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

• 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.

• Analgesic (painkiller), anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, aphrodisiac (increases sexual desire), diabetes, digestive disorders, erectile dysfunction (male impotence), herpes simplex-1 virus (HSV-1), kidney disorders, liver disorders, liver protection, muscle spasm, rheumatism, snakebite, stomach ailments, tonic, weight loss.

Adults (18 years and older)

• Not enough scientific data available.

Children (under 18 years old)

• Not enough scientific data available.

Allergies

• Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to carqueja (Baccharis trimera), its constituents, or members of the Asteraceae/Compositae family, such as dandelion, goldenrod, ragweed, sunflower, and daisies.

Side Effects and Warnings

• There is insufficient available evidence on side effects.
• Carqueja may affect blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist; medication adjustments may be necessary.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Carqueja is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to lack of sufficient data.

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.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Carqueja may affect blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.
• Carqueja may also interact with antibacterials, anti-inflammatory herbs, antioxidants, antispasmodics, antivenom, antivirals, and painkillers.

• 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).

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