Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) vs Boldo (Peumus boldus)

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)

Boldo (Peumus boldus)

About

Barberry is considered one of the best bitter liver tonics due to its high content of berberine - an antimicrobial and antifungal alkaloid. It is a thorny, deciduous shrub reaching about 10 ft (3 m) in height, with tough, leathery leaves, small yellow flowers, and bright red berries in autumn. The bark (both stem and root) is the most commonly used medicinal part, though the berries are also employed in traditional remedies.

Boldo is a strongly aromatic multi-branched evergreen shrub or tree growing to 20 feet. It has egg-shaped leathery leaves with a lemony scent, clusters of white or yellow bell-shaped flowers, and small yellow berries. Native to Chile and Peru, it has become naturalized in the Mediterranean region and the West Coast of North America, where it grows on dry sunny slopes and in mountain pastures in the Andes. It is widely cultivated, and its leaves are gathered throughout the year. Boldo is a valued remedy in Latin American herbal medicine and is used by the Araucanian people in Chile as a tonic.

Safety & precautions

Pregnancy & Emaciation: Barberry is not recommended during pregnancy or for those in an emaciated or extremely weakened condition. Professional Supervision: Due to its strong alkaloid content, barberry should be used only under professional guidance.

Do not take during pregnancy. Subject to legal restrictions in some countries due to the presence of ascaridole, a toxic constituent in the volatile oil. The dose and duration of treatment should be restricted to minimize risk. One case report suggests boldo may interact with warfarin; a woman taking warfarin experienced a modest rise in INR when using boldo (and fenugreek). The mechanism is unknown, and it is unclear whether boldo, fenugreek, or both were responsible. Boldo contains natural coumarins, but their anticoagulant activity is uncertain. Until more is known, monitor INR closely if combining boldo with anticoagulants.

Safety text above is printed in full and is never abbreviated. For each plant’s complete precautions, drug and food interactions and preparation notes, open its own page - both are free.