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Dietary supplement

Boldo Alcohol Free Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Hawaii Pharm

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Boldo Alcohol Free is a dietary supplement by Hawaii Pharm with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for indigestion and bloating, mild constipation, liver and gallbladder support.Based on those ingredients, 482 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Boldo Leaf Extract, Dry. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Boldo Alcohol Free by Hawaii Pharm

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: Boldo Leaf Extract, Dry. Boldo is a plant whose leaf has been used traditionally for various conditions.

The extract also contains two inactive ingredients — glycerin and water — which serve as the liquid base.

Does it work?

Insufficient evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Insufficient

There isn't enough reliable clinical evidence to rate this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Liver and gallbladder support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Gallbladder disease, Biliary function, Hepatic support, Cholesterol metabolism.
  • The closest evidence on file: Boldo is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Gallbladder disease (Natural Medicines).

The evidence we hold doesn't establish that boldo is effective for any condition. The product has been studied for benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), gallbladder disease, kidney stones, and joint pain, but the data rates all of these as having insufficient reliable evidence.

That means we don't yet have solid proof it works for these uses.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Boldo

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

When used in food-level amounts, boldo is generally well tolerated. At medicinal doses, though, it carries real risks.

The most concerning is liver damage — boldo contains ascaridole, a liver toxin, and hepatotoxicity cases including elevated liver enzymes and jaundice have been reported. Short-term use in low doses is sometimes cautioned, but the safety margin is narrow.

Common side effects at higher doses include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Boldo may stimulate the uterus and is considered unsafe during pregnancy.

There isn't enough safety data to recommend it while breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Boldo

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Boldo.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; lithium.
  • For scale: 483 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check with your pharmacist if you're on any hepatotoxic drugs (medications that stress the liver), blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin, lithium, or tacrolimus. All of these interactions are Moderate in severity and could affect how your medications work or increase your risk of side effects.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with insufficient evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Boldo is a single-ingredient herbal extract with documented interactions affecting over 400 medications — especially concerning if you take liver-stressing drugs, blood thinners, lithium, or transplant medications. Evidence for its effectiveness isn't established in our data.

The liver toxin it contains is a real safety concern even at medicinal doses. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting this, particularly if you take any prescription medications or have liver concerns.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 23, 2023.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Boldo Alcohol Free, straight from the product label.

Brand Hawaii Pharm
Barcode (UPC) 840253608383
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2023
DSLD ID 300435
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Boldo Alcohol Free by Hawaii Pharm, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
0.7 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
840253608383
IngredientAmount% DV
Boldo Leaf Extract, Dry1156 mg--

Other ingredients: Glycerin, Water

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Hawaii Pharm Herbal Extract Highest quality since 2008

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Shake well before using. For adults add about 20-30 drops (0.7-1 mL, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) to some juice or water, up to 4 times a day.

Precautions

Warning: We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking.

Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.

Consult your physician before giving to children under 18, during pregnancy, if nursing or taking medications.

Consult your physician before giving to children under 18, during pregnancy, if nursing or taking medications.

May affect the ability to drive and operate machinery. May have contraindications, can cause side effects and adverse reactions. Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

Keep out of the reach of children!

Storage

Store in a cool dry place.

Seals/Symbols

cGMP Made in compliance with cGMP 21 CFR 111 in an FDA registered and inspected facility.

C2H5OH Alcohol free USA Made in United States of America

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

General Statements

Scan this QR-code to get 15% discount on your next purchase. Limited time deal.

Formula

Peumus boldus

Formulation

Only natural ingredients Purity is laboratory tested and verified

All the raw materials are gluten-free by their nature No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives

Not tested on animals

C2H5OH Alcohol free

Made in USA, Hawaii

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

See for yourself

Boldo Alcohol Free by Hawaii Pharm label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Boldo Alcohol Free by Hawaii Pharm

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.7 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

Boldo Leaf Extract, Dry

Interacts with
482 drugs
1156 mg per serving

Boldo is a South American shrub whose leaves are traditionally used for digestive and gallbladder complaints, but good human evidence is very limited....

Boldo Leaf Extract, Dry monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Glycerin, Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Boldo Alcohol Free by Hawaii Pharm Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Boldo Alcohol Free?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
482Drugs
482 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Boldo Alcohol Free with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Boldo Leaf Extract, Dry5 drug types · 482 drugs

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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, taking boldo with lithium might increase the levels and clinical effects of lithium.
Boldo is believed to have diuretic effects. Theoretically, these diuretic effects might reduce the excretion of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Tacrolimus (Prograf)

Taking boldo with tacrolimus may decrease the levels and clinical effects of tacrolimus, potentially increasing the risk of transplant rejection.
In one case report, a patient with a long-term history of stable tacrolimus levels developed subtherapeutic levels after taking boldo 300 mg twice daily orally for several weeks. Tacrolimus levels returned to normal after discontinuing boldo. However, the mechanism of this interaction is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

A combination of boldo and fenugreek was thought to be associated with an increased international normalized ratio (INR) in a female on warfarin. It is not clear if boldo, fenugreek, or the combination played a role in this interaction. Therefore, boldo may have additive effects with warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Boldo Alcohol Free, from the product label.

Hawaii Pharm

See all Hawaii Pharm products
Name
Hawaii Pharm LLC
Street Address
510 Sumner St. Ste. 613
City
Honolulu
State
HI
ZipCode
96817
Phone Number
888-854-2924
Web Address
www.hawaiipharm.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Boldo Alcohol Free by Hawaii Pharm: Common Questions

Does Boldo Alcohol Free by Hawaii Pharm interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Boldo Alcohol Free has a known interaction with 482 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Boldo Alcohol Free contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is boldo safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No. Boldo is considered unsafe during pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus. While breastfeeding, there isn't enough safety information, so it's best avoided. Talk with your doctor if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding before using any boldo product.
What are the most common side effects?
At food-level amounts, boldo is generally well tolerated. At medicinal doses, the most common side effects are abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The more serious concern is liver damage from the ascaridole the plant contains.
Does boldo actually work for gallbladder problems or enlarged prostate?
The data we hold doesn't establish effectiveness for these uses. Boldo has been studied for gallbladder disease, enlarged prostate, kidney stones, and joint pain, but there's insufficient reliable evidence to say it works for any of them.
Why is liver damage a concern with boldo?
Boldo leaf contains ascaridole, a known liver toxin. Cases of elevated liver enzymes and jaundice — signs of liver injury — have been reported in people taking boldo, even when used for just a few months. This is the reason short-term use in low doses is cautioned.
Can I take this if I'm on warfarin?
No, not without close medical supervision. One case report documented a patient on warfarin whose bleeding marker increased after taking boldo with fenugreek. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using boldo if you take any blood thinner.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Boldo Alcohol Free is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Boldo Alcohol Free label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Boldo Alcohol Free’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Boldo Alcohol Free's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 10 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Boldo 10 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. Lambert J, Cormier J. Potential interaction between warfarin and boldo-fenugreek. Pharmacotherapy 2001;21:509-12. PubMed
  3. 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. PubMed
  4. Agarwal SC, Crook JR, Pepper CB. Herbal remedies -- how safe are they? A case report of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation induced by herbal medication used for obesity. Int J Cardiol 2006;106:260-1. PubMed
  5. 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. PubMed
  6. Carbajal R, Yisfalem A, Pradhan N, et al. Case report: Boldo (Peumus boldus) and tacrolimus interaction in a renal transplant patient. Transplant Proc 2014;46(7):2400-2. PubMed
  7. Almeida ER, Melo AM, Xavier H. Toxicological evaluation of the hydro-alcohol extract of the dry leaves of Peumus boldus and boldine in rats. Phytother Res 2000;14(2):99-102. DOI
  8. 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. PubMed
  9. 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. PubMed
  10. Valdes R, Feuereisen A, Bellinghausen M. Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Boldo. Dermatitis 2021;32(2):e31-e32. PubMed

See these in context on the Boldo monograph →

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

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