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| Boldo
Other Names Boldo is the common name for Peumus boldus.
What Is It? Boldo is a shrubby evergreen tree whose leaves have a history of medicinal use for general indigestion, and in formulas to relieve constipation. Boldo is used throughout Europe, South America and to a lesser extent in North America, as a remedy for gallstones and gallbladder inflammation, and for various types of liver disorders. 1 Boldo is used in tonic and diuretic preparations, 2 and for flatulence, and heartburn. 3
Boldo leaves are most commonly used in fluid extracts and as infusions. Additionally, both the bark and the leaves undergo extraction to yield purified boldine. 4 Boldine shows up in several European preparations for the liver. 5
Medicinal History An excavation of Monte Verde in Southern Chile revealed the use of medicinal plants by people who inhabited that region 12,500 years ago. Archaeologists found boldo wrapped in seaweed. 6
In Chile boldo has been used as an anthelmintic against worms. This activity has been attributed to the presence of the anti-parasitic ascaridole, part of the essential oil found the the leaves. In Peru the leaves have been employed by indigenous tribes against liver diseases and to treat gallstones as well as a diuretic. 1
Boldo was first investigated for medicinal uses by a French physician in 1869. From that time, its anti-parasitic and liver-stimulating properties became better known. Boldo was used for a time as a substitute for quinine in cases of malaria. 7 In 1875 boldo was introduced to British and American pharmacists for the treatment of stomach, liver and bladder disorders. Studies since that time confirm these uses, and explain them on the basis of various phytochemicals found in the plant. 6
Habitat & Cultivation Boldo is a shrubby evergreen tree growing 6 to 8 meters in height. Boldo is native to Chile, grows in Ecuador, Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru, and is naturalized in the Meditteranean. 2,6 Boldo is cultivated in parts of Italy, Brazil and North Africa to meet market demand for its medicinal leaves. 1 According to the French Pharmacopoeia, the leaves should contain at least .2% boldine. 2,3
How It Works Boldo is naturally rich in an alkaloids (up to .7%), including one called boldine, which stimulates gastric activity, is anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic, specifically protects the liver, stimulates bile production, and provides antioxidant protection. 2,3,8 Boldo also contains several other anti-inflammatory compounds, including at least one laxative agent, p-cymene. 8 The leaf also contains a volatile oil which destroys parasites. Boldo is mildly diuretic, and is a urinary antiseptic. 7 These compounds and their activities both corroborate and explain the traditional and current digestive and laxative uses of boldo. Boldo also appears rich in other antioxidant compounds, providing further protection to cells. 6, 9
Contemporary Uses Approved by Authoritative Bodies Germany’s Commission E approves the use of Boldo for:
HerbalMedicine cites further uses for boldo: · Treatment for gallstones, liver ailments, cystitis, and rheumatism. ESCOP approves the use of Boldo for:
6,9,10
Potential Risks Safety issues and concerns
Contraindications – based on conditions and medication intake, etc.
Potentially harmful drug interactions
Allergy precautions
6,9,10
Usage Tips Boldo products will vary from powdered and encapsulated, to fluid exrtracts. Follow directions for use specified on various labels.
Traditional use of boldo is as an infusion (steeped tea), one cup 1-2 times daily. Use approximately 2 – 3 grams of boldo leaves per cup.
Product Choosing/Buying Tips Choose certified organic boldo whenever the option exists. Also, keep an eye out for boldo products which come from a sustainable harvesting program.
Science Update
Boldo Increases Intestinal Transit TimeTwelve volunteers received 2.5 g of a dry boldo extract or a placebo during two successive periods of four days. On the fourth day, oro cecal transit time (the time it takes from food to travel from mouth to colon)was larger after dry boldo extract administration, compared to placebo. Dry boldo extract prolongs oro cecal transit time, a possible explanation for some of its medicinal use. 11
Studies in animals also show that boldo relaxes smooth muscle and prolongs gastric transit time. 6
Dyspepsia, or common indigestion, is often attributed to inadequate release of bile from the gallbladder. Boldo has been used as a treatment for dyspepsia , due to its bile-releasing properties. 12,13 14,15
References:
1. Raintree database entry on Boldo http://rain-tree.com/boldo.htm
2. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics, 2nd ed., (New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1996). 95-963. Bruneton J. Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants. 2nd ed., (Paris: Lavoisier Publishing 1993). 737-739
4. Evans, W.C., Trease and Evans’ Pharmacognosy, 13th ed., (Philadelphia, Bailliere Tindall, 1989) 602-603
5. Wichtl M, Bisset NG (eds.). Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Trans from 2nd German ed., (Stuttgart: Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers. 1994). 109-111
6. Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J (eds). Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. 1st ed., (Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications. 2000). 30-32
7. Bown, Deni. The Herb Society Of America Encyclopedia of Herbs & Their Uses. (1st ed., (New York: Dorling Kindersley,1995). 325-326
8. Agricultural Research Service, Dr. Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. http://www.ars-grin.gov/duke/
9. European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy. ESCOP Monographs on the Medicinal Uses of Plant Drugs. 1st ed., (Exeter, U.K.: ESCOP 1997). Fascicule 1
10. Blumenthal M, Busse W, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS (eds.). The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. S. Klein, R.S. Rister (trans.). 1st ed., (Austin, TX: American Botanical Council. 1998). 93-94
11. Gotteland M, Espinoza J, Cassels B, Speisky H “Effect of a dry boldo extract on oro- cecal intestinal transit in healthy volunteers” Rev Med Chil 1995 Aug 123:8 955-60
12. Magistretti MJ. “Remarks on the pharmacological examination of plant extracts.” Fitoterapia. 1980;51:67–79.
13. Lanhers MC, Joyeux M, Soulimani R, et al. “Hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of a traditional medicinal plant of Chile, Peumus boldus.” Planta Med. 1991;57:110–115.
14. Speisky H, Cassels BK. “Boldo and boldine: an emerging case of natural drug development.” Pharm Res. 1994;29:1–12.
15. Kupke D, von Sanden H, Trinczek-Gartner H, et al. “An evaluation of the choleretic activity of a plant-based cholagogue [translated from German].” Z Allgemeinmed. 1991;67:1046–1058. |
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