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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.
Evidence
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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. I
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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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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).
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
Safety
AllergiesCaution 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.
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.
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®).
Effects of thyroid active agents may be altered
although this is unproven
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