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Boxwood

Some chemicals contained in the leaves of theboxwood tree are used as medicine in the form of a boxwood extract. The whole leaf should not be used as medicine as it can cause serious harm, including death. Boxwood extract is used to treat AIDS/HIV and to strengthen the immune system. Boxwood extract is not usually found in stores. Most users obtain this extract via the Internet or special AIDS aid associations. Boxwood is also used to treat arthritis or as an active ingredient to detoxify the blood.

How do boxwood extracts work?

Boxwood extra cts may prevent viruses from multiplying, but there is not yet enough scientific evidence to support this theory.

How effective are boxwood extracts?

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement regarding the effectiveness of boxwood extracts in the following areas of application:

  • Treatment of AIDS/HIV: There is preliminary evidence that 990 mg per day of a specific boxwood extract (SPV 30) may delay the progression of this disease in infected people. It appears to reduce the number of CD4 cells, increase the viral load and delay the development of AIDS in HIV positive people who are not yet showing AIDS symptoms. A higher dosage of 1980 mg per day does not appear to be effective.
  • Stimulation of the immune system
  • Arthritis
  • Detoxification of the blood

Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of boxwood extracts in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Boxwood extract (SPV 30) appears to be safe for most people when used for up to 16 months. However, it may cause diarrhea or stomach cramps in some cases. Use of the whole boxwood leaf is not safe and harmless. It has serious side effects that an extract of the leaves does not appear to have. Whole boxwood leaves can cause poisoning, including life-threatening side effects such as seizures and paralysis. Whole boxwood leaves can be fatal.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: The use of whole boxwood leaf is not safe and harmless regardless of pregnancy and lactation. Not enough is known about the safety of boxwood extracts during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so pregnant and breastfeeding women are better off avoiding boxwood products completely until more is known about their safety.

Interactions

There is currently no information on interactions.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of boxwood extracts depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for boxwood extracts. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.