White Quebracho Extract
Also known as: White Quebracho Extract, Quebracho tannin extract, Schinopsis balansae extract, Schinopsis quebracho-colorado extract
Overview
White Quebracho Extract is a tannin-rich extract derived from the heartwood or bark of the quebracho tree species, primarily *Schinopsis quebracho-colorado* or *Schinopsis balansae*, native to South America. It is characterized by its high content of condensed tannins, predominantly profisetinidin-type polyphenols, which constitute 80-90% of the extract. This plant-derived supplement is primarily used for its potential gastrointestinal health benefits, antioxidant properties, and its ability to modulate gut microbiota. In animal nutrition, it is also applied to reduce methane emissions and improve gut health. While research into its effects is ongoing, the current evidence base is moderate, with most studies conducted in animals and only limited small-scale human case series available. Its primary mechanism of action involves local effects within the gastrointestinal tract due to the poor absorption of its main active compounds.
Benefits
White Quebracho Extract has shown several potential benefits, primarily in animal models, with limited human data. In animal studies, quebracho tannins have been observed to reduce enteric methane emissions without negatively impacting growth performance or nutrient intake, suggesting an environmental benefit in livestock. It also modulates gut microbiota, specifically increasing butyrate-producing bacteria, which are beneficial for gut health. This effect has been noted in piglet studies. Furthermore, the extract exhibits antioxidant effects in animal tissues due to its high polyphenol content. For human applications, a small retrospective case series (n=24) of IBS-C patients suggested symptom improvement with a supplement containing quebracho extract, though this was an uncontrolled trial and thus provides low-quality evidence. The effect sizes in humans are not well quantified, and the primary benefits are currently more established in animal nutrition and environmental applications.
How it works
White Quebracho Extract primarily exerts its effects within the gastrointestinal tract. Its main active compounds, condensed tannins (profisetinidin subunits), are poorly absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to localized action. These tannins bind to proteins and microbial enzymes, which allows them to modulate the composition and activity of the gut microbiota. This interaction can lead to changes in bacterial populations, such as an increase in beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria. Additionally, the polyphenolic nature of the tannins contributes to antioxidant properties, which can be observed in tissues. The extract's mechanism involves direct interaction with gut microbes and the intestinal mucosa, influencing gut environment and microbial balance.
Side effects
The overall safety of White Quebracho Extract is generally considered good in animal studies at tested doses. However, human safety data are limited, and no significant adverse effects have been widely documented in the small human case series available. Due to the nature of tannins, high doses may potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort, though specific frequencies for common side effects in humans are not well documented. Uncommon or rare side effects are unknown due to insufficient human data. There are no documented drug interactions, but caution is advised due to the protein-binding properties of tannins, which could theoretically interfere with the absorption or activity of certain medications. Contraindications are not formally established, but individuals with known tannin sensitivity or iron deficiency anemia should exercise caution, as tannins can inhibit iron absorption. Data regarding its safety for pregnant or lactating women are currently unavailable.
Dosage
Optimal human dosage ranges for White Quebracho Extract are currently unknown and not well-established. In animal studies, effective doses have been observed when included at 1-2% of dietary dry matter, with 1.25% dietary inclusion showing microbiota modulation. However, these animal dosages do not directly translate to human recommendations. A minimum effective dose for humans has not been determined, nor has a maximum safe dose. High doses of tannins in general may lead to gastrointestinal irritation. The extract is typically administered as a standardized powder or feed additive. Due to its poor systemic absorption, its effects are primarily local within the gut. There are no specific timing considerations for human use, as most data come from animal studies where it is administered with feed. No specific cofactors are documented as being required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is White Quebracho Extract safe for human consumption?
Limited human data suggest safety at low doses, but more comprehensive research is needed to fully establish its safety profile for human consumption.
Can it improve human gut health?
Animal studies indicate it can modulate gut microbiota, but human evidence is preliminary and largely anecdotal, requiring further controlled trials.
Does it have antioxidant benefits?
Yes, antioxidant effects have been demonstrated in animal tissues due to its polyphenol content, but human data specifically on this benefit are lacking.
Is it effective for IBS?
One small retrospective case series suggested potential symptom improvement in IBS-C patients, but this is not a controlled trial, and efficacy is not confirmed by robust research.
How quickly do benefits appear?
The time course for benefits in humans is unknown. Animal studies typically show effects within weeks of consistent administration.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4986399/ – This source describes a retrospective case series of 24 IBS-C patients who experienced symptom improvement with a supplement containing quebracho extract. The study is limited by its small sample size and lack of a control group, making it hypothesis-generating rather than conclusive.
- https://www.science.gov/topicpages/q/quebracho+tannin+extract – This source provides general information about quebracho tannin extract, highlighting its use in ruminant feeding trials. It notes that quebracho tannins reduced protein digestibility but did not significantly impact growth, and also showed antioxidant effects in animal tissues.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8084250/ – This research, likely an animal study, indicates that a combination of quebracho and chestnut tannins modulated gut microbiota in weaned piglets, specifically increasing butyrate-producing bacteria. The study suggests potential for gut health but lacks disease challenge or extensive health outcome data.
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0254679 – This study, conducted on broiler chickens, found that a blend of chestnut and quebracho tannins reduced intestinal lesions associated with *Clostridium perfringens* infection. While promising for animal gut health, the use of a blend makes it difficult to isolate the effects of quebracho alone.
- https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7699 – This source from EFSA likely provides an assessment of quebracho extract, potentially in the context of animal feed additives. It would contribute to understanding regulatory perspectives and safety evaluations for its use in livestock.