PlantFunBoldo Toxic?
All parts of the boldo plant are toxic, containing the isoquinoline alkaloid boldin and allergenic essential oil component ascaridol
Human exposure can cause hallucinations, behavioral disturbances, and liver injury marked by elevated liver enzyme levels
Boldo is often confused with highly toxic Kalmia latifolia, raising accidental poisoning risk
FAQ
Is Boldo toxic to Humans?
Hallucinations and behavioral impairment after boldo leaf tea consumption (reported in a 12-year-old girl); elevated total bilirubin, ALAT/GPT, and ASAT/GOT after 5 months of boldo extract use (reported in an elderly male); reduced motor coordination observed in rat studies (Low)
Is Boldo toxic to Cats?
No specific toxicity data available; monitor for vomiting, disorientation, and lethargy if ingestion is suspected (Unknown)
Is Boldo toxic to Dogs?
No specific toxicity data available; monitor for vomiting, disorientation, and lethargy if ingestion is suspected (Unknown)
Is Boldo toxic to Horses?
No specific toxicity data available; monitor for reduced feed intake, disorientation, and lethargy if ingestion is suspected (Unknown)
Toxicity Details
Hallucinations and behavioral impairment after boldo leaf tea consumption (reported in a 12-year-old girl); elevated total bilirubin, ALAT/GPT, and ASAT/GOT after 5 months of boldo extract use (reported in an elderly male); reduced motor coordination observed in rat studies
No specific toxicity data available; monitor for vomiting, disorientation, and lethargy if ingestion is suspected
No specific toxicity data available; monitor for vomiting, disorientation, and lethargy if ingestion is suspected
No specific toxicity data available; monitor for reduced feed intake, disorientation, and lethargy if ingestion is suspected
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water immediately after ingestion
- • Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a poison control center or medical professional
- • Collect any remaining plant or supplement material to confirm identity for treatment guidance
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Suspected ingestion of any amount of boldo plant or boldo-containing products
- • Onset of unusual symptoms (lethargy, disorientation, vomiting) after potential exposure
- • Known consumption of unlabeled herbal supplements that may contain boldo
Prevention
- • Do not use boldo-containing herbal products without prior consultation with a licensed healthcare provider
- • Keep boldo plants and supplements out of reach of children and pets
- • Confirm plant identity with an expert before use to avoid confusion with toxic lookalikes
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Administer symptomatic and supportive care as prescribed by a healthcare provider or veterinarian
- • Monitor liver function for patients with confirmed long-term boldo exposure
- • Treat allergic reactions to ascaridol with appropriate supportive care as clinically indicated
Professional Toxicology
• Isoquinoline alkaloids like boldin exert neurotoxic effects and impair normal liver function
• Ascaridol in the plant's essential oil triggers allergic reactions and contributes to organ toxicity
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
The following plants look similar and may be confused:
Related Toxic Plants
Download PlantFun App
Identify, grow and care for plants effectively!
Instant Plant ID
Take a photo to quickly identify plants.
Smart Care Reminders
Generate watering and care schedules.
Toxicity & Disease Diagnosis
Identify toxic plants and pests with treatment advice.
Data Sources
This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.