Boldo / Boldina
Peumus boldus
Boldo is an evergreen tree native to the Andean slopes of Chile and Argentina and is one of the best-studied South American medicinal plants. Its primary alkaloid boldine is a potent antioxidant, hepatoprotective agent, and anti-tumour compound. Boldine induces apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest in colon, bladder, and liver cancer cell lines. It is a dopamine D1 receptor antagonist — an unusual mechanism being explored in glioblastoma research where dopamine signalling promotes tumour growth. Boldo is particularly relevant for cancer patients on chemotherapy due to its clinically proven liver-protective effects — similar to milk thistle but with additional anti-tumour alkaloid activity. It is the single most-consumed herbal tea in Chile.
Medicinal Properties
Cancer Types Studied
Recommended Dosage
60–200 mg boldine daily (standardised), or 1–2 cups boldo leaf tea daily. Do not exceed 3 cups daily.
Preparations
Boldo Leaf Tea
1 tsp dried boldo leaves steeped in boiling water for 5–7 minutes. Drink 1–2 cups daily before meals. Strong, camphor-like aromatic flavour. The national herbal tea of Chile.
Standardised Boldine Capsules
60–200 mg standardised boldo extract (boldine content verified) daily. More consistent than tea preparation.
NIH / PubMed Research
Links open on PubMed (National Library of Medicine). Research is ongoing — results may not reflect clinical use.
Cautions & Interactions
- Contains ascaridole — a potentially hepatotoxic compound at high doses; do NOT exceed recommended doses
- Avoid during pregnancy — emmenagogue and potentially embryotoxic
- Do not use with bile duct obstruction or gallstones without medical advice
- May interact with anticoagulants (warfarin)
- Long-term high-dose use associated with liver stress — use in courses, not continuously
Related Herbs
Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before use.