Carqueja

Related Terms

Asteraceae (family), Baccharis genistelloides, Baccharis trimera, Bolivian plant extracts, clerodane diterpene, Compositae (family), echinocystic acid, rutin, quimsa-kuchu (Bolivia), quina-de-condamiana, quinsu, saponins.

Background

Carqueja (Baccharis trimera) is a shrub-like plant native to South America. Carqueja has been popularly used in Brazil to treat liver disease, joint disease, and diabetes. Although carqueja has been used for centuries in Brazil, the first recorded use of carqueja as a medicinal herb was in 1931.
Although not well studied in humans, preliminary results suggest that some extracts of carqueja may help lower high levels of blood sugar. There is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of carqueja to treat any condition in humans.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Not enough scientific data available.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Carqueja may affect blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also affect blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Carqueja may also interact with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidants, antispasmodic agents, antivenom, antiviral agents, and painkillers.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Abad MJ, Bermejo P, Gonzales E, et al. Antiviral activity of Bolivian plant extracts. Gen Pharmacol 1999;32(4):499-503.
Betoni JE, Mantovani RP, Barbosa LN, et al. Synergism between plant extract and antimicrobial drugs used on diseases. Mem.Inst.Oswaldo Cruz 2006;101(4):387-390.
Dickel ML, Rates SM, Ritter MR. Plants popularly used for loosing [] weight purposes in Porto Alegre, South Brazil. J Ethnopharmacol 2007;109(1):60-71.
Gen? RM, Carta?a C, Adzet T, et al. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of : identification of its active constituents. Planta Med 1996;62(3):232-235.
Hnatyszyn O, Moscatelli V, Garcia J, et al. Argentinian plant extracts with relaxant effect on the smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosum of guinea pig. Phytomedicine 2003;10(8):669-674.
Janu?rio AH, Santos SL, Marcussi S, et al. Neo-clerodane diterpenoid, a new metalloprotease snake venom inhibitor from (Asteraceae): anti-proteolytic and anti-hemorrhagic properties. Chem Biol Interact 2004;150(3):243-251.
Mendes FR, Tabach R, Carlini EA. Evaluation of and in tests for adaptogen activity. Phytother Res 2007;21(6):517-522.
Oliveira AC, Endringer DC, Amorim LA, et al. Effect of the extracts and fractions of and on glycaemia of diabetic and non-diabetic mice. J Ethnopharmacol 2005;102(3):465-469.
P?dua Bda C, Silva LD, Rossoni J?nior JV, et al. Antioxidant properties of in the neutrophils of Fisher rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2010;129(3):381-6.
Paul EL, Lunardelli A, Caberlon E, et al. Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of aqueous extract on induced pleurisy in rats and lymphoproliferation in vitro. Inflammation 2009;32(6):419-25.
Rodrigues CR, Dias JH, de Mello RN, et al. Genotoxic and antigenotoxic properties of in mice. J Ethnopharmacol 2009;125(1):97-101.
Sim?es-Pires CA, Queiroz EF, Henriques AT, et al. Isolation and on-line identification of antioxidant compounds from three species by HPLC-UV-MS/MS with post-column derivatisation. Phytochem Anal 2005;16(5):307-314.
Soicke H, Leng-Peschlow E. Characterisation of flavonoids from and their antihepatotoxic properties. Planta Med 1987;53(1):37-39.
Torres LM, Gamberini MT, Roque NF et al. Diterpene from with a relaxant effect on rat vascular smooth muscle. Phytochemistry 2000;55(6):617-619.
Xavier AA, Peckolt OL, Canali J. [Effect of an extract of Person on the glucose level of the blood]. C.R.Seances Soc.Biol Fil 1967;161(4):972-974.