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Dietary supplement

Boldo and Barberry Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbal Terra

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

Boldo and Barberry is a dietary supplement by Herbal Terra with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive upset, antimicrobial support, blood sugar support.Based on those ingredients, 1,375 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are certified organic Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) dried root extract, wild harvested Boldo (Peumus boldus) dried leaves extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Boldo and Barberry by Herbal Terra

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

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Herbal Extracts Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (970 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains 2 active ingredients: boldo leaf extract and barberry root extract. Boldo has traditionally been used for gallbladder and liver complaints, and barberry for digestive and kidney support — though the evidence for either is currently insufficient to rate.

The liquid form also contains menstruum, a solvent used to extract and preserve the herbs.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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
Not assessable

The label doesn't state a purpose we can grade — see each ingredient's own graded uses on its monograph instead.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence in our data for both boldo and barberry is insufficient to rate for any of their traditional uses, including benign prostate enlargement, gallbladder disease, kidney stones, and joint pain. That doesn't mean they don't work — it means the research we've reviewed doesn't yet establish how well they work for these purposes.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient European Barberry 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 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Boldo is generally well tolerated when used in food amounts, but at medicinal doses it can cause real harm. The most common side effects are abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

The serious concern is liver damage — boldo leaf contains ascaridole, a liver toxin, and cases of elevated liver enzymes and jaundice have been reported. The safety data advises against boldo in pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus.

There isn't enough safety data to recommend it while breastfeeding either — talk with your pharmacist or doctor for personalized advice.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient European Barberry 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?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — European Barberry, Boldo.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,376 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 you start, double-check with your pharmacist if you take hepatotoxic drugs (drugs that stress the liver), blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin, lithium, or tacrolimus. These carry Moderate-severity interactions with boldo.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is not for everyone. If you take any medication for your liver, blood clotting, mood (lithium), or immune function after transplant, you need to check with your pharmacist first.

Even without those drugs, short-term use in low doses is the way to go if you go forward — long-term or high-dose use raises the risk of liver damage.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 25, 2020.

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 and Barberry, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbal Terra
Barcode (UPC) 0606595868874
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2020
DSLD ID 234051
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Sugar 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 and Barberry by Herbal Terra, 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:
1 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
0606595868874
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Herbal Extracts Blend970 mg--
certified organic Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) dried root extract0 NP--
wild harvested Boldo (Peumus boldus) dried leaves extract0 NP--

Other ingredients: Menstruum

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.
Formula

Certified organic: Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) dried root. Origin: Croatia. Wild harvested: Boldo (Peumus boldus) dried leaves. Origin: Chile.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Direction Shake well before use. Adults take up to 30 drops (1 mL, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) in 3-4 fl. oz of juice or water up to 4 times a day. We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking this or any other herbal supplements.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Formulation

Manufactured in the USA in an FDA registered facility

Sugar free

Dried herb/menstruum ratio: 1:3 Expertly extracted Laboratory tested 330 mg/1 mL Premium product Super concentrated liquid herbal extract

Non GMO

No artificial ingredients, GMO, gluten, color additives, fillers, preservatives or binders. Natural Gluten Free

Certified organic: Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) dried root. Origin: Croatia.

Precautions

Caution May have contraindications.

Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.

Consult a physician before using during pregnancy, if nursing, or if you are on any medications.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry, dark place.

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Made in USA FDA registered facility Natural Gluten Free 100% Natural guaranteed

See for yourself

Boldo and Barberry by Herbal Terra label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Boldo and Barberry by Herbal Terra

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

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

Interaction report

Boldo and Barberry by Herbal Terra Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Boldo and Barberry?

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.

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Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

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

certified organic Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) dried root extract8 drug types · 1,210 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, taking European barberry with anticholinergic drugs might cause additive effects.
In vitro evidence suggests that European barberry might have anticholinergic properties.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, European barberry may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and animal evidence suggest that berberine, a constituent of European barberry, might inhibit platelet aggregation. Theoretically, European barberry might have a similar effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking European barberry with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that European barberry juice reduces fasting glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes who are also taking antidiabetes drugs. Additionally, some animal studies show that berberine, a constituent of European barberry, has antiglycemic potential. Monitor blood glucose levels closely.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking European barberry with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal and human research suggests that European barberry extracts can have hypotensive effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, taking European barberry with cholinergic drugs might decrease the effects of cholinergic drugs.
In vitro evidence suggests that European barberry might have anticholinergic properties.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use with drugs that have sedative properties may cause additive effects.
Animal research suggests that berberine, a constituent of European barberry, might have sedative effects. Theoretically, European barberry might have a similar effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, concomitant use with cyclosporine may cause additive effects.
Berberine, a constituent of European barberry, can reduce the metabolism and increase serum levels of cyclosporine. This effect is attributed to the ability of berberine to inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes cyclosporine. Theoretically, European barberry might have a similar effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, European barberry might increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
There is very preliminary evidence suggesting that berberine, a constituent of European barberry, might inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme. Theoretically, European barberry might have a similar effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

wild harvested Boldo (Peumus boldus) dried leaves extract5 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 and Barberry, from the product label.

Herbal Terra

See all Herbal Terra products
Name
Herbal Terra
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Boldo and Barberry by Herbal Terra: Common Questions

Does Boldo and Barberry by Herbal Terra interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Boldo and Barberry has a known interaction with 1,375 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Boldo and Barberry contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, not during pregnancy — boldo may stimulate the uterus and the safety data marks it as unsafe. While breastfeeding, there isn't enough safety information to know either way, so it's best avoided. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's right for your situation.
What are the side effects?
At food doses, boldo is generally well tolerated. At medicinal doses (like in this product), you may experience abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. The serious concern is liver damage — boldo contains ascaridole, a liver toxin, and cases of elevated liver enzymes have been reported with regular use.
Does boldo actually work for gallbladder or liver problems?
The evidence we hold is insufficient to rate whether it works. That's honestly where the research stands right now — there's traditional use, but we don't have reliable clinical data to say how well it performs.
Is this safe for long-term use?
The data suggests boldo may be used short-term in low doses, but the ascaridole in the leaves can harm your liver. Long-term use isn't recommended. If you're thinking of taking it regularly, talk with your pharmacist first.
What's barberry in this product for?
Barberry has traditionally been used for digestive and kidney support, but we hold no interaction data and no effectiveness evidence for it in our records, so I can't tell you much more about what it does in this blend.

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

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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 and Barberry label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Boldo and Barberry'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 25 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.

European Barberry 15 references
  1. Chan E. Displacement of bilirubin from albumin by berberine. Biol Neonate 1993;63:201-8. PubMed
  2. Wu X, Li Q, Xin H, Yu A, Zhong M. Effects of berberine on the blood concentration of cyclosporin A in renal transplanted recipients: clinical and pharmacokinetic study. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2005;61:567-72. PubMed
  3. Shamsa F, Ahmadiani A, Khosrokhavar R. Antihistaminic and anticholinergic activity of barberry fruit (Berberis vulgaris) in the guinea-pig ileum. J Ethnopharmacol 1999;64:161-6. PubMed
  4. Fatehi M, Saleh TM, Fatehi-Hassanabad Z, et al. A pharmacological study on Berberis vulgaris fruit extract. J Ethnopharmacol 2005;102:46-52. PubMed
  5. Kostalova, D., Bukovsky, M., Koscova, H., and Kardosova, A. [Anticomplement activity of Mahonia aquifolium bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids and berberine extract]. Ceska.Slov.Farm 2001;50(6):286-289.
  6. Fatehi-Hassanabad, Z., Jafarzadeh, M., Tarhini, A., and Fatehi, M. The antihypertensive and vasodilator effects of aqueous extract from Berberis vulgaris fruit on hypertensive rats. Phytother Res 2005;19(3):222-225.
  7. Singh, J. and Kakkar, P. Antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effect of Berberis aristata root extract and its role in regulating carbohydrate metabolism in diabetic rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 5-4-2009;123(1):22-26. PubMed
  8. Shanbhag, S. M., Kulkarni, H. J., and Gaitonde, B. B. Pharmacological actions of berberine on the central nervous system. Jpn.J Pharmacol 1970;20(4):482-487. PubMed
  9. Wu, J. F. and Liu, T. P. [Effects of berberine on platelet aggregation and plasma levels of TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha in rats with reversible middle cerebral artery occlusion]. Yao Xue.Xue.Bao. 1995;30(2):98-102.
  10. Xuan, B., Wang, W., and Li, D. X. Inhibitory effect of tetrahydroberberine on platelet aggregation and thrombosis. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue.Bao. 1994;15(2):133-135.
  11. Gao, C. R., Zhang, J. Q., and Huang, Q. L. [Experimental study on berberin raised insulin sensitivity in insulin resistance rat models]. Zhongguo Zhong.Xi.Yi.Jie.He.Za Zhi. 1997;17(3):162-164. DOI
  12. Sabir M and Bhide NK. Study of some pharmacological actions of berberine. Ind J Physiol & Pharmac 1971;15(3):111-132.
  13. Tripathi YB and Shukla SD. Berberis artistata inhibits PAF induced aggregation of rabbit platelets. Phytotherapy Research 1996;10:628-630.
  14. Lazavi F, Mirmiran P, Sohrab G, Nikpayam O, Angoorani P, Hedayati M. The barberry juice effects on metabolic factors and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized clinical trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018;31:170-174. PubMed
  15. Philips CA, Theruvath AH, Ravindran R. Toxic hepatitis-associated aplastic anaemia after dual homeopathic remedies and Gymnema sylvestre use. BMJ Case Rep 2022;15(3):e247867. PubMed

See these in context on the European Barberry monograph →

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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