Boldo

Boldo (Peumus boldus) is an evergreen plant that is native to the mountain regions of Chile and belongs to the Monimiaceae family. The leaves of the boldo tree have been used for centuries in the traditional medicine of South America, particularly to support digestion and liver function. They contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids such as boldine, which are reputed to have positive effects on health. Today, Boldo is used worldwide in the form of tea, extracts, and dietary supplements.

What benefits does Boldo offer?

Boldo is valued in traditional medicine for its digestion-promoting and liver-supporting properties. Scientific investigations point to several potential health benefits. As always, however, these studies should be viewed critically, since some of them are animal studies and not all studies are readily transferable. More research is needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn:

  • Liver health: The alkaloids contained in Boldo, especially boldine, supported liver function in studies by stimulating bile secretion and providing antioxidant effects. This could potentially contribute to the detoxification of the body (1,2,3,4,5,6).
  • Digestive support: Boldo is traditionally used to relieve digestive complaints such as bloating, a feeling of fullness, and stomach cramps. According to studies, it can help stimulate the production of digestive juices. (1,5,7)
  • Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect: The polyphenols and alkaloids in Boldo have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that could contribute to protecting the cells. (1,2,4,6,7,8,9)
  • Antimicrobial effect: Studies suggest that Boldo extracts could act against various bacteria and inhibit the growth of potentially harmful microorganisms. (1,10,11)
  • Antiparasitic and insecticidal effect: Researchers were able to link active compounds from the Boldo plant to an antiparasitic and insecticidal effect (1).
  • Anticarcinogenic effect: The results of various investigations suggest that Peumus boldus could exert an anticarcinogenic effect (1,2).
  • Urinary tract support: In traditional medicine, Boldo is also used to treat urinary tract infections and to promote urinary excretion. Researchers have also observed this effect (5).

How does Boldo work?

The health effects of Boldo can be attributed to its bioactive constituents:

  • Boldine: An alkaloid with antioxidant and liver-protective properties that stimulates bile production and has an anti-inflammatory effect (1,7).
  • Flavonoids and polyphenols: These plant compounds have antioxidant effects and contribute to overall cell health (12,13).
  • Essential oils (e.g., cineole): Have numerous effects that could act in various areas of human health (14,15)

Side effects and precautions

Although Boldo has many health benefits, it should be used with caution:

  • Hepatotoxicity with long-term use: In high doses, the alkaloids contained in Boldo can be potentially harmful to the liver, especially when the plant is taken over an extended period.
  • Not for pregnant or breastfeeding women: Due to its alkaloid content and possible effects on the uterus, Boldo is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
  • Possible interactions: Boldo can interact with certain medications, particularly blood thinners and medications for liver detoxification. Consulting a doctor is recommended.
  • Stomach irritation: In rare cases, Boldo can cause stomach irritation or heartburn, especially when taken in concentrated form.

Conclusion

Boldo is a valuable medicinal plant that is traditionally used to support digestion and liver health. Thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, it offers a variety of potential health benefits. Nevertheless, Boldo should be used with caution and in moderate amounts, especially in cases of existing liver disease or when taking medications. Its use should also take place under medical supervision.

Sources:

  1. Abouelela, M. B., Naimy, R. A., Elshafey, O. A., Mahmoud, M. M., Elgez, M. M., Ahmed, M. M., Abdallah, N. M., Boshra, Y. A., Mohamed, A. S., Saad, A. E., Abdelhay, M. I., Ali, A. M., El Sayed, E., Mohamed, O. E., Mohamed, S. E., Mohamed, A., & Elgindi, O. (2023). Boldo phytochemical and pharmacological activities; updated mini-review. Egyptian Russian University Research Journal. https://doi.org/10.21608/erurj.2023.203801.101
  2. Lamba, D., Dwivedi, D. K., Yadav, M., & Kumar Yr, S. (2024). Boldine: a narrative review of the bioactive compound with versatile biological and pharmacological potential. Journal of complementary & integrative medicine, 10.1515/jcim-2023-0224. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2023-0224 (Boldine exerts antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-diabetic, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-epileptic, neuroprotective, nephroprotective, anti-arthritis, anticancer and nootropic effects.)
  3. Fernández, J., Lagos, P., Rivera, P., & Zamorano-Ponce, E. (2009). Effect of boldo (Peumus boldus Molina) infusion on lipoperoxidation induced by cisplatin in mice liver. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 23(7), 1024–1027. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2746 (liver, chemoprotector)
  4. Klimaczewski, L. V., Saraiva, R. de A., Roos, D. H., Boligon, A., Athayde, M. L., Kamdem, J. P., Barbosa, N. V., & Rocha, J. B. T. (2014). Antioxidant activity of Peumus boldus extract and alkaloid boldine against damage induced by Fe(II)–citrate in rat liver mitochondria in vitro. Industrial Crops and Products, 54, 240-247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2013.11.051 (liver and antioxidant)
  5. Sáez, J. C., Burrell, J. C., Cahill, C. M., Cullen, D. K., Devi, L. A., Gilbert, R. J., Graham, Z. A., Gurvich, V. J., Havton, L. A., Iyengar, R., Khanna, R., Palermo, E. F., Siddiq, M., Toro, C. A., Vasquez, W., Zhao, W., & Cardozo, C. P. (2024). Pharmacology of boldine: Summary of the field and update on recent advances. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 15, Article 1427147. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2024.1427147
  6. Klimaczewski, L. V., Saraiva, R. de A., Roos, D. H., Boligon, A., Athayde, M. L., Kamdem, J. P., Barbosa, N. V., & Rocha, J. B. T. (2014). Antioxidant activity of Peumus boldus extract and alkaloid boldine against damage induced by Fe(II)–citrate in rat liver mitochondria in vitro. Industrial Crops and Products, 54, 240-247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2013.11.051
  7. Boeing, T., Mariano, L. N. B., Dos Santos, A. C., Tolentino, B., Vargas, A. C., de Souza, P., Nesello, L. A. N., & da Silva, L. M. (2020). Gastroprotective effect of the alkaloid boldine: Involvement of non-protein sulfhydryl groups, prostanoids and reduction on oxidative stress. Chemico-biological interactions, 327, 109166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbi.2020.109166
  8. Cassels, B. K., Castro-Saavedra, S., & Fuentes-Barros, G. (2021). Boldine. In M. Mushtaq & F. Anwar (Eds.), A Centum of Valuable Plant Bioactives (pp. 491-508). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-822923-1.00006-6
  9. O’Brien, P., Carrasco-Pozo, C., & Speisky, H. (2006). Boldine and its antioxidant or health-promoting properties. Chemico-Biological Interactions, 159(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbi.2005.09.002 8
  10. García, M. T., Carreño, D., Tirado-Vélez, J. M., Ferrándiz, M. J., Rodrigues, L., Gracia, B., Amblar, M., Ainsa, J. A., & de la Campa, A. G. (2018). Boldine-Derived Alkaloids Inhibit the Activity of DNA Topoisomerase I and Growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Frontiers in microbiology, 9, 1659. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2018.01659
  11. Mazutti, M., Mossi, A., Cansian, R., Corazza, M., Dariva, C., & Oliveira, J. (2008). Chemical profile and antimicrobial activity of boldo (Peumus boldus Molina) extracts obtained by compressed carbon dioxide extraction. Brazilian Journal of Chemical Engineering, 25(2). https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-66322008000200020
  12. Maleki, S. J., Crespo, J. F., & Cabanillas, B. (2019). Anti-inflammatory effects of flavonoids. Food Chemistry, 299, 125124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.125124
  13. Yahfoufi, N., Alsadi, N., Jambi, M., & Matar, C. (2018). The Immunomodulatory and Anti-Inflammatory Role of Polyphenols. Nutrients, 10(11), 1618. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10111618
  14. Ramsey, J. T., Shropshire, B. C., Nagy, T. R., Chambers, K. D., Li, Y., & Korach, K. S. (2020). Essential Oils and Health. The Yale journal of biology and medicine, 93(2), 291–305.
  15. Pezantes-Orellana, C., German Bermúdez, F., Matías De la Cruz, C., Montalvo, J. L., & Orellana-Manzano, A. (2024). Essential oils: a systematic review on revolutionizing health, nutrition, and omics for optimal well-being. Frontiers in medicine, 11, 1337785. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2024.1337785