Natural Products

Boldo

Peumus boldus

Efficacy

• Indications with proven efficacy:
  None
• Indications with possible, but poorly documented efficacy - the use of this product cannot be recommended:
  Stomachache (gastrointestinal spasms)
  Digestive problems (dyspepsia)
• Also used for these other indications, but with no proof of efficacy:
  Constipation
  Diuretic effect
  Gonorrhea
  Nervousness (sedative)
  Rheumatism

Security

• Risk of Drug Interactions: Moderate
• Adverse Effects: Not Frequent

What is it?

Boldo is a small tree that grows on the sunny sides of Chilean mountains. It can reach 5 to 6 meters and is covered with small, aromatic leaves. The mint-smelling leaves are the applicable part of the tree. Andean Indians have apparently known of this plant's medicinal value for quite some time. Eucalyptol, flavonoids and several alcaloids, including boldine which is apparently responsible for most of the plant's therapeutic effect, can be extracted from the leaves. A toxic volatile oil, which contains ascaridole, is also present in the leaves.

Warning

In 2004, Canada adopted new regulations that control the manufacturing, packaging, labeling and importing of natural health products. The new regulations also include an adverse reaction reporting system. Products that conform to the regulation's criteria are identified with a natural product number (NPN) or homeopathic medicine number (DIN-HM) and can be legally sold in Canada. This number indicates that the product meets specific criteria for safety and purity, not that it is effective for any indication.

Medicinal plants content varies naturally from plant to plant – just as fruits from the same package may vary in taste and texture. There is no standard to measure the active content of each plant. Thus, efficacy of natural products should be expected to vary from brand to brand as well as from bottle to bottle of the same brand.

For more information about the Natural Health Products Regulations, or to check if a product has been assessed, visit the Health Canada website at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/index-eng.php.

Does it work?

There is no evidence that boldo is effective in any indication. However it is used to treat stomachaches (antispasmodic effect) and digestive problems in which it may be of some benefit. In addition, it has laxative and diuretic properties. Boldo is used for some medical problems where it may have some beneficial effect:

• Stomachache and digestive problems:
  Typically, 60 to 200 grams of dried leaves are taken 3 times a day. A tea can also be prepared by steeping 1 g dried leaves in 150 ml of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Cathartic, diuretic:
  Boldo is thought to have laxative and diuretic properties but there are not much data confirming thus claim. No dosage recommendations are available.

There is insufficient reliable information to conclude that boldo is effective in any other indication.

Is it safe?

• When used in moderation, no toxicity has been associated with the use of boldo. Excessive doses may irritate the urinary tract and should be avoided in the presence of renal disorders. Boldo is contraindicated in people with active liver disease and bile duct blockage. It should be used with great caution in people with gallstones (biliary lithiasis).
• Because of the possible presence of a toxic volatile oil (ascaridole), boldo use is not advisable during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
• Theoretically, boldo may increase the effect of anticoagulants (Coumadin) and antiplatelet agents. Before taking boldo, check with your pharmacist to make sure that there are no interactions with your regular medication.

Clinical notes

• Boldo's medicinal virtues have been known to man for thousands of years. Over thirteen thousand years old fossilized leafs, with the imprints of human teeth on them, have been found. When used in moderation, boldo does not appear to be associated with any specific toxicity.

References

1. Blumethal M et al. The Complete German Commission E monographs, 1998
2. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2007
3. Lininger S. et Al. The Natural Pharmacy, Prima Health, 1998
4. Barnes J. et Al. Herbal Medicines, 2nd edition, Pharmaceutical Press, 2002