Chaparral's therapeutic uses
Chaparral, a plant traditionally used by Indigenous peoples of North America, has a history of medicinal applications, though its therapeutic uses remain controversial. Historically, it was utilized internally to address joint pain and eliminate parasites, and externally for treating minor wounds and as a mouthwash. European herbalists later adopted chaparral for ailments like colds, flu, and intestinal infections, but it gained notoriety in the 20th century for its purported miraculous cancer-curing properties, despite lacking scientific backing.
Current understanding suggests that while chaparral may possess potential anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects, these are not supported by rigorous scientific research. Notably, there are significant safety concerns linked to its internal use, with reports of liver injury associated primarily with chaparral extracts rather than traditional preparations. Although the active compound nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) shows some promise in laboratory studies, its effects have not been validated in human trials. Given the lack of established benefits and potential risks, particularly regarding liver and kidney health, many health professionals advise against the internal use of chaparral.
Chaparral's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: Possible anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antioxidant effects
Overview
Chaparral is a tough plant with a long history of medicinal use by the Indigenous peoples of North America. It was traditionally taken internally to treat joint pain and eliminate worms. Chaparral tea was applied externally to painful joints and minor wounds, and it was also used as a mouthwash and hair rinse. When European herbalists encountered chaparral, they initially used it to treat colds, flu, and intestinal infections. Later, based on several unsubstantiated cases, chaparral gained a reputation as a miracle cancer cure. There are several reports in which it appears that internal use of chaparral has caused serious liver injury. Although there are some theories that chaparral may be useful for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects, no therapeutic uses have been supported by scientific studies.
Therapeutic Dosages
Chaparral is not recommended for internal use. For external use, it may be prepared as a tea or allowed to diffuse its contents into oil over several days or weeks. The resulting preparation is then applied as a wet or oil-soaked cloth.
Therapeutic Uses
There are no scientifically established medicinal uses of chaparral, and reports of liver injury have made it substantially less popular in recent years. Due to the unknown toxicity of chaparral, almost all studies have been limited to animals, since testing in humans is unsafe. There were a handful of small-scale studies on chaparral in the 1970s before it was recognized as potentially dangerous. The presumed active ingredient in chaparral is the antioxidant compound nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA). NDGA is used as a preservative in packaged and processed foods. Some evidence from animal and test-tube studies hints that NGDA, or synthetic chemicals related to it, might have anticancer effects. However, the same can be said of thousands of substances. So far, NGDA and its analogs have not shown themselves promising enough to warrant human trials.
Other proposed actions of chaparral and its constituents lack more than minimal scientific evidence. These include anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and liver-protective effects. Chaparral has also been indicated for use in treating acne, rheumatism, and diabetes, and claims have been made about its antioxidant, blood-purifying, and weight-loss properties. Still, a human trial is necessary, but unlikely.
Safety Issues
Considerable confusion exists regarding the safety of chaparral. Chaparral itself does not appear toxic, even when given to animals in very high doses. In particular, it does not seem to contain any liver toxins. Nonetheless, there have been recurrent reports of severe liver or kidney injury associated with the herb's use. While cause and effect were poorly established in some cases, in others, the connection seems clear.
Almost all reports involved chaparral tablets or extracts rather than the more traditional tea; however, this distinction's significance is unclear. It is quite likely, though not proven, that liver or kidney toxicity is an “idiosyncratic reaction,” something like a rare allergy. However, until this situation is cleared up, internal use of chaparral should be regarded as presenting unknown risks. Because chaparral has no established benefits, it is probably best to avoid it.
Bibliography
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