CARQUEJA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Carqueja is an herb. People dry the parts of the plant that grow above the ground and use them to make medicine.

People use carqueja for many conditions, but there is no scientific evidence to support these uses.

How does it work ?

Carqueja contains chemicals that might relieve inflammation (swelling), improve blood flow, and protect the liver.

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence for

Pain.
Indigestion.
Water retention.
Constipation.
Protecting the liver.
Diabetes.
Chest pain (angina).
Improving circulation.
Intestinal worms.
Wounds, when applied to the skin.
Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of carqueja for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if carqueja is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if carqueja is safe or what the side effects might be.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if carqueja is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Allergy to ragweed, daisies, and related plants: Carqueja may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking carqueja.

Diabetes: Carqueja might lower blood sugar levels. Using carqueja along with diabetes medications might make blood sugar levels drop too low. Monitor blood sugar levels closely.

Surgery: Carqueja might affect blood glucose levels. There is some concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using carqueja at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with CARQUEJA
Carqueja can decrease blood sugar levels. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking carqueja along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to be too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.

Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of carqueja depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for carqueja. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Coelho MG, Reis PA, Gava VB, et al. Anti-arthritic effect and subacute toxicological evaluation of Baccharis genistelloides aqueous extract. Toxicol Lett 2004;154:69-80. View abstract.

de Araújo GR, Rabelo AC, Meira JS, et al. Baccharis trimera inhibits reactive oxygen species production through PKC and down-regulation p47 (phox) phosphorylation of NADPH oxidase in SK Hep-1 cells. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2017;242(3):333-343. View abstract.

de las Heras B, Slowing K, Benedi J, et al. Antiinflammatory and antioxidant activity of plants used in traditional medicine in Ecuador. J Ethnopharmacol 1998;61:161-6. View abstract.

Gene RM, Cartana C, Adzet T, et al. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of Baccharis trimera: identification of its active constituents. Planta Med 1996;62:232-5. View abstract.

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Oliveira AC, Endringer DC, Amorim LA, et al. Effect of the extracts and fractions of Baccharis trimera and Syzygium cumini on glycaemia of diabetic and non-diabetic mice. J Ethnopharmacol 2005;102:465-9. View abstract.

Palacios P, Gutkind G, Rondina RV, et al. Genus Baccharis. II. Antimicrobial activity of B. crispa and B. notosergila. Planta Med 1983;49:128. View abstract.

Rabelo ACS, de Pádua Lúcio K, Araújo CM, et al. Baccharis trimera protects against ethanol induced hepatotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. J Ethnopharmacol. 2018;215:1-13. View abstract.

Soicke H, Leng-Peschlow E. Characterisation of flavonoids from Baccharis trimera and their antihepatotoxic properties. Planta Med 1987;53:37-9. View abstract.

Torres LM, Gamberini MT, Roque NF, et al. Diterpene from Baccharis trimera with a relaxant effect on rat vascular smooth muscle. Phytochemistry 2000;55:617-9. View abstract.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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