, a toxic constituent.

Contraindications

Contraindicated in liver disease and diseases of the bile duct, including gallstones.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Avoid use. Adverse effects have been noted in animal studies.

Interactions

Boldo ingestion may enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin; caution is warranted.

Adverse Reactions

Boldo-related adverse events described in case reports included anaphylaxis, prolonged QT interval and ventricular tachycardia, and hepatotoxicity.

Toxicology

High doses are necessary for toxic effects; animal studies documented neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and mutagenicity.

Scientific Family

• Monimiaceae (Monimia)

Botany

P. boldus is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to central Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru. The plant grows up to 6 m in height. The woody, bitter-smelling leaves are used medicinally. Small, green edible fruits are borne from small, pink-white flowers,1, 2, 3 which are also referred to as Boldu boldus (Molina) Lyons and Boldea fragrans Gay.

History

In Chile, the yellowish-green fruit is eaten, its bark is used in tanning, and its wood is used for charcoal. Explorers noticed that local South Americans used the leaves medicinally and introduced the herb to North America and Great Britain as a carminative for stomach, bladder, and liver complaints, and as a mild sedative. The name "boldu" has been attributed to the Mapuche words weltum (to sprout again) and volitum (to put out new roots). The plant is used in the treatment of digestive disorders, as a laxative, choleretic (a stimulant of bile secretion), diuretic, and for hepatic diseases. The leaves also have been used for worms, urogenital inflammations (eg, gonorrhea, syphilis), gout, rheumatism, head colds, and earaches. Boldo extract is also used as a flavoring for alcoholic beverages.2, 3, 4 A patent has been granted for the use of boldo in cosmetic or dermatological products.5

Chemistry

The leaves contain aporphine alkaloids (0.25% to 0.5%), volatile oil (2.5%), flavonol glycosides, resin, and tannins.

At least 17 benzylisoquinoline alkaloids are present in the leaves and include laurolitsine, reticuline, boldine, and isoboldine. Flavonoids include catechin, gallic, and tannic acids. Boldine is also present in the bark of the tree. Up to 46 compounds have been identified in the essential oil of boldo, with ascaridole, p-cymene, and 1,8-cineole as the main components.

Genetic variation of the essential oil and alkaloid content has been investigated. Variability is dependent upon season, location, sex, canopy height, leaf age, and light intensity. Various methods have been descri...