Se organiza y sintetiza la informaci?n relacionada con la bot?nica, ecolog?a y el contenido qu?mico de extra?bles de hojas, corteza y madera de Peumus boldus (Monimiaceae, Magnoliopsida), ?rbol siempreverde, aut?ctono, end?mico y term?filo de los bosques y matorrales escler?filos naturales del ?rea mediterr?nea de Chile. La popularidad y conocimiento de la especie tiene arraigo en la medicina popular emp?rica, dado el efecto farmacol?gico atribuible fundamentalmente, al alcaloide boldina, presente en valores inferiores respecto a los aceites esenciales. Su principal forma de aprovechamiento son las hojas, tanto en la preparaci?n de una bebida caliente (Infusi?n), como en el comercio interno e internacional.

Peumus boldus (Monimiaceae, Magnoliopsida) is a dioecious, evergreen and thermophilous tree endemic to Chile, commonly found in Mediterraneantype sclerophyll forest and shrublands. In this paper, we review the botany and ecology of P. boldus, as well as the chemistry of leaf, bark and wood extracts. The popular use of P. boldus in Chilean folk medicine has been attributed mainly to the pharmacological effects of the alkaloid boldine, despite the presence of essential oils in greater abundance. The leaves are the principal product of commercial interest both in Chile and in overseas markets, being used to prepare infusions and for extraction of essential oils.