B
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Borage) — Class 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d. Long-term
use is not recommended (AHP). Not approved (KOM). “Hazards and/or side effects not known for
proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2). Commission E reports borage contains hepatotoxic and carci-
nogenic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (AEH). “Effective July 1996, the AHP Board of Trustees recom-
mends that all products with botanical ingredient(s) which contain toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids,
including Borago officinalis, display the following cautionary statement on the label: For external
use only. Do not apply to broken or abraded skin. Do not use when nursing.” (AHP). Pyrroliz-
idine alkaloids (PAs) have genotoxic, carcinogenic, and hepatotoxic activity (CAN). Because of
the PAs, its use in pregnancy and lactation is to be avoided. Animal studies document placental
transfer and secretion into breast milk of unsaturated PAs (CAN). Swiss researchers report at least
seven PAs from the herb, at levels above those permitted in Germany (>1 ppm). Seeds reportedly
contain even higher quantities of alkaloids (De Smet et al., 1993). Tannins have astringent activities
(PHR). Mucilage acts as a sequestering agent (PHR). The GLA in the seed oil may have been
positive effects if divorced from the potential of PA toxicity.
BORRACHERO, FLORIPONDIO (Brugmansia x candida Pers.) XSynonym — Datura candida (Pers.) Saff.
Activities (Borrachero) — Carminative (f; CRC); Emetic (f; CRC); Hallucinogen (f; CRC);
Intoxicant (f; CRC); Narcotic (f; CRC); Poison (f; CRC); Psychotropic (f; CRC); Sedative (f; JFM);
Vermifuge (f; CRC).
Indications (Borrachero) — Arthrosis (f; CRC); Asthma (f; CRC; JFM); Chest Ailment (f; CRC);
Cold (f; IED); Cramp (f; IED); Erysipelas (f; CRC); Flu (f; JFM); Fracture (f; CRC); Gas (f; CRC);
Headache (f; JFM); Hemorrhoid (f; CRC); Inflammation (f; IED); Insomnia (f; CRC; JFM);
Nervousness (f; JFM); Pain (f; CRC); Pulmonosis (f; CRC); Rheumatism (f; CRC); Tumor (f; CRC;
JFM); Worm (f; CRC; IED).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Borrachero) — “Said to induce insensibility,
hallucinations, and madness” (CRC).
BOSWELLIA (Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr.) ++Synonym — B. glabra Roxb.
Activities (Boswellia) — Analgesic (1; APA; JBU; KAP; MPI); Antiallergic (1; SAB); Anti-
alzheimeran (1; COX; FNF); Antiarthritic (1; COX; FNF); Antiasthmatic (1; SAB); Anticancer
(1; COX; FNF; MPI); Anticomplementary (1; APA); Antiedemic (1; APA); Antiinflammatory (1;
APA; SKY); Antileukemic (1; AKT); Antileukotriene (1; APA; COX; SAB); Antipyretic (f; KAB;
KAP); Antirheumatic (1; APA); Astringent (f; KAB; MPI); Carminative (f; KAB); CNS-Depres-
sant (1; KAP; MPI); Collyrium (f; KAB); COX-2-Inhibitor (1; COX; FNF); Demulcent (f; KAP);
Depurative (f; KAB); Diaphoretic (f; KAB; MPI); Diuretic (f; MPI); Emmenagogue (f; KAP;
MPI); Expectorant (f; KAB); Hepatotonic (f; KAB); Hypoglycemic (1; MPI); 5-Lipoxygenase-
Inhibitor (1; SAB); Pectoral (f; KAB); Propecic (f; KAB); Sedative (1; KAP; MPI); Stomachic
(f; KAB); Tonic (f; KAB).
Indications (Boswellia) — Allergy (1; SAB); Alzheimer’s (1; COX; FNF); Arthrosis (1; APA;
COX; FNF; SKY); Asthma (1; KAB; SAB); Biliousness (f; KAB); Boil (f; APA; KAP); Bron-
chosis (f; KAB); Bursitis (1; SKY); Cancer (1; COX; FNF; MPI); Cancer, skin (1; MPI);
Carbuncle (f; KAP); Colitis (1; APA); Convulsion (f; KAB); Cough (f; KAB); Crohn’s Disease
(1; APA); Dermatosis (1; KAB; MPI); Diabetes (1; KAB; MPI); Diarrhea (f; APA); Dysentery
(f; KAB); Dysmenorrhea (f; KAP); Dyspepsia (f; KAB); Edema (1; APA); Fever (f; KAB; KAP;