Chaparral

Chaparral is derived from the flowers, leaves, and twigs of Larrea tridentate. Its major constituen is the lignin nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), which makes up 1.84% of the plant's active compounds. NDG has potent anti-inflammatory activity because of its ability to block the enzyme lip oxygenase. Lipoxygenase is a precursor to many inflammatory prostaglandins; therefore, by blocking this enzyme, chaparral may help treat certain inflammatory conditions.

Besides inhibiting platelet aggregation in those taking aspirin, NDGA also has some antioxidant effects. Other components of chaparral that add to its antioxidant activity include flavonoids, saponins, and lignins. The lignins also have amoebicidal, antiparasitic, and fungicidal activity. NDGA has also been reported to have antimicrobial activity against certain species of Penicillium, streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Chaparral is available as liquid extract, oil infusion, tablet, tea, tincture, bulk powder, and capsules.

Benefits And Uses of Chaparral

Chaparral is used orally as supportive therapy for cancer, dyspepsia, venereal disease, tuberculosis, and parasitic infections. It's used as an oral rinse to help prevent tooth decay, halitosis, and gum disease.

Chaparral is used topically as supportive therapy for allergies, dysmenorrhea, intestinal cramping, rheumatoid arthritis, and wound healing.

Administration

• As an antimicrobial: Tea used as a mouthwash and expectorated; powder applied topically on minor abrasions; tea prepared by steeping 1 teaspoon of leaves and flowers in 1 cup hot water for 10 to 15 minutes .
• To treat allergy symptoms: 1 to 3 cups of tea by mouth every day for several days or 20 gtt of tincture of liquid extract (68% to 75% alcohol) by mouth every day, once to three times a day .
• To treat arthralgia: 1 to 3 cups of tea by mouth every day or 20 gtt of tincture or liquid extract once to three times a day; treatment limited to a few days.
• To treat autoimmune disease: 20 gtt of tincture by mouth once to three times a day.
• To treat dysmenorrhea or intestinal cramps: Infused oil applied topically to abdomen, as needed.
• To treat premenstrual syndrome: 1 to 3 cups of tea by mouth every day or 20 gtt of tincture by mouth once to three times a day; treatment limited to a few days.

Side Effects of Chaparral

Adverse effects associated with the use of chaparral include fatigue, anorexia, abdominal pain, nausea, loose stools or diarrhea, dark urine, induction of cortical and medullary cysts in the kidney, hepatotoxicity, acute hepatitis, jaundice, elevated liver function test results, cirrhosis, acute fulminant liver failure, weight loss, pruritus, contact dermatitis, fever, and tumor growth.

NDGA may interfere with platelet adhesion and aggregation in patients taking aspirin. Herbal products prepared with alcohol may cause a disulfiram-like reaction. Excessive doses of chaparral may interfere with the activity of monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Those with a history of liver disease, alcohol abuse, hepatitis, renal insufficiency, preexisting renal disease, or chronic renal failure should avoid use. Pregnant and breast feeding patients should avoid using the herb.

Clinical considerations

• Most patients find the taste of chaparral teas and tinctures disagreeable, which limits the amount they can tolerate before feeling nauseated.
• Monitor patient for signs or symptoms of hepatic failure. Caution him to stop using chaparral if he experiences nausea, fever, fatigue, dark urine, or jaundice.
• Gastric lavage may be performed within 60 minutes of a potentially fatal ingestion. Activated charcoal may also be used when administered within 1 hour of a potentially fatal ingestion.
• Warn patient not to delay seeking appropriate medical evaluation because doing so may delay diagnosis of a potentially serious medical condition.
• Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he's taking when obtaining a new prescription.
• Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.

Research summary

The concepts behind the use of chaparral and the claims made regarding its effects have not yet been validated scientifically.