Boldo - Interferon Beta-1b Interaction
Herbal: Boldo
Also Known As: Peumus boldus, Boldine, Boldo Folium, Boldoak Boldea, Boldus, Boldus Boldus, Peumus boldus Molina
Drug: Interferon Beta-1b
Brand names:
Betaseron, Betaferon, Extavia
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
Interferon Beta-1b is classified as belonging to the following category: Hepatotoxic Drugs
Theoretically, taking boldo with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatic injury and disease.
Boldo leaf contains ascaridole, a known liver toxin. Many cases of hepatotoxicity, including elevated liver transaminase levels and jaundice, have been reported in patients taking boldo.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Piscaglia F, Leoni S, Venturi A, et al. Caution in the use of boldo in herbal laxatives: a case of hepatotoxicity. Scand J Gastroenterol 2005;40:236-9.
- Ribeiro RJ, Silvestre C, Duarte C. Hidden risks of alternative medicines: a case of boldo-induced hepatotoxicity. J Diet Suppl 2017;14(2):186-90.
- Oliveira Sá A, Pimentel T, Oliveira N. Boldo-Induced Hepatotoxicity: A Case of Unexplained Jaundice. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med 2020;7(12):002116.
Boldo Overview
Boldo is a small tree or shrub that is native to South America and is known for its small, dark green leaves and small, blue-purple flowers. The leaves of the boldo plant have a distinctive, strong aroma and are used in both cooking and traditional medicine.
Medicinally, boldo is used to treat digestive disorders, such as indigestion and constipation, and to stimulate the appetite. It is also used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary tract infections and is used as a natural remedy for liver and gallbladder problems. Boldo should be used with caution as the leaves contain ascaridole, which can be toxic to the liver. There are ascaridole-free preparations available and only those should be used medicinally.
Interferon Beta-1b Overview
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Interferon beta-1b injection is used to reduce episodes of symptoms in patients with relapsing-remitting (course of disease where symptoms flare up from time to time) of multiple sclerosis (MS, a disease in which the nerves do not function properly and patients may experience weakness, numbness, loss of muscle coordination and problems with vision, speech, and bladder control). Interferon beta-1b is in a class of medications called immunomodulators. It is not known exactly how interferon beta-1b works to treat MS.
Boldo - More Interactions
Boldo interacts with 455 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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