Chaparral (creosote bush)
Larrea tridentata
Photo credit: Eric in SF
This plant carries serious safety risks. All information is for educational reference only.
Safety information
Toxicity: Serious — hepatotoxic. Multiple reports (1990s-2000s) of acute hepatitis and liver failure, some requiring transplant; NDGA implicated. Documented in NIH LiverTox.
Contraindications: Liver disease, pregnancy, lactation; avoid internal use generally.
Interactions: Avoid with other hepatotoxins; NDGA affects drug-metabolizing enzymes.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation.
Evidence level
Supported by laboratory or animal studies; not yet confirmed in humans.
Preparations
This plant carries serious safety risks. All information is for educational reference only.
infusion/tea (described, not instructed) · leaf/aerial parts
Part used: leaf/aerial parts
Traditional use: respiratory illness, chickenpox, snakebite, arthritis pain; folk claims 50+ ailments (TB, arthritis, 'blood purifier')
Proposed mechanism: NDGA (nordihydroguaiaretic acid, 5-10% dry weight) — antioxidant/anti-inflammatory in vitro
Dosage note (descriptive only): NO how-to
Reference only — not a dosage instruction
Associated conditions
Nutritional notes
n/a
Healing traditions
Sources (3)
- PMC9458016 (phytochem/pharmacology)
- NIH LiverTox NBK548355
- Drugs.com NPP