Boldo is an evergreen shrub or small tree, indigenous to Chile and Peru, used for gastrointestinal and liver diseases. The native Andean people have used boldo leaves for centuries for aiding digestion and as a general tonic. Explorers to South America observed the native people using boldo leaves as a culinary spice. In Chile boldo was used as an anthelmintic. In Peru the leaves were mainly used by indigenous tribes to maintain liver health, to eliminate gallstones and to support good digestion. In 1875 it was introduced to British and American pharmacists as a treatment for mild stomach, liver and bladder discomforts.

In texts, pharmacopoeias and handbooks the 1:1 fluid extract is listed as a diuretic, cholagogue (stimulate the release of bile), choleretic (stimulate bile production) and anthelmintic for hepatobiliary disorders such as gallstones, for gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation and mild dyspepsia and for cystitis, rheumatism and as an aid to slimming.

Much of the information on boldo is based on the above traditional uses because there are no well-defined controlled clinical trials in humans using it as therapy for any condition. Most investigations have been carried out using the isolated alkaloid boldine. Brazilian researchers attempting to discover new drugs to treat dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease believe the group of alkaloid compounds found in boldo might be a healthy alternative to synthetic acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, one approach used to treat the disease. The researchers believe that because boldo is widely known and used in traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal discomfort, its constituents could have an affinity for the enzyme acetylcholinesterase and could be used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. In this context, a 2022 preclinical study aimed to discover potential acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in the aqueous extract of boldo leaves and to evaluate antioxidant activity. The researchers said the preliminary results are of scientific relevance and further studies are warranted.

References

Pamplona-Roger GD. Plants That Heal. Maryland: Review and Herald Publishing; 2004. p. 72-73

European Medicines Agency. Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Assessment report on Peumus boldus Molina, folium Final. 22 November 2016 [Internet]. London: European Medicines Agency Document reference f.: EMA/HMPC/453726/2016; c1995-2013 [cited 2022 Oct 24]. Available from https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-peumus-boldus-molina-folium_en.pdf

Silva BYK, Lopes ASN, Maia PJS, Mar JM, Silva LS , Sanches EA, et al. Chemical and Biological Evaluation of the Aqueous Extract of Peumus boldus Molina (Monimiaceae) Leaves. Extract on Pre-diabetic Subjects. Pharmacog Res. 2022;14(1):45-52.

When many people think of Nigella they picture Britain’s sensual, spoon-licking celebrity chef (surname unnecessary), famous for her comfort food cookbooks which give instructions on how to take pleasure in food. However, for herbalists nigella is a little black seed known as a panacea with a wide range of health benefits. In fact Prophet Mohammed described nigella (the seed, not the domestic goddess) as “a remedy for every illness except death.”

Nigella has shown an ability to fight cell damage and inflammation, strengthen the immune system and protect the body from various chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes (by improving blood sugar levels), heart disease (by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure), metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It may also enhance brain function and male fertility, fight bacteria, viruses (including COVID-19), fungi and yeasts, protect against liver damage, enhance kidney function, benefit Hashimoto’s disease and addiction, assist PMS and menopause and treat stomach ulcers.

Nigella has been the subject of exciting studies investigating COVID-19 prevention and treatment. A 2021 contemporary review concluded that “a lifestyle combined with exercise training and [nigella] supplementation can be effective in reducing COVID-19 mortality”. The authors said recent studies have shown that nigella can play a therapeutic role for COVID-19 by strengthening the immune and respiratory systems as well as inhibiting COVID-19 receptors.

References

HEC monograph

Shirvani H, Rostamkhani F, Arabzadeh E, Mohammadi F, Mohammadi F. Potential role of Nigella sativa supplementation with physical activity in prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19: a contemporary review. Sport Sci Health. 2021;17(4):849-854. doi:10.1007/s11332-021-00787-y