Boldo - Trental (Pentoxifylline) Interaction
Herbal: Boldo
Also Known As: Peumus boldus, Boldine, Boldo Folium, Boldoak Boldea, Boldus, Boldus Boldus, Peumus boldus Molina
Drug: Pentoxifylline
Brand names:
Trental
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jun 22, 2025
Interaction Details
Pentoxifylline is classified as belonging to the following category: Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs
Theoretically, taking boldo with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding.
Animal and in vitro research shows that boldine, a constituent of boldo, has antiplatelet activity. In one case report, an adult taking a combination of boldo and fenugreek with warfarin experienced an increase in international normalized ratio (INR); however, it is unclear if this effect was due to boldo, fenugreek, the combination, or another factor.
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
- Lambert J, Cormier J. Potential interaction between warfarin and boldo-fenugreek. Pharmacotherapy 2001;21:509-12.
- Teng, C. M., Hsueh, C. M., Chang, Y. L., Ko, F. N., Lee, S. S., and Liu, K. C. Antiplatelet effects of some aporphine and phenanthrene alkaloids in rabbits and man. J Pharm Pharmacol 1997;49(7):706-711.
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.
Pentoxifylline Overview
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Pentoxifylline is used to improve blood flow in patients with circulation problems to reduce aching, cramping, and tiredness in the hands and feet. It works by decreasing the thickness (viscosity) of blood. This change allows your blood to flow more easily, especially in the small blood vessels of the hands and feet.
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This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Boldo - More Interactions
Boldo interacts with 456 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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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
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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