Is Boldo compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Boldo?

Boldo

September 29, 2015 (High Risk)

Leaves and bark are used.
It contains alkaloids (boldine), essential oil (ascaridol), coumarins and tannins.
Properties attributed are: digestive, cholagogue, diuretic.
Indications Commission E of the German Ministry of Health: dyspepsia.

The essential oil is toxic and very irritating because the content of ascaridol. There have appeared states of hallucination, behavioral disturbances and liver toxicity after consumption of boldo tea.

At last update there were not found published data on excretion in breast milk. Given its toxicity it seems prudent not to consume while breastfeeding or do so only occasionally.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Writings

  • Boldea fragans (Latin, botanical name)
  • Peumus Boldus (Latin, botanical name)
  • Больдо (Cyrillic)

Drug trade names

References

  1. Chaboussant PJ, Gagez AL, Graber M, Zhao JM, Chavant F, Perault-Pochat MC, Graber D. [Behavioural impairments and hallucinations after consumption of boldo leaf infusions]. Therapie. 2014Abstract
  2. EMA. Community herbal monograph on Peumus boldus Molina, Boldi folium. Committee on Herbal medicinal products; HMPC; 2009 Full text (in our servers)
  3. Agarwal SC, Crook JR, Pepper CB. Herbal remedies-how safe are they? A case report of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation induced by herbal medication used for obesity. Int J Cardiol. 2006Abstract
  4. Piscaglia F, Leoni S, Venturi A, Graziella F, Donati G, Bolondi L. Caution in the use of boldo in herbal laxatives: a case of hepatotoxicity. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2005Abstract