Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Boldo (Peumus boldus) has a long history of traditional use in South American herbal medicine, particularly in Chile, where it is commonly consumed as an herbal tea to support digestive health. The leaves are used for their reputed ability to soothe digestive discomfort, stimulate bile production, and relieve symptoms such as bloating, dyspepsia, and mild gastrointestinal spasms. The traditional rationale for using boldo centers on its content of alkaloids (notably boldine), flavonoids, and essential oils, which are believed to exert mild choleretic and carminative effects.

Scientific studies investigating boldo's efficacy for stomach or digestive complaints are limited, but some in vitro and animal studies suggest that boldo extracts may stimulate bile secretion and possess mild antispasmodic properties. However, robust human clinical trials are lacking. Regulatory agencies such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recognize boldo leaf as a traditional herbal remedy for short-term relief of mild digestive complaints, based on long-standing use rather than demonstrated clinical efficacy. Safety concerns also exist, particularly regarding boldo’s alkaloid content, which may be hepatotoxic in high doses or with prolonged use.

In summary, boldo’s use to support the stomach and digestion is justified primarily by traditional evidence, with limited scientific support. Its long history of folk use underpins its reputation as a digestive aid, but high-quality clinical evidence is still needed to substantiate these claims.

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Other body systems supported by boldo

Bladder
Digestive System
Gall Bladder
Gastrointestinal Tract
Hepatic System
Intestinal System
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Large Intestines (Colon)
Liver
Stomach
Urinary System

Products containing boldo

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.