Antioxidant chaparral

Based on the finding that NDGA is an antioxidant, chaparral has been promoted as an anticancer agent (Tyler, 1993). In a recent review (Sheikh, 1997) of chaparral-associated hepatotoxicity, patients reported using chaparral as a general cleansing tonic, internal skin cleanser, blood thinner, arthritis remedy, antiasthmatic, nutritional supplement, and weight loss product. 

Chaparral Anti-infective antioxidant anticancer Hepatotoxicity Avoid... 

Chaparral Larrea tridentata Twigs, leaves Anti-infective, antioxidant, anti cancer Hepatotoxicity Avoid... 

Chaparral can be found in health food stores as capsules and tablets and is used as an antioxidant and anti-cancer herbal product. Leaves, stems and bark in bulk are also available for brewing tea. However, this product can cause severe hepatotoxicity. Several reports of chaparral-associated hepatitis have been reported. A 45-year-old woman who took 160 mg of chaparral per day for 10 weeks presented with jaundice, anorexia, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Liver enzymes and other liver function tests showed abnormally high values (ALT 1611 U L- AST 957 U L, alkaline phosphatase 265 U L, GOT 993 U L and bilirubin... 

Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), purportedly the active constituent of chaparral, was first isolated in 1945 (Waller and Gisvold, 1945). NDGA was used as a food antioxidant from 1945 to 1967, in products such as lards, oils, candies, baking mixes, frozen foods, vitamins, and pharmaceuticals at levels of 0.01-0.02% (Smart et al., 1969). 

Chaparral (creosote bush, greasewood) Anti-infective, antioxidant Hepatotoxicity and renal dysfunction... 

The simple lignan nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) from chaparral Larrea tridentata (Zygophyllaceae) is a potent antioxidant. 

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