| Scientific Name |
Larrea tridentata (Sessé & Moc. ex DC.) Coville |
| Common Name |
Chaparral, creosote bush, gobernadora, greasewood, hediondilla |
| Studies on Diabetes |
A pure compound isolated from larrea resulted in an 8 mmol/lt decrease in blood sugar in male mice following oral administration (Luo 1998). |
| Other Uses |
Folk uses include cancer treatment, dermatitis (topical), rheumatic disorders and upper respiratory infection (Johnson 2002). |
| Formulations used by Informants |
Hot infusion, ointment. |
| Phytochemistry |
Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA-a phenolic constituent and potent anti-oxidant), flavanoids, volatile oils, wax, esters, and triterpenes (Kay 1996). |
| Potential Adverse Effects |
Hepatotoxicity has been associated with "chapparal" tea. The American Herbal Products Association(AHPA) and the FDA requested removal from health food stores; no hepatotoxic properties were found. AHPA recinded the ban (Kay 1996). |
| Potential Medication Interactions |
No significant interactions were found. |
