Larrea Tridentata Extract
Also known as: Creosote bush, chaparral, greasewood, Larrea tridentata extract, Larrea tridentata
Overview
Larrea tridentata, commonly known as creosote bush or chaparral, is a desert shrub native to the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. Extracts from this plant, particularly ethanolic preparations, are rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, lignans (including nordihydroguaiaretic acid, NDGA), and various polyphenols. Traditionally, indigenous communities have utilized it for a range of ailments, including type 2 diabetes and infections. Modern research primarily investigates its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and potential metabolic effects. While in vitro and animal studies show promising results, high-quality human clinical trials are limited, and safety concerns, particularly regarding potential hepatotoxicity, warrant caution. It is available as a botanical extract and herbal supplement.
Benefits
Larrea tridentata extracts exhibit several potential benefits, though most evidence is from preclinical studies. Its ethanolic extracts demonstrate significant antimicrobial activity against clinically relevant bacteria like *Enterococcus faecalis* and fungi such as *Fusarium solani*, with efficacy comparable to some commercial antibiotics in laboratory settings. This suggests a potential role in combating various infections, although human clinical data is needed. The extract also possesses strong antioxidant properties, attributed to its rich content of polyphenols and NDGA. These compounds effectively scavenge free radicals, potentially reducing oxidative stress markers in the body. Furthermore, animal studies indicate that NDGA-rich extracts may offer metabolic benefits, including reductions in plasma glucose and triglycerides, improvements in insulin-related parameters, and inhibition of enzymes like dipeptidyl peptidase 4, suggesting a potential role in managing type 2 diabetes. However, these findings have not yet been replicated in human trials.
How it works
The antimicrobial action of Larrea tridentata extracts is primarily attributed to its polyphenols and flavonoids, which are thought to disrupt microbial enzymes and cell membranes, thereby inhibiting growth. As an antioxidant, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and other lignans present in the extract effectively scavenge free radicals, reducing lipid peroxidation and protecting against oxidative damage. In terms of metabolic effects, NDGA appears to modulate lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis. This may occur through mechanisms such as the inhibition of enzymes like dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4), which plays a role in glucose regulation, and by reducing triglyceride secretion, contributing to improved insulin sensitivity and glucose control.
Side effects
While Larrea tridentata extracts show promising properties, significant safety concerns exist, particularly regarding potential hepatotoxicity. The common name 'chaparral' has been associated with rare cases of liver toxicity in humans, although comprehensive data establishing a direct causal link are limited and causality is not fully established. Users should be aware of this potential risk. In vitro studies have shown some extracts to have minimal hemolytic activity at tested concentrations, suggesting low cytotoxicity to human red blood cells. However, this does not fully translate to in vivo safety. There are no well-documented drug interactions or contraindications from high-quality randomized controlled trials. Due to the limited clinical safety data and the reported cases of liver issues, caution is strongly advised. Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or those taking hepatotoxic medications should avoid its use. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and children should also avoid this supplement due to insufficient safety information.
Dosage
There is no standardized or clinically established dosing regimen for Larrea tridentata extract due to the lack of high-quality human clinical trials. Traditional use involved oral decoctions or ethanolic extracts, but these methods lack precise dosage control. Animal studies have utilized doses standardized to their nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) content, typically around 26% of the resin, but these findings cannot be directly extrapolated to humans. The bioavailability and optimal dosing for specific therapeutic purposes in humans remain unknown and require extensive clinical investigation. Given the potential for hepatotoxicity, any use should be approached with extreme caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Self-medication with this extract is not recommended.
FAQs
Is Larrea tridentata extract safe for consumption?
Limited clinical safety data exist, and rare cases of liver toxicity have been associated with its use. Caution is strongly advised, and it should be avoided by individuals with liver conditions.
Can Larrea tridentata extract treat infections?
In vitro studies show antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria and fungi. However, clinical efficacy in humans for treating infections is not yet proven, and more research is needed.
Does it help with diabetes management?
Animal studies suggest potential metabolic benefits, including reduced glucose and triglycerides. However, human randomized controlled trials are lacking, so its role in diabetes management is unconfirmed.
How quickly do the effects of Larrea tridentata extract appear?
The onset of effects in humans is not established. Animal studies have shown metabolic changes over several weeks, but this may not directly apply to human response times.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39940800/ – This in vitro study evaluated ethanolic extracts of Larrea tridentata, demonstrating significant inhibitory effects against various bacterial and fungal strains, including *Enterococcus faecalis* and *Fusarium solani*. The extracts also exhibited antioxidant activity, suggesting their potential as natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents, though clinical relevance requires further investigation.
- http://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0185-33092022000300349 – This research focused on the extraction of polyphenols from creosote bush and their efficacy in inhibiting fungal mycelial growth. The study found that different polyphenol profiles influenced the antifungal activity against *F. solani*, with some extracts showing comparable inhibition to standard antifungals in laboratory settings.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2016.00194/full – An animal study investigating the effects of NDGA-rich Larrea tridentata extracts in rats. It reported reductions in plasma glucose and triglycerides, improved liver parameters, and inhibition of the DPP-4 enzyme, suggesting potential benefits for insulin sensitivity and metabolic health in an animal model of type 2 diabetes.
- https://scholarworks.umass.edu/entities/publication/0b9c6ec1-4309-42ca-a40a-74428b768edb – This in vitro study assessed the antioxidant properties of Larrea tridentata extracts from Chihuahuan desert plants. It confirmed the significant antioxidant capacity of the extracts, attributing it to their rich content of polyphenols and other bioactive compounds, which can scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative damage.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548355/ – This source discusses the potential for hepatotoxicity associated with chaparral (Larrea tridentata) use. It highlights that while rare, cases of liver injury have been reported in humans, emphasizing the need for caution and further research into the safety profile and mechanisms of adverse effects of this botanical extract.