Chaparral

Larrea tridentata

Chaparral Creosote Bush Greasewood Hediondilla Parts used Uses Habitat and cultivation Constituents How much to take

Chaparral refers broadly to any dense thicket of shrubs or dwarf trees. More specifically, in recent herbal literature, it designates the leaflets of Larrea tridentata (Sesse & Moc.) Coville, a name considered by modern authors to be synonymous with L. divaricata Cav. and L. mexicana Moric. This strong-scented, olive green bush of the family Zygophyllaceae is the dominant shrub in the desert regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Better-known common names of the plant are creosote bush and greasewood.

An aqueous extract of the leaves and twigs, so-called chaparral tea, is an old Indian remedy and has been used for a wide variety of ailments, including arthritis, cancer, venereal disease, tuberculosis, bowel cramps, rheumatism, and colds. Chaparral is said to possess analgesic, expectorant, emetic, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. One of its more unusual applications is that of a hair tonic. Another is its purported property of "taking the residue of LSD out of the system. ..so you will have no recurrences of hallucinations."

As might be expected, most of the attention focused on chaparral tea in recent years has concerned its use, and that of its principal ingredient, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), as an anticancer agent. NDGA is a potent antioxidant, especially for fats and oils. As such, it was once thought to be potentially useful in the treatment of cancer. Early studies in rats did indicate that NDGA exerted an inhibitory effect on some tumor cells, but follow-up studies with the tea involving human beings have to date proved equivocal. Besides, NDGA possesses considerable toxicity; long-term feeding studies in rats induced lesions in the mesenteric lymph nodes and kidneys. As a result, the compound was removed from the FDA's "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) list in 1968. However, it must be noted that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which controls the use of antioxidants in lard and animal shortenings, still permits NDGA to be added to them.

Recently, the anticancer activity of the South American subspecies was explored in a study on the effect of a leaf extraction on mammary gland cancer in female rats. Twenty days after the appearance of artificially induced tumors, the extract was given subcutaneously in a dose of 25mg/kg. Seventy-five tumors were treated with the extract, resulting in a reduction in 13 percent, a stabilization of tumors in 80 percent, and an increase in only 6 percent of the tumors. By comparison, none of the eighty tumors in the control group decreased, and only 15 percent remained stable. The survival time of the treated animals was significantly higher than the control animals. These results have not been duplicated in humans.

PARTS USED

Aerial parts.

USES

Chaparral  was thought to be a beneficial remedy for rheumatic disease, venereal infections, urinary infections, and certain types of cancer, especially leukemia. Chaparral was also taken internally for skin afflictions such as acne and eczema, and applied as a lotion to sores, wounds, and rashes. Recently, however, its sale was banned in the US, due to concern over its potential toxic effect on the liver.
Other medical uses - Addictions, Tooth decay, Toxic shock syndrome.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Chaparral is found in large numbers in the deserts of the southwestern US and Mexico.

CONSTITUENTS

Chaparral contains about 12% resin and nordihydroguaiaretic acid. The latter is reportedly harmful to the lymph glands and the kidneys.

HOW MUCH TO TAKE

Tea: 2 - 3 cups (500 - 750 ml) daily (infusion made from 7 - 8 g dried leaves and stems per quart (litre) hot water) (clinical evaluations).