Abstract

MEZZATESTA, Pablo; RAIMONDO, Emilia; FLORES, Daniel Gustavo  and  LLAVER, Cecilia. Content of boldine in herbal teas and health implications. Diaeta [online]. 2016, vol.34, n.156, pp.19-24. ISSN 1852-7337.

Introduction: Boldo is one of the digestive medicinal plants most widely used, with scientific information that supports its therapeutic properties. However, there are no studies that determine the permanence of the active agent, boldine, when commercialized in leaves and bags. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the permanence of boldine in boldo sold in Gran Mendoza (Argentina). Methodology: A non-random sampling from the main supermarkets and health food stores was made, purchasing four boldo brands in bags and two in leaves. For each type, 10 units were obtained of different consignments and points of sale, which were analyzed in triplicate, through High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), using boldine as pattern. For the analysis, the samples were prepared as an infusion and decoction. Results: Boldine concentration proved to be variable for all samples of 378 milligrams per liter (mg/L) (leaves) - 194 mg/L (bag); the infusion was the most effective method to extract the boldine. Finally, it is worth pointing out that the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of boldine can be easily exceeded with boldo leaves, that is dangerous due to its possible neurotoxicity. In adults, the average amount of daily infusions to cover the ADI varies from 2 to 4, and in children from 1 to 2. Following the recommendation of the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) with only 1-2 daily infusions, the allowed limit is exceeded, with greater chance of poisoning. Conclusion: Boldo in bags has lower concentration of active agents in comparison to boldo leaves. Due to the permanence of the active agent, boldo can be used as an adjuvant in the treatment for digestive pathologies, but it is also necessary to know dosages to avoid risk of intoxication.

Keywords : Boldo; Herbal teas; Boldine; Digestive treatments; Neurotoxicity.

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