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Boldo | | |
Boldo leaf is native to the Andean regions of Chile and Peru and is
currently cultivated in Morocco for the distribution to North American and
European markets. Boldo leaf has been used, medicinally, in South America
in the treatment of liver ailments, such as hepatitis and jaundice.
Historically, boldo has been used for a wide variety of disorders from
intestinal problems to gonorrhea, but it has principally played a role in
the treatment of disorders involving the liver, gallbladder, and
gastrointestinal tract. The German Commission E has approved the use of
boldo for the treatment of dyspepsia (discomfort of upper GI tract) as
well as for stomach and intestinal cramps.
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| Common Name | | | Boldo
| | | Botanical Latin Name / Classification | | | Peumus boldus
| | | Parts Used | | | Leaf
| | | Other Names | | | Boldea fragrans, Boldea, Boldine, Boldus Boldus, Boldoa, Anas Keru, Lyons,
Nulisa-t'ujsara, Wilun, Wiluna, Pillurina.
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| | | Description | | | Boldo is a slow-growing, shrubby evergreen tree that grows 6-8 m in height and produces small, berry-like fruit. The plant's scented flowers are either male or female, and only one sex is found on any one plant; as such, male and female plants must be grown together for the plants to reproduce. Boldo is found in the Andean regions of Chile and Peru, and also is indigenous to parts of Morocco. It is cultivated in Italy, Brazil, and North Africa to meet the demand for its medicinal leaves in European and Canadian markets where it is widely used.
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| | | Traditional Internal Uses | | | Explorers to South America observed natives using leaves as culinary
spice, and also as a carminative agent with numerous therapeutic
applications, including the treatment of gout and disorders of the liver,
bladder, and prostate The South Americans also used boldo leaf to treat
cystitis, gonorrhea, and bladder infections. In 1875, it was introduced to
British and American pharmacists as a treatment for mild stomach, liver,
and bladder discomforts, and also as a mild nervine, or sedative (Bastien,
1997).
Recent excavations of Monte Verde, an area in southern
Chile, unearthed evidence of the medicinal use of 22 varieties of plants
by people thought to have lived there more than 12,500 years ago. Among
these plants is boldo, which archeologists found wrapped in seaweed. When
chewed by individuals who had been severely injured or who required some
kind of surgery, this combination of plants may have provided both
painkilling and mind-altering properties.
Boldo's uses in other
traditional medicine systems are well documented. Worldwide, the plant is
used in homeopathy and herbal medicine in the treatment of digestive
disorders, as a laxative, a diuretic, for liver problems and to increase
the production of bile in the gallbladder. Scientists believe that
boldine, the primary alkaloid present in boldo, is responsible for the
plant's choloretic (bile stimulating) and diuretic actions.
The
leaves of boldo are used against intestinal worms, and botanist Dr. James
Duke reports its traditional use for urogenital inflammations, gonorrhea,
syphilis, gout, jaundice, dyspepsia, rheumatism, head colds, and earaches.
In conjunction with other herbs, such as cascara, rhubarb, and gentian,
boldo has been reported to improve symptoms related to loss of
appetite.
In Brazilian herbal medicine systems, boldo is used for a
variety of disorders including hepatitis, liver congestion, constipation,
flatulence, dizziness, stomach and intestinal cramps and pain, gallstones,
insomnia, rheumatism, and a lack of appetite. Throughout the rest of South
America, boldo is used for gonorrhea, as well as for liver, gallbladder,
and digestive complaints.
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| | | Indications | | | Primary Indications: Dyspepsia, Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Gastrointestinal Disorders, Indigestion
Secondary Indications: Cystitis, Gallbladder Disorders, Gallstones, Gout, Jaundice, Liver Disorders
Other Indications: Cold, Common (Rhinovirus), Gonorrhea, Rheumatism, Syphilis
Primary Indications: Flatulence, Stomach / Intestinal Cramps
Other Indications: Appetite (Increased or Decreased), Earache, Insomnia
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| | | Actions | | | Antiparasitic, Antiseptic, Carminative, Choleretic, Diuretic, Stomachic
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| | | Constituents / Nutrients | | | Alkaloids
Isoquinoline-type. 0.25-0.7%. Pharmacopoeial
standard not less than 0.1% alkaloid calculated as boldine. Boldine 0.06%
(major, disputed), isoboldine, 6a,7-dehydroboldine, isocorydine,
isocorydine-N-oxide, norisocorydine, laurolitsine, laurotetanine,
N-methyllaurotetanine, reticuline (aporphines); (-)-pronuciferine
(proaporphine) and sinoacutine
(morphinandienone).(1-4)
Flavonoids
Flavonols (e.g.
isorhamnetin) and their glycosides.(5,6)
Volatile
Oils
2.5%. Some 38 components have been identified, including
p-cymene 28.6%, ascaridole 16.1%, 1,8-cineole 16.0%, linalool 9.1%,
terpinen-4-o1 2.6%, ŕ-terpineol 0.9%, fenchone 0.8% and terpinolene
0.4%.
Other Constituents
Coumarin 0.5%, resin and
tannin.
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| | | Pharmacological Summary | | | The chemistry of boldo is well documented, and some pharmacological data
are available. Clinical studies have described choleretic activity,
although further well-designed studies are required to establish this. The
reputed diuretic and mild urinary antiseptic properties of boldo are
probably attributable to the irritant volatile oil. The Commission E
approved boldo as treatment for mild dyspepsia and spastic
gastrointestinal complaints.
Contemporary studies using laboratory
animals suggest that boldo may reduce inflammation and fever (Backhouse et
al., 1994). Recent studies in animals showed that certain components of
boldo relax smooth muscle and prolong intestinal transit (Gotteland et
al., 1995). Boldo may provide the liver with protection against harmful
chemicals, appearing to maintain adequate liver enzyme levels in response
to toxic agents (Lanhers et al., 1991). The therapeutic implications of
these actions require further study, as do boldo's use in folk medicine as
a sedative; mechanisms of action and scope of activity have not been
determined in this regard.
As with many herbs that have diuretic
action, it is unclear whether boldo's actions are truly diuretic
(stimulating both fluid and electrolyte secretion), or whether they are in
fact aquaretic (stimulating only fluid excretion), a distinction that
hypertensive or edematous patients need to consider (Tyler,
1994).
Boldo's aromatic essential oil contains a toxic constituent,
ascaridole, which is contained in some plants used by traditional healers
to treat parasitic diseases (Montoya-Cabrera et al., 1996); Germany's
Commission E approves only boldo formulas that do not contain
ascaridole.
In view of the toxicity data and the irritant nature of
the volatile oil, excessive use of boldo should be avoided. Boldo is not
recommended for long-term use.
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| | | Scientific Research and Pharmacologicial Actions | | | In Vitro and Animal Studies
Boldo has exhibited
choleretic (highest activity in rats), diuretic, stomachic and cholagogic
properties. The choleretic activity may be due to synergy between
flavonoids and alkaloids. Experiments in rats have failed to demonstrate
choleretic activity after oral administration of 400 or 800 mg/kg aqueous
ethanolic extract, intraduodenal administration of 200 mg or 800 mg/kg,
and intravenous administration of 32.5-130 mg/kg of a dry ethanolic
extract.(7)
An aqueous ethanolic extract (equivalent to 0.5-1.0
mg/mL dried ethanolic extract) and also boldine (33 µg/mL) gave
significant hepatoprotection against t-butyl hydroperoxide-induced
hepatotoxicity in rat hepatocytes in vitro.(7) Boldine at a concentration
of 0.015 mol/L inhibited microsomal lipid peroxidation in a rat liver
preparation by 50%.(8) A dried aqueous ethanolic extract (0.06-0.115%) of
boldine at a dose of 500 mg/kg gave 70% protection against carbon
tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in mice, and boldine alone (10 mg/kg)
gave 49% protection.(7) An aqueous ethanolic extract of boldo at doses of
50 and 100 mg/kg administered intraperitoneally showed anti-inflammatory
activity in the rat paw carrageenan-induced oedema test, whereas boldine
alone appeared to be inactive.(7)
Boldine showed
concentration-dependent relaxant activity on isolated rat ileum (EC50 1.7
x 10-4 mol/L), and acted as a competitive antagonist of acetylcholine and
as a non-competitive antagonist of barium.(9) Boldine at low micromolar
concentrations prevented oxidation in rat brain homogenate and lipid
peroxidation of red cell plasma membranes, led to inactivation of
lysozymes, indicating high reactivity of free radicals.(10)
Boldo
essential oil contains terpinen-4-ol, the irritant and diuretic principle
in juniper oil.
Clinical Studies
Boldo, in
combination with cascara, rhubarb and gentian, has been reported to
exhibit a beneficial effect on a variety of symptoms such as loss of
appetite, digestion difficulties, constipation, flatulence and
itching.(11,12) Rhubarb and gentian were found to be more effective with
respect to appetite-loss related symptoms, and boldo and cascara more
effective in constipation-related symptoms.
Two preparations
containing extracts of boldo and cascara have been documented to increase
biliary flow without altering the lithogenic index or bile
composition.(13) Boldine may provide relief to patients with gallstones
for whom surgery is not an option or drugs have not been effective. The
choloretic action of boldine releases bile and its diuretic action
increases fluid secretion, possibly cleansing sediment or bacteria from
the biliary tract. Treatment of 12 human volunteers with boldo dry extract
resulted in prolongation of intestinal transit time.
Ascaridole, a
component of the volatile oil, previously found a clinical use as an
anthelmintic agent.(14) However, this use has declined with the
development of synthetic compounds with lower toxicity and a wider range
of activity.
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| | | Research | | | "Effect of Dry Boldo Extract on Oro-Cecal Intestinal Transit"
"Anti-Inflammatory and Antipyretic Effects of Boldine"
"Boldo: Hepatoprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects"
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| | | Precautions / Contraindications | | | Excessive doses of boldo may cause renal irritation, because of the
volatile oil, and should be avoided by individuals with an existing kidney
disorder. Boldo is contraindicated in individuals with obstruction of bile
duct or severe liver disease. For gallstone patients, it should only be
used after consultation with a physician. Ascaridole is toxic and use of
the oil is not recommended.
Avoid boldo if you have an obstruction
of the bile duct or severe liver disease. In case of gallstones, it is to
be used only after consultation with a physician.
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| | | Interaction with Medications | | | None documented.
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| | | Possible Side Effects | | | Boldo volatile oil is stated to be one of the most toxic oils. Application
of the undiluted oil to the hairless backs of mice has an irritant
effect.(15) The oil contains irritant terpenes, including terpinen-4-ol,
the irritant principle in juniper oil.
An acute oral LD50 value for
boldo oil has been given as 0.13 g/kg body weight in rats, with doses of
0.07 g/kg causing convulsions.(15) The acute dermal LD50 in rabbits has
been reported as 0.625-1.25 g/kg.(15) No acute toxicity was observed in
rats given oral doses of 3 g/kg of dry aqueous ethanolic extract. In mice,
an aqueous ethanolic extract (1 : 1) had an LD50 of 6 g/kg
(intraperitoneal administration). The LD50 values of total alkaloids and
of boldine in mice were 420 and 250 mg/kg (intraperitoneal
administration), respectively. Total alkaloids (intraperitoneal
administration) given to dogs produced vomiting, diarrhoea and epileptic
symptoms with a recovery after 50 minutes.
Boldine was not
genotoxic as indicated by the SOS chromotest with Escherichia coli, or in
the Ames test, and did not induce mutations in Saccharomyces
cerevisiae.(16) Boldine did not induce an increase in the frequency of
chromosome aberrations in human lymphocytes in vitro, or in mouse bone
marrow cells in vivo. There were no signs of genotoxicity in mouse bone
marrow, as assessed by the micro nucleus test.(16)
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| | | Dosage | | | Dried Leaf: 60-200 mg or by infusion three times daily; 2-5 g as a
tea.
Liquid Extract: 0.1-0.3 mL (1 : 1 in 45% alcohol) three
times daily.
Tincture: 0.5-2.0 mL (1 : 10 in 60% alcohol)
three times daily.
Note: Because of the ascaridole content,
essential oil and distillates of boldo leaf should not be used.
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| | | References | | | 1. UrzŁa A, Acu¤a P. Alkaloids from the bark of Peumus boldus.
Fitoterapia 1983; 4: 175-177.
2. UrzŁa A, Torres R. 6a,7-Dehydroboldine from the bark of Peumus boldus.
J Nat Prod 1984; 47: 525-526.
3. Hughes DW et al. Alkaloids of Peumus boldus. Isolation of
laurotetatine and laurolitsine. J Pharm Sci 1968; 57:
1619-1620.(PubMed)
4. Hughes DW et al. Alkaloids of Peumus boldus. Isolation of
(+)-reticuline and isoboldine. J Pharm Sci 1968; 57:
1023-1025.(PubMed)
5. Bombardelli E et al. A new flavonol glycoside from Peumus boldus.
Fitoterapia 1976; 46: 3-5.
6. Krug H, Borkowski B. Neue Flavonol-Glykoside aus den Bl„ttern von
Peumus boldus Molina. Pharmazie 1965; 20: 692-698.(PubMed)
7. Lanhers MC et al. Hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of a
traditional medicinal plant of Chile, Pneumus boldo. Planta Med 1991;
57:110-115(PubMed)
8. Cederbaum AI et al. Inhibition of rat liver microsomal lipid
peroxidation by boldine. Biochem Pharmacol 1992; 44:
1765-1772.(PubMed)
9. Speisky H et al. Activity of boldine on rat ileum. Planta Med 1991;
57: 519-522.(PubMed)
10. Speisky H et al. Antioxidant properties of the alkaloid boldine in
systems undergoing lipid peroxidation and enzyme inactivation. Biochem
Pharmacol 1991; 41: 1575-1581.(PubMed)
11. Borgia M et al. Pharmacological activity of a herbs extract: A
controlled clinical study. Curr Ther Res 1981; 29: 525-536.
12. Borgia M et al. Studio policentrico doppio-cieco doppio-controllato
sull'attivit… terapeutica di una nota associazione di erbe medicamentose.
Clin Ter 1985; 114: 401-409.(PubMed)
13. Salati R et al. Valutazione delle propriet… coleretiche di due
preparati contenenti estratti di boldo e cascara. Minerva Dietol
Gastroenterol 1984; 30: 269-272.(PubMed)
14. Wagner H, Wolff P, eds. New Natural Products and Plant Drugs with
Pharmacological, Biological or Therapeutical Activity. Berlin:
Springer-Verlag, 1977.
15. Boldo leaf oil. Food Chem Toxicol 1982; 20(B): 643.
16. Moreno PRH et al. Genotoxicity of the boldine aporphine alkaloid in
prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Mutat Res 1991; 260:
145-152.(PubMed)
Our thanks to the following information
resources: MedicinesComplete.com, American Botanical Council
(Herbalgram.org), Rain-Tree.com.
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| | 24 total products | | | Boldo (Read all about Boldo.)
Botanical Latin Name: Peumus boldus
Plant Part: Leaf | |
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Boldo - Health - Digestive Enzymes Complex Powder - Boldo, Goldenseal, Gentian and Alfalfa
4 oz / 114 g
30.80 US
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Boldo - Health - Digestive Enzymes Complex Powder - Boldo, Goldenseal, Gentian and Alfalfa
1 oz / 28 g
13.08 US
In Stock - Ships Today!
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Boldo - Health - Digestive Enzymes Complex Tea (Loose) - Boldo, Goldenseal, Gentian and Alfalfa
4 oz / 114 g
22.77 US
More Info
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Boldo - Health - Digestive Enzymes Complex Tea (Loose) - Boldo, Goldenseal, Gentian and Alfalfa
8 oz / 227 g
38.52 US
More Info
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Boldo - Health - Digestive Enzymes Complex Tea - Boldo, Goldenseal, Gentian and Alfalfa
25 tea bags
17.27 US
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Boldo - Health - Digestive Enzymes Complex Tea - Boldo, Goldenseal, Gentian and Alfalfa
50 tea bags
28.35 US
In Stock - Ships Today!
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Boldo - Health - Digestive Stimulation Complex Powder - Boldo, Birch and Ash Tree
4 oz / 114 g
18.26 US
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Boldo - Health - Digestive Stimulation Complex Powder - Boldo, Birch and Ash Tree
1 oz / 28 g
9.68 US
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Boldo - Health - Digestive Stimulation Complex Tea (Loose) - Boldo, Birch and Ash Tree
4 oz / 114 g
9.73 US
More Info
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Boldo - Health - Digestive Stimulation Complex Tea (Loose) - Boldo, Birch and Ash Tree
8 oz / 227 g
13.85 US
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Boldo - Health - Digestive Stimulation Complex Tea - Boldo, Birch and Ash Tree
25 tea bags
10.58 US
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Boldo - Health - Digestive Stimulation Complex Tea - Boldo, Birch and Ash Tree
50 tea bags
15.67 US
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
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