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Related
terms: 1 aryl tetralin lignans, chaparral taxa, chaparral
tea, chaparro, creosote, creosote bush, dwarf evergreen oak, el
gobernadora (Spanish), falsa alcaparra (Spanish), flavonoids,
furanoid lignans, geroop, gobernadora, greasewood, guaiaretic
acid, guamis, gumis, hediondilla, hideonodo, hydrocarbons,
jarillo, kovanau, kreosotstrauch, larrea, Larrea divaricata,
Larrea glutiosa, Larrea mexicana, Larrea mexicana
Moric, Larrea tridentate, Larrea tridentata (DC)
Coville, lignans, maltose-M3N, M4N, NDGA,
nordihydroguaiaretic acid, Nordy, palo ondo (Spanish),
sapogenins, shoegoi, sonora covillea, sterols, tasago,
triterpenes, volatile oils, wax esters, ya-tmep, yah-temp,
Zygophyllaceae (family).
Background: Chaparral is a shrub found in the desert
regions of southwestern United States and Mexico. It was used by
Native American populations for indications including chicken
pox (varicella), colds, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, pain,
rheumatic diseases, skin disorders, snake bites and as an
emetic. Chaparral tea was also used for purported effects of
removing lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) residue and thereby
preventing recurrent hallucinations. Chaparral leaves have also
been used externally for bruises, scratches, wounds and hair
growth.
The
chaparral component nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) has been
evaluated as a treatment for cancer but, due to risk of
toxicity, it is considered unsafe and not recommended for use.
Evidence
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Uses based on scientific evidence |
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These uses have been tested in humans or animals.
Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven.
Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and
should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
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Grade* |
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Cancer |
C |
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Chaparral and one of its components called
nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) have antioxidant
("free-radical scavenging") properties and have been
proposed as cancer treatments. However, chaparral
and NDGA have been linked with cases of kidney and
liver failure, liver cirrhosis, kidney cysts and
kidney cancer in humans. In response to these
reports, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) removed chaparral from its "Generally
Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) list in 1970. Chaparral
and NDGA are generally considered unsafe and are not
recommended for use.
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*Key to grades: A: Strong scientific evidence for
this use; B: Good scientific evidence for this use; C:
Unclear scientific evidence for this use; D: Fair
scientific evidence against this use (it may not work); F:
Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not
work).
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Uses
based on tradition or theory |
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below uses are based on tradition or scientific
theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in
humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always
been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially
serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified
healthcare provider. |
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Abdominal cramps, abortion inducing, abrasions, acne,
actinic keratosis (a skin condition), alcohol
withdrawal, allergies, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant, antiparasitic, antiseptic, antiviral,
arthritis, autoimmune disorders, blood purifier, bowel
cramps, breathing problems, bronchitis, bruises, burns,
bursitis, cavities (preventive mouthwash), chicken pox,
central nervous system disorders, cold sores, colds,
coughs, cytomegalovirus, dandruff, decomposition,
diabetes, diarrhea, diuretic (increasing urine flow),
dysentery, enteritis, Epstein-Barr virus, fertility,
flu, food additive, gas, gastrointestinal disorders,
genitourinary infections, hair tonic, hallucinations
(including due to LSD ingestion), heartburn, herpes
simplex virus (cold sores), herpes zoster virus, immune
function stimulation, immune system disorders, impetigo,
indigestion, intestinal problems, Kaposi's sarcoma,
kidney or bladder stones, leukemia, liver cleanser,
liver metabolic function, melanoma, menstrual cramps,
menstrual disorders, multidrug resistance (trastuzumab),
neuritis, nutritional supplement, pain, painful joints,
premenstrual syndrome (PMS), preservative, psoriasis,
respiratory tract infections, rheumatic diseases,
sciatica, skin disorders, skin infections, snakebite
pain, stomach ulcer, tuberculosis, urinary tract
infections, venereal disease, vomiting, wound healing
(poultice).
Back to the Top |
Dosing
The below doses are based on scientific research, publications,
traditional use or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements
have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness
may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable
ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not
apply to all products. You should read product labels, and
discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before
starting therapy.
Adults (18
years and older)
Safety
has not been established for any dose. Small doses of tea have
been used; for example, one teaspoon of chaparral leaves and
flowers steeped in one pint of water for 15 minutes, consumed at
one to three cups daily for up to a maximum of several days.
Chaparral tea has also been made by steeping seven to eight
grams of crumbled dried leaves, stems and twigs in one quart of
hot water. As a water extract, chaparral might be consumed in
the amount of one to three cups of chaparral tea per day for a
period of two to three weeks, although this is not recommended.
A tincture has also been used; for example, 20 drops up to three
times daily. These preparations may be associated with less
toxicity, and possibly contain fewer allergenic compounds than
capsules or tablets. Oil or powder forms of chaparral have also
been used, applied to an affected area of skin several times
daily. Capsules or tablets may deliver large doses leading to
toxicity, and are not recommended. Exposure to lignans, which
may yield toxicity, appears to be greater from capsules or
tablets than from chaparral tea.
Children
(younger than 18 years)
Chaparral
is not recommended for use in children, due to lack of
scientific data and potential toxicity.
Back to the Top
Safety
The U. S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly
regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of
strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary.
You should always read product labels. If you have a medical
condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs or supplements, you
should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before
starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider
immediately if you experience side effects.
Allergies
People with allergy/hypersensitivity to chaparral or any of its
components including nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), nor-isoguaiasin,
dihydroguaiaretic acid, partially demethylated dihydroguaiaretic
acid and demethoxyisoguaiasin may have allergic reactions to
chaparral.There are human case reports of allergic
hypersensitivity (contact dermatitis) to chaparral and to its
resin.
Side Effects and Warnings
Chaparral has been associated with multiple serious and
potentially fatal adverse effects in animals and humans. Animals
given the chaparral component nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA)
developed kidney or gastrointestinal cysts and liver cell death.
In humans, chaparral has been associated with kidney and liver
failure, liver cirrhosis, kidney cysts and kidney cancer. Human
case reports note rash and fever with use of chaparral. Nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and mouth inflammation have
also been reported in people consuming chaparral. Exposure to
lignans, which may yield toxicity, appears to be greater from
capsule or tablets than from decoctions of chaparral tea. The U.
S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed chaparral from the
"Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) list in 1970, and
considers chaparral to be unsafe. Elevations of liver enzymes or
altered kidney function tests (serum creatinine) may occur with
chaparral. Based on an animal study, chaparral may lower blood
sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or
hypoglycemia and in those taking drugs, herbs or supplements
that affect blood sugar. Serum glucose levels should be
monitored closely and medication adjustments may be necessary.
Aggravation of hypothyroidism may occur.In theory, chaparral may
also increase the risk of bleeding and may add to the effects of
anticoagulants (blood thinners) or antiplatelet drugs. Use of
chaparral with any of these drugs should be discussed with a
healthcare professional.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Chaparral cannot be recommended during pregnancy or
breastfeeding because of the risk of birth defects or
spontaneous abortion. Chaparral may inhibit ovulation and
decrease the chance that women will become pregnant.
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Interactions
Most
herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly
tested for interactions with other herbs,
supplements, drugs or foods. The interactions
listed below are based on reports in scientific
publications, laboratory experiments or
traditional use. You should always read product
labels. If you have a medical condition, or are
taking other drugs, herbs or supplements, you
should speak with a qualified healthcare
provider before starting a new therapy.
Interactions with Drugs
- Based on animal studies and
human case reports, chaparral has been
associated with kidney damage, cysts, cancer and
kidney failure. Theoretically, use of chaparral
with other agents known to alter kidney function
or induce toxicity should be avoided, including
sulfa antibiotics, aminoglycoside antibiotics,
COX-2 inhibitors, NSAIDs and a number of other
drugs. Patients who are using other medications
and who are considering chaparral should consult
with a qualified healthcare professional,
including a pharmacist. Based on animal study
and human case reports, chaparral has also been
associated with liver damage. Theoretically, the
use of chaparral with other agents known to
induce liver toxicity should be avoided; these
include amiodarone, carmustine or danazol.
Based on animal study, chaparral may lower blood
sugar levels. Caution is advised when using
medications that may also lower blood sugar.
Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or
injection should be monitored closely by a
qualified healthcare professional. Medication
adjustments may be necessary. Based on human
research, chaparral may increase the risk of
bleeding when taken with drugs that also
increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples
include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood
thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or
heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel
(Plavix®) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or
naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®).
Based on animal research, chaparral may
interfere with the way the body processes
certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450
enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these
drugs may be increased in the blood and may
cause increased effects or potentially serious
adverse reactions. Patients using any
medications should check the package insert and
speak with a qualified healthcare professional
or pharmacist about possible interactions. Based
on historical use, chaparral may interact with
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as
isocarboxazid (Marplan®), phenelzine (Nardil®)
and tranylcypromine (Parnate®). There is also
the possibility that blood pressure may become
dangerously high if chaparral is taken with
MAOIs, although there is limited research
supporting this.
Chaparral may aggravate indomethacin-induced
gastric ulcers and inhibit the metabolism of
barbiturate drugs like phenobarbital. Effects of
thyroid medications may be altered although this
is unproven.
Chaparral may also interact with cancer,
antiviral, gastrointestinal, immunosuppressant,
thyroid and abortion-inducing drugs.
Interactions with Herbs and Dietary
Supplements
- Based on animal studies and
human case reports, chaparral has been
associated with kidney damage, cysts, cancer and
kidney failure. Theoretically, the use of
chaparral with other herbs or supplements known
to alter kidney function or induce toxicity
should be avoided; these include agents with
high levels of tannins. Chaparral may increase
the risk of high blood pressure if used with
other herbs with this effect. Based on animal
research and human case reports, chaparral has
also been associated with liver damage.
Theoretically, the use of chaparral with other
herbs or supplements known to induce liver
toxicity should be avoided.
Based on animal study, chaparral may lower blood
sugar levels. Caution is advised when using
herbs or supplements that may also lower blood
sugar. Blood glucose levels may require
monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.
Based on human study, chaparral may increase the
risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and
supplements that are believed to increase the
risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding
have been reported with the use of Ginkgo
biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw
palmetto. Numerous other agents may
theoretically increase the risk of bleeding,
although this has not been proven in most cases.
Chaparral may also interact with vitamin K,
which is necessary for blood clotting. By
working against the action of vitamin K,
chaparral may increase the risk of bleeding.
Based on animal research, chaparral may
interfere with the way the body processes
certain herbs or supplements using the liver's
cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the
levels of other herbs or supplements may become
too high in the blood. It may also alter the
effects that other herbs or supplements may have
on the P450 system. Patients using any
medications should check the package insert and
speak with a healthcare professional or
pharmacist about possible interactions.
Based on historical use, chaparral may interact
with herbs or supplements with possible
monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) effects, such
as 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) or DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone).
Chaparral may also interact with anti-cancer,
antioxidant, antiviral, gastrointestinal,
immunostimulant, immunosuppressant and
abortion-inducing herbs and supplements.
Effects of thyroid active agents may be altered
although this is unproven |
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