Boldo

Peumus boldus

Baldina Boldina Boldo Boldoa Boldu Boldus Molina Parts used Uses Habitat and cultivation Constituents How much to take

Boldo is a shrub or small tree of up to 7 m in height with broad, leathery leaves, easily recognized by the numerous small, warty protuberances on the upper surface and the slightly rolled-in margins. The flowers are small, bell-shaped and yellowish in color, and the fruits are small, yellow, edible berries.

PARTS USED

Dried leaves.

USES

The main use of boldo leaf is as a choleretic medicine to treat dyspepsia and mild spastic complaints. Boldo is also considered to be a good general medicine and tonic. Leaf extracts are commonly included in cholagogues and biliary preparations, including teas, instant teas, teabags, powders and drops. Preparations that are standardized for their alkaloid content are preferred. Boldo is also a traditional anthelmintic in Chile.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Boldo is native to South America (Chile). The herb is cultivated to a limited extent.

CONSTITUENTS

Boldo leaves contain 0.2% aporphine alkaloids of which boldine is the main compound. An essential oil is present at a yield of 2-3% of leaf dry weight, with p-cymene (30%), ascaridole (40-50%), 1,8-cineole, linalool, and other minor mono-terpenoids. The leaves also contain small amounts of flavonols and their glycosides (e.g. boldoglucin, isorhamnetin).

HOW MUCH TO TAKE

A choleretic tea can be made with 1-2 g of chopped leaf of boldo and drunk two or three times a day (an average daily dose of 3 g). Standardized preparations and teas can also be used.