HERBS: Chaparral

Scientific name
Other names
Purported uses
Warnings
Adverse reactions
Drug interactions
References

Chaparral

Scientific name

Larrea tridentate, Larrea divaricata

Other names

Creosate bush, greasewood, hediondilla

Purported uses

NOTE: No scientific evidence supports the use of chaparral for any of the following uses, and serious side effects (such as liver and kidney damage) are associated with the use of chaparral.

To treat arthritis
To treat bronchitis and the common cold
To prevent and treat cancer�
To reduce inflammation�
To alleviate menstrual cramps�
To promote urination
To stop muscle spasms

Warnings

Chaparral has been associated with severe hepatotoxicity, with some cases requiring liver transplantation.

Adverse reactions

Reported: Fatigue, jaundice, cirrhosis, hepatotoxicity, acute hepatitis, contact dermatitis,�kidney failure, and renal cell carcinoma

Drug interactions

MAO Inhibitors: Excessive doses of chaparral may interfere with monoamine oxidase inhibitor therapy due to the documented amino acid constituents.

References

1. Newall CA, et al. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press; 1996.

2. Cunningham DC, et al. Proliferative responses of normal human mammary and MCF-7 breast cancer cells to linoleic, CLA and eicosanoid synthesis inhibitors in culture. Anticancer Res 1997;17:197-203.

3. Pavani M, et al. Inhibition of tumoral cell respiration and growth by norhidydroguaiaretic acid. Biochem Pharmacol 1994;48:1935-42.

4. Sheikh NM, et al. Chaparral-associated hepatotoxicity. Arch Intern Med 1997;157:913-9.

5. Tyler V, et al. The Honest Herbal. New York: Pharmaceutical Press; 1993.

6. Heron S, Yarnell E. The safety of low-dose Larrea tridentata (DC) Coville (creosote bush or chaparral): a retrospective clinical study. J Altern Complement Med 2001;7:175-85.

7. Batchelor WB, et al. Chaparral-induced hepatic injury. Am J Gastroenterol 1995;90:831-3.

8. Gordon DW, et al. Chaparral ingestion. The broadening spectrum of liver injury caused by herbal medications. JAMA 1995;273:489-90.

9. Smart CR, et al. Clinical experience with nordihydroguaiaretic acid -- "Chaparrel tea" in the treatment of cancer. Rocky Mt Med J. 1970 Nov;67(11):39-43.

10. Gordon DW, et al. Chaparral ingestion. The broadening spectrum of liver injury caused by herbal medications. JAMA 1995;273:489-90.