# Chaparral (Larrea tridentata)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/chaparral
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-27
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Native American
**Also Known As:** Larrea tridentata, Creosote bush, Greasewood, Desert healer, Gobernadora, Hediondilla, Jarilla, NDGA plant, Covillea tridentata, Zygophyllum tridentatum

## Overview

Chaparral (Larrea tridentata) is a desert shrub containing nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) that demonstrates antioxidant and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties in laboratory studies. The plant's bioactive compounds, including NDGA and flavonoids, work by scavenging free radicals and inhibiting [lipid peroxidation](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant).

## Health Benefits

• Antioxidant properties through nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) that scavenges free radicals and inhibits [lipid peroxidation](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (preliminary evidence from in vitro studies)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects via flavonoid modulation including quercetin and kaempferol (laboratory research only)
• [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) action against pathogens through triterpenes and saponins (preclinical studies)
• Traditional wound healing applications supported by resinous compounds (historical use, no clinical trials)
• Potential immune-modulating effects through polyphenol content (in vitro evidence only)

## Mechanism of Action

Chaparral's primary bioactive compound nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) acts as a potent antioxidant by chelating metal ions and scavenging hydroxyl radicals, preventing [lipid peroxidation](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) in cell membranes. Flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol modulate [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s by inhibiting cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes. NDGA also disrupts bacterial cell wall synthesis and interferes with viral replication mechanisms.

## Clinical Summary

Most evidence for chaparral comes from in vitro and animal studies, with limited human clinical data available. Laboratory studies have demonstrated NDGA's antioxidant capacity at concentrations of 10-100 μM, showing 60-80% reduction in [lipid peroxidation](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) markers. Small preliminary human studies suggest potential [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects, but sample sizes were under 50 participants. The FDA has issued warnings about chaparral due to hepatotoxicity reports, limiting clinical research development.

## Nutritional Profile

Chaparral (Larrea tridentata) is not consumed as a food source and therefore lacks a conventional macronutrient profile (negligible calories, protein, fat, and carbohydrates per typical dose of 1–3 g dried leaf/stem). Its significance lies entirely in its bioactive compound profile: • **Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA):** The principal lignan, comprising approximately 5–10% of dry leaf weight (50–100 mg/g dried leaf); a potent lipophilic antioxidant with low oral bioavailability due to extensive first-pass hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and glucuronidation; in vitro IC50 for [lipid peroxidation](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) inhibition reported at low micromolar concentrations. • **Flavonoids:** Includes quercetin (~0.2–0.5% dry weight), kaempferol, and their glycosides; bioavailability of quercetin aglycone is estimated at 2–5% orally, improved modestly with dietary fat co-ingestion. • **Lignans (beyond NDGA):** 3'-demethoxy-6-O-demethylisoguaiacin, dihydroguaiaretic acid, and norisoguaiacin present at lower concentrations (~0.5–2% collectively). • **Triterpene saponins and wax esters:** Larreatridentatins and related compounds found primarily in leaf resin (~10–15% of total resin weight); poorly characterized bioavailability. • **Volatile terpenoids:** Including α-pinene, β-pinene, camphene, and limonene in the essential oil fraction (~0.3–1.0% of dried leaf). • **Minerals (trace):** Small amounts of potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron present in leaf tissue, but quantities per typical dose are nutritionally insignificant (e.g., calcium ~10–20 mg/g, iron ~0.1–0.3 mg/g dried leaf). • **Phenolic acids:** Caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid present at trace levels (~0.1–0.3% dry weight). • **Fiber:** Crude fiber content approximately 15–25% of dried leaf material, but irrelevant at typical dosing amounts. • **Resin content:** Total leaf resin constitutes approximately 15–25% of dry weight, serving as the matrix for most bioactive compounds. **Critical bioavailability note:** NDGA and related lignans are highly lipophilic (log P ~3.5–4.0), limiting aqueous dissolution; traditional preparation as a tea (aqueous infusion) extracts only a fraction (~20–40%) of total NDGA content compared to resinous or alcohol-based preparations. **Safety caveat:** Despite bioactive richness, chaparral has been associated with severe hepatotoxicity (over 18 documented cases of liver injury reported to the FDA), and its internal use is strongly cautioned against by most modern clinical authorities.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as human trials are absent. Traditional uses mention powder or extract forms without standardization specifics. Maximum safe doses are not established due to documented hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity risks. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Chaparral has been associated with severe hepatotoxicity, with over 18 documented cases of liver damage leading to FDA warnings. The herb may interact with medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly affecting drugs processed through CYP1A2 and CYP2E1 pathways. Contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential teratogenic effects and lack of safety data. Common side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, and elevated liver enzymes even at low doses.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses were identified in the available research. Evidence is limited to preclinical in vitro and animal studies examining [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects of compounds like NDGA. LiverTox documentation focuses on hepatotoxicity cases rather than efficacy trials.

## Historical & Cultural Context

In Native American traditional medicine of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, chaparral has been used for centuries as a 'desert healer' for wounds, infections, and [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation). Historical applications include teas or topicals for skin conditions and digestive issues, with records spanning pre-colonial eras among desert peoples including the Seri.

## Synergistic Combinations

Milk thistle, N-acetylcysteine, Alpha-lipoic acid, Turmeric, Green tea extract

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is NDGA in chaparral and how much is typically present?

Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is chaparral's primary bioactive compound, comprising 5-10% of the plant's dry weight. NDGA concentrations can reach 25,000-50,000 ppm in quality extracts, making it one of nature's most potent antioxidant compounds.

### Why did the FDA ban chaparral supplements?

The FDA issued warnings about chaparral in 1992 after 18 cases of severe liver toxicity, including hepatitis and liver failure requiring transplantation. While not technically banned, most manufacturers voluntarily removed chaparral products due to liability concerns and regulatory pressure.

### Can chaparral be used topically for skin conditions?

Traditional topical use of chaparral for wounds and skin conditions has some laboratory support, with NDGA showing antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus at 0.1% concentrations. However, contact dermatitis and skin sensitization have been reported, making topical use potentially problematic.

### How does chaparral compare to other antioxidant herbs?

Chaparral's NDGA demonstrates superior free radical scavenging compared to vitamin E in laboratory tests, with IC50 values of 2-5 μM versus 15-20 μM for tocopherol. However, unlike safer alternatives like green tea or grape seed extract, chaparral carries significant hepatotoxicity risks.

### What dosage of chaparral was used in traditional Native American medicine?

Traditional preparations typically involved steeping 1-2 teaspoons of dried chaparral leaves in hot water for tea, consumed 1-3 times daily. This would provide approximately 100-300mg of plant material, though NDGA content varied significantly based on harvesting and preparation methods.

### Is chaparral safe to take long-term, and what are the known safety concerns?

Long-term chaparral use carries significant safety concerns, particularly hepatotoxicity (liver damage) associated with NDGA accumulation, which led to the FDA's 1992 ban on oral supplements. Case reports documented liver injury in users taking chaparral for extended periods, and the herb's safety profile in humans remains poorly defined beyond these adverse events. Current consensus recommends avoiding oral supplementation entirely due to insufficient evidence of safe long-term use and documented toxicity cases.

### Does chaparral interact with liver medications or drugs metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system?

Chaparral's hepatotoxic potential suggests it may stress liver function and potentially interfere with medications requiring hepatic metabolism, though direct drug-interaction studies in humans are lacking. The herb's active compounds (NDGA and flavonoids) have shown enzyme-modulating effects in laboratory studies, raising theoretical concerns for interactions with medications like statins, anticonvulsants, and immunosuppressants. Anyone taking prescription medications should avoid chaparral supplementation and consult their healthcare provider, as clinical interaction data are insufficient.

### What is the difference between chaparral leaf extract and whole chaparral herb preparations, and does form affect safety?

Chaparral leaf extracts concentrate NDGA and other bioactive compounds, potentially increasing hepatotoxicity risk compared to whole-herb preparations, though both forms are considered unsafe for oral consumption. Historical traditional use involved limited topical application or weak tea preparations rather than concentrated extracts or supplements. The standardized supplement forms that caused documented liver injuries were typically concentrated extracts, suggesting form and concentration significantly influence toxicity risk.

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