Carqueja

(Baccharis genistelloides)

Family:Asteraceae
Genus: Baccharis
Species: genistelloides
Synonyms: Baccharis trimera, B. triptera , B. venosa, Conyza genistelloides, Molina venosa
Common Names: Carqueja, bacanta, bacárida, cacaia-amarga, cacalia amara, cacália-amarga, cacália-amargosa, cacliadoce, carqueja amara, carqueja-amargosa, carqueja-do-mato, carquejilla, carquejinha, chinchimani, chirca melosa, condamina, cuchi-cuchi, quimsa-kuchu, quinsu-cucho, quina-de-condamiana, tiririca-de-balaio, tres-espigas, vassoura
Phytochemicals: Apigenin, Camferol, Carquejol, Clerodane derivatives, Diterpenoids, Essential Oils, Flavonoids, Glycosides, Hispidium, Hispidulin, Luteolin, Neptin, Quercetin, Resins, Saponins, Squalene
Parts Used: Entire plant, aerial parts

HERBAL PROPERTIES AND ACTIONS

Main Actions: protects liver detoxifies liver aids digestion reduces acid treats ulcers relieves pain expels worms mildly laxative reduces inflammation lowers blood sugar cleanses blood tones gastric tract

Other Actions: induces abortions kills viruses increases urination reduces fever promotes sweating

Standard Dosage: Aerial parts. Infusion: 1/2 cup 2-3 times daily; Tincture: 2-4 ml 2-3 times daily; Capsules: 2 g twice daily

Carqueja is a perennial green herb that grows nearly vertical to a height of 1–2 meters and produces yellowish-white flowers at the top of the plant. The Baccharis genus is composed of more than 400 species native to tropical and subtropical America. Carqueja is found throughout the Amazon rainforest in Peru, Brazil, and Colombia, as well as in tropical parts of Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

Carqueja is a rich source of flavonoids. Certain flavonoids, such as silymarin in milk thistle, have shown liver-protective properties and are used for many liver conditions in herbal medicine systems. Carqueja is rather like the South American version of milk thistle. It contains up to 20% flavonoids, including quercetin, luteolin, nepetin, apigenin, and hispidulin. The flavonoids are considered carqueja's main active constituents. Several novel plant chemicals called clerodane diterpenoids have been identified in carqueja and, in 1994, scientists showed that these chemicals had maximum effects against worms. This could possibly explain carqueja's long history of use as an agent to expel intestinal worms.

Carqueja's liver protective properties were confirmed in a clinical study when a crude flavonoid fraction of carqueja as well as a crude leaf/stem extract dose-dependently increased the survival rate to 100% in mice administered lethal dosages of phalloidin- a liver toxin (as compared to only a 24% survival rate in the control group). While these scientists indicated that the single flavonoid hispidulin evidenced the highest liver-protective effect of the flavonoids tested (it increased survival to 80%), the crude extract and the whole flavonoid fraction provided a stronger liver detoxifying and protective effect than the single flavonoid. This led them to think that other constituents in the crude extract, besides the flavonoids, had liver-protective effects and/or there were interactions between the flavonoids and other plant chemicals that potentiated the flavonoids'effects.

Other traditional uses of carqueja have been studied and validated by research. Its antacid, antiulcer, and hypotensive properties were documented in two Brazilian animal studies in 1992. Its antiulcer and pain-relieving properties were reported in a 1991 clinical study that showed that carqueja reduced gastric secretions and had an analgesic effect in rats with H. pylori ulcers. That study concluded that carqueja "may relieve gastrointestinal disorders by reducing acid secretion and gastrointestinal hyperactivity." A later study, in 2000, confirmed its antiulcerogenic effect when a water extract of carqueja administered to rats protected them from alcohol-induced ulcers. Other researchers documented carqueja's pain-relieving effects. This same research group in Spain also reported a strong anti-inflammatory effect - a 70%-90% inhibition-when mice were treated with the carqueja extract prior to being treated with various chemicals that induced inflammation.

Carqueja has also long been used in South America as a natural aid for diabetes, and several studies confirm its blood sugar-lowering effect.

Finally, carqueja's traditional use for colds, flu, and stomach viruses has also been verified by research. Some of the more recent research has focused on its antiviral properties. In a clinical study published in 1999, researchers in Spain reported that a water extract of carqueja showed in vitro antiviral actions against Herpes simplex I and Vesicular stomatitis viruses at low dosages. Researchers in Texas had already reported in 1996 that a water extract of carqueja provided an in vitro inhibition of HIV virus replication in T-cells. In subsequent research, they've attributed this anti-HIV effect to a single chemical they found in the water extract of carqueja- 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid-and reported that this plant chemical is a potent inhibitor of HIV at dosages as low as only 1 mcg/ml.

Indigenous peoples of the rainforest have utilized this herb for centuries to cure common ailments.
Following up here, a brief summary of worldwide ethnomedicla uses of carqueja.

Region	Uses
Bolivia	for abortions, digestive, gastrointestinal problems, ulcers
Brazil	for abortions, acid stomach, anemia, angina, anorexia, bile disorders, blood purification, bronchitis, Chagas disease, circulation, colds, constipation, detoxification, diabetes, diarrhea, digestion disorders, dyspepsia, edema, fevers, flu, gallstones, gallbladder disorders, gastritis, gastroenteritis, gout, heartburn, high cholesterol, hypertension, ileocecal disorders, impotence, indigestion, intestinal disorders, intestinal parasites, kidney stones, leprosy, liver detoxification, liver disorders, liver protection, malaria, nausea, obesity, rheumatism, sore throat, spleen disorders, stomach problems, sterility, tonsillitis, ulcers (gastric), ulcers (skin), urinary insufficiency, urinary tract disorders, venereal diseases, worms
Colombia	for stopping bleeding, promoting menstruation, ulcers, wounds
Paraguay	for diabetes, high cholesterol, infertility
Peru	for bloating, broncho-pulmonary disorders, diabetes, digestive disorders, dislocations, flu, gallstones, gastritis, gastrointestinal disorders, gout, intestinal gas, liver diseases, malaria, rheumatic pain, promoting menstruation, stomachache, urinary disorders, uterine problems, venereal diseases

CARQUEJA PLANT SUMMARY

Main Preparation Method:	tincture or capsules
Main Actions (in order):	antacid, antiulcerous, digestive stimulant, hepatotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the liver), detoxifier
Main Uses:	for digestive disorders (ulcers, gastroenteritis, acid reflux, and ileocecal valve disorders) and to slow digestion to tone, balance, and strengthen liver function ( also to eliminate liver flukes, increase liver bile and to remove toxins from the liver) for gallbladder disorders (stones, pain, lack of bile, sluggish action, toxin build-up) as a detoxifier (blood, liver, gallbladder, pancreas) for viral infections (stomach viruses, HIV, herpes simplex)
Properties/Actions Documented by Research:	abortive, analgesic (pain-reliever), antacid, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerous, antihepatotoxic (liver detoxifier), antiviral, digestive stimulant, gastrotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the gastric system), hepatoprotective (liver protector), hepatotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the liver), hypoglycemic, hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), insect repellant, uterine stimulant
Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:	antidiabetic, aperient (mild laxative), bitter digestive aid, blood cleanser, carminative (expels gas), diaphoretic (promotes sweating), diuretic, febrifuge (reduces fever), tonic (tones, balances, strengthens), vermifuge (expels worms)
Traditional Preparation:	Capsules/Tablets/Tincutre:  2 g in capsules or tablets or 2-4 ml of a standard tincture are taken with each meal as a digestive aid or liver remedy. Infusion:  5 g (about a teaspoon) of dried herb to 4-6 ounces water and infused for 10 minutes. This traditional remedy is usually taken two or three times daily with meals as a digestive aid. Decotion: for topical use (pain and inflammation), 60 g of herb (about 2 ounces) is decocted in 1 liter of water and applied to the affected area.
Contraindications:	Carqueja should not be used during pregnancy, as it has demonstrated uterine stimulant and abortive effects in rats. The use of this plant is contraindicated in persons with low blood pressure due to its documented hypotensive effects. Persons with any heart condition or taking heart medications should check with their physician prior to using this plant. Carqueja has been documented to lower blood glucose levels in human and animal studies. As such, it is contraindicated in persons with hypoglycemia, and people with diabetes should check with their doctor prior to using this plant, and use with caution while monitoring their blood sugar levels accordingly.
Drug Interactions:	Carqueja may potentiate the effects of antihypertensive drugs and insulin and anti-diabetic drugs. Carqueja may speed the clearance of some drugs metabolized in the liver, thereby reducing the pharmacological effect and/or side effects of drugs that are metabolized in the liver.

WARNINGS: Information, statements and products on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. The natural properties of the botanicals are only referred to their common uses among folk and herbal traditions. Our products are not intended to diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease as well. It's not meant to give any suggestion of diagnosis or disesase treatment. Please see a doctor when needed.