BOLDO EXTRACT
Product No. P0212
Also known as Peumus boldus.
Boldo is an evergreen native to Chile, Ecuador, Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru.
It is a strongly aromatic, heavily branched evergreen shrub, with a camphor-like, lemony taste.
The plant contains 0.25–0.70% alkaloids, calculated as boldine, and flavonoids. Other constituents include 1–3% essential oil composed of monoterpenoids (including volatile oils (limonene, b-pinene, p-cymene), linalol, cineole, camphor, and ascaridole (which is a toxic constituent). Also present are common flavonol glycosides (e.g., rhamnetin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol derivatives), resin, and tannins.
South American natives used leaves as culinary spice, and also as a carminative agent with numerous therapeutic applications, including the treatment of gout and disorders of the liver, bladder, and prostate. In 1875, it was introduced to British and American pharmacists as a treatment for mild stomach, liver, and bladder discomforts, and also as a mild nervine, or sedative.
Recent excavation of an area in southern Chile unearthed evidence of the medicinal use of 22 varieties of plants by people thought to have lived there more than 12,500 years ago. Among these plants is boldo, which archeologists found wrapped in seaweed. When chewed by individuals who had been severely injured or who required some kind of surgery, this combination of plants is thought to have provided both painkilling and mind-altering properties.
Today, boldo leaves are used to treat;
Gallstones
Liver or gall bladder discomfort
Cystitis
Rheumatism
Heartburn or other mild stomach cramps
The constituent boldine stimulates choleretic action, which releases bile, and its diuretic actions increase fluid excretion, possibly cleansing sediment or bacteria from the biliary tract itself. This may provide relief to patients with gallstones for whom surgery is not an option or drugs have not been effective. The Commission E reported that boldo increases gastric secretions and has antispasmodic properties, and has approved boldo as treatment for mild dyspepsia and spastic gastrointestinal complaints.
Contemporary studies using laboratory animals suggest that boldo may reduce inflammation and fever through prostaglandin biosynthesis inhibition. Boldo may also provide the liver with protection against harmful chemicals, as it appears to maintain adequate liver enzyme levels in response to toxic agents.
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