Larrea tridentata
(Chapparrel, Creosote bush, Cresotum)

Therapeutic Actions:

• Antibacterial
• Antifungal
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antineoplastic
• Antioxidant
• Decreases histamine and SRSA from lung tissue
• Decreases prostaglandin and thrombaxane synthesis by inhibiting cyclooxygenase
• HETE and lukotriene synthesis are reduced by inhibition of lipoxygenase
• Inhibits contractile response within lung parencyma

Clinical Indications:

• Otitis media
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Any infectious or inflammatory process
• Neoplasm
• Skin lesions (use externally)
• Upper respiratory infections
• UTI

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy
• Avoid long-term use due to alkaloid constituents and stimulating substances
• Hepatotoxicity or liver damage

Drug/Nutrient Interaction:

• Limited data

Chemical Constituents:

• Alkaloids
• Flavonoids
• NDGA (Norhydroguiuratic acid)
• Resins

Toxicity:

• Discontinue use if these symptoms appear:
  
  Dark urine
  Fatigue
  Fever
  Jaundice
  Nausea
  Yellow discoloration of the eyes

Copyright 1998 - 2008 by L. Vicky Crouse, ND and James S. Reiley, ND. All rights reserved (ISSN 1527-0661).