Fun Facts About Larrea Tridentata

Larrea Tridentata, also known as creosote bush, is a common shrub located around Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico (Arteaga, 2005). These particular lands are known for their warm deserts, which is where this plant is most abundant because extreme freezes, even though they can occur in these areas, limit its distribution. Larrea Tridentata is also “used to treat a variety of illnesses including infertility, rheumatism, arthritis, diabetes, gallbladder and kidney stones, pain and inflammation” (2005). Even though this range extends to about 50 other illnesses, it is most commonly used in “diseases of gynaecologic and renal origins” (2005). In addition, it is useful in fighting “against bacteria, viruses and parasites, both internally and externally” (2005). Though this plant seems to have an enormous amount of benefits, “most of the medicinal uses of Larrea tridentata are not supported by experimental or clinical studies” (2005). Additionally, there are disadvantages associated with this plant. For example, “creosote bush is unpalatable to livestock and most wildlife [becomes] toxic, sometimes causing death” (2005). To support this, pregnant ewes (sheep) “have been reported to die after eating the leaves” (2005). Another unfortunate case involves a “patient develop[ing] hepatitis 2–3 months after beginning daily consumption of creosote bush leaf (proven by biopsy)” (2005). Larrea Tridentata has been associated with various medicines that have made an impact in the life of individuals while at the same time negatively affecting organisms.

Figure 1. This "Arizona Natural" dietary supplement is made from Larrea tridentata. However, these capsules "are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease" ("Arizona Natural...", 2015).

Reference:

Arizona Natural Resource Chaparral Dietary Supplement 500 mg. (2015). Retrieved February 22, 2018, from https://www.vitalitymedical.com/arizona-natural-resource-chaparral-dietary-supplement-500-mg.html

Arteaga, S., Andrade-Cetto, A., & Cárdenas, R. (2005). Larrea tridentata (creosote bush), an abundant plant of Mexican and US-American deserts and its metabolite nordihydroguaiaretic acid. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 98(3), 231-239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2005.02.002