Boldo Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Boldo Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

When used orally in amounts commonly found in foods, boldo is considered likely safe. It has Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status for use in foods in the US. However, caution should be exercised when using boldo orally in medicinal amounts. The volatile oil present in the leaf contains the liver toxin ascaridole. There have been documented cases of liver damage associated with boldo use. If boldo is used for medicinal purposes, it is recommended to use ascaridole-free preparations. Insufficient reliable information is available about the safety of topical boldo use. Pregnant and lactating women should avoid using boldo orally in medicinal amounts due to potential abortive and teratogenic effects in animals and the presence of ascaridole, which is a liver toxin.

How Is Boldo Thought to Work? What Is the Mechanism of Action?

Boldo is primarily derived from the leaf of the boldo plant. The leaf contains various constituents, including alkaloids and flavonoids. The main alkaloid, boldine, and the flavonoid, catechin, contribute to the potential effects of boldo. Boldo is believed to exert antioxidant effects, potentially through boldine and catechin, which inhibit lipoperoxidation and possess chemoprotective and hepatoprotective properties. Boldine has also demonstrated antiplatelet activity by inhibiting platelet aggregation. The alkaloidal constituents of boldo are thought to stimulate bile flow, possess diuretic effects, and have mild urinary antiseptic properties. Boldo may also exhibit gastrointestinal effects by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity, leading to increased gastrointestinal motility. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action of boldo.

Pharmacokinetics

There is insufficient reliable information available about the pharmacokinetics of boldo.

Interaction Overview (See Full List At Bottom Of Page)

Boldo may interact with certain drugs and supplements, including anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs, hepatotoxic drugs, lithium, and tacrolimus. It is important to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional if you are taking any of these medications or supplements.

Common Side Effects to Watch For

When used orally in medicinal amounts, boldo can cause adverse effects such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and hepatotoxicity. Topical use of boldo may lead to dermatitis. Severe adverse effects including jaundice and hepatic injury are rare but possible with oral use. However, it is worth noting that boldo in amounts commonly found in foods is generally well tolerated.

Are Supplements Standardized?

There is insufficient reliable information available about the standardization of boldo supplements. It is advisable to choose products from reputable manufacturers that adhere to good manufacturing practices.

What Is Boldo Typically Used For?

Boldo has been traditionally used for various purposes; however, the evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited. Oral boldo has been evaluated in combination with other ingredients for conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), gallbladder disease, gonorrhea, kidney stones (nephrolithiasis), and joint pain. However, there is insufficient reliable information to determine its clinical effects for these purposes. Further research is needed to establish the true efficacy of boldo for these uses.

Dosing & Administration

Adult: Research on the typical dosing of boldo is limited, and specific recommendations are unavailable. Traditionally, boldo has been used as a tea by steeping 1 gram of dried leaves in 150 mL of boiling water for 5-10 minutes, then straining. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate dosing guidance.

Drugs that interact with Boldo