Carqueja
Baccharis trimera
Photo credit: Mateus Hidalgo
Safety information
Safety information
Toxicity: Hydroethanolic extract induced histopathological changes in kidney and hepatic cells of pregnant rats; aqueous extract showed mutagenic (micronucleus) and genotoxic effects in some in-vivo assays. Other Baccharis species can be markedly toxic.
Contraindications: Pregnancy (embryotoxic/teratogenic/abortifacient risk per Brazilian phytotherapy guidance) and lactation; caution in renal/hepatic impairment; may potentiate antidiabetic and antihypertensive effects.
Interactions: May enhance hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetic drugs (additive blood-sugar lowering) and lower blood pressure (additive with antihypertensives); caution with other hepatotoxic/genotoxic agents.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Contraindicated in pregnancy (embryotoxic/teratogenic/abortifacient risk) and lactation.
Evidence level
Supported by laboratory or animal studies; not yet confirmed in humans.
Preparations
infusion/tea, decoction, hydroethanolic/aqueous extract · aerial parts
Part used: aerial parts
Traditional use: diabetes, digestive complaints, liver/gallbladder disorders; reputed 'depurative', anti-inflammatory and stomach tonic
Proposed mechanism: flavonoids, terpenes, chlorogenic acids — antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic
Associated conditions
Nutritional notes
Not relevant (medicinal bitter).
Healing traditions
Sources (2)
- A review of biological and pharmacological activities of Baccharis trimera, Chemico-Biological Interactions, 2018
- Baccharis trimera (Carqueja) in Type 1 Diabetes, PMC6304562, 2018