Carqueja

Carqueja (Baccharis trimera) is a plant species from the daisy family (Asteraceae) and originates from South America, particularly Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. It is traditionally used as a medicinal plant and is valued there primarily for its digestion-promoting, liver-protective, and anti-inflammatory properties. In naturopathy, Carqueja is often taken as a tea or extract.

What benefits does Carqueja offer?

Carqueja is used in traditional medicine for a wide variety of health purposes. These applications are partly supported by the results of various studies. However, these studies should be viewed critically, as they are often animal studies and the results are therefore not transferable to human health. The plant shows great potential, but more research is necessary to turn this potential into verified applications.

  • Support of liver function: Studies suggest that Carqueja possesses liver-protective properties and could help with the detoxification of the body (1,2,3).
  • Blood sugar regulation: Research indicates that Carqueja could have a positive influence on blood sugar levels and may possibly contribute to support in diabetes (4).
  • Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects: The flavonoids and other bioactive compounds contained in the plant show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that could possibly help with chronic inflammatory diseases (1,5,6,7).
  • Antibacterial effects: Studies suggest that B. trimera possesses bacteriostatic potential against Gram-positive bacterial strains (8).
  • Cardioprotective effects: In an animal study, Baccharis trimera showed strong heart-protective effects in animals burdened by high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and the negative effects of smoking (1).

How does Carqueja work?

The health effects of Carqueja can be attributed to its bioactive ingredients, including, among others, the following:

  • Flavonoids: These secondary plant compounds have antioxidant properties that prevent cell damage and have anti-inflammatory effects (1,9).
  • Saponins: They contribute to the blood-sugar-regulating effect and can influence fat digestion (10,11).
  • Alkaloids: Some alkaloids in Carqueja could have a protective effect on the liver and possess anti-inflammatory properties (12).

Side effects and risks

Before consuming Carqueja, some precautions should be observed:

  • Blood pressure reduction: Carqueja can have blood-pressure-lowering properties, which is why people with low blood pressure or individuals taking blood-pressure-lowering medications should be cautious.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is a lack of data to be able to say enough about the effects, but due to possible impacts on hormone balance and the uterus, Carqueja should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • Stomach irritation: Excessive consumption can lead to stomach irritation or digestive complaints.

Conclusion

Carqueja is a versatile plant that is associated with numerous health benefits in traditional medicine, particularly for liver health, digestion, and blood sugar regulation. Nevertheless, its use should be approached with care, especially for individuals with low blood pressure or during pregnancy. It should be noted that far more research is necessary to be able to draw definitive conclusions about its effects and safety, which is why a doctor should be consulted before use.

Sources:

  1. An. Acad. Bras. Ciênc. (2021). Hepato- and cardioprotective effects of Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC. against multiple risk factors for chronic noncommunicable diseases. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências, 93(3). https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765202120200899
  2. Lima, S. O., Figueiredo, M. B. G. A., Santana, V. R., Santana, D. P. A., Nogueira, M. S., Porto, E. S., Andrade, R. L. B., Santos, J. M., Albuquerque Junior, R. L. C., & Cardoso, J. C. (2017). Effect of aqueous extract of the leaves of Baccharis trimera on the proliferation of hepatocytes after partial hepatectomy in rats. Acta Cirúrgica Brasileira, 32, 263-269.
  3. Rabelo, A. C. S., Lúcio, K. P., Araújo, C. M., Araújo, G. R., Miranda, P. H. A., Carneiro, R., Ribeiro, E. M. C., Silva, B. M., Lima, W. G., & Costa, D. C. L. (2018). Baccharis trimera protects against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 215, 1-13.
  4. do Nascimento Kaut, N. N., Rabelo, A. C. S., Araujo, G. R., Taylor, J. G., Silva, M. E., Pedrosa, M. L., Chaves, M. M., Rossoni Junior, J. V., & Costa, D. C. (2018). Baccharis trimera (Carqueja) Improves Metabolic and Redox Status in an Experimental Model of Type 1 Diabetes. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2018, 6532637. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/6532637
  5. Paiva, F. A., Bonomo, L.deF., Boasquivis, P. F., de Paula, I. T., Guerra, J. F., Leal, W. M., Silva, M. E., Pedrosa, M. L., & Oliveira, R.deP. (2015). Carqueja (Baccharis trimera) Protects against Oxidative Stress and β-Amyloid-Induced Toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, 2015, 740162. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/740162
  6. Rabelo, A. C. S., & Costa, D. C. (2018). A review of biological and pharmacological activities of Baccharis trimera. Chemico-Biological Interactions, 296, 65-75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbi.2018.09.002
  7. Burgos C, Alvarenga N, Sotelo PH, Langjahr P. Suppression of inflammation by Baccharis punctulata and Baccharis trimera through modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. J Appl Pharm Sci. 2024;14(08):078–084. http://doi.org/10.7324/JAPS.2024.175441
  8. Aleixo, Á. A., Silva Herrera, K. M., Iara, R., Rodrigues, L. A., Lima, S., & Ferreira, J. M. S. (2013). Short Communication Antibacterial activity of Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC. (carqueja) against bacteria of medical interest 1.
  9. Simões-Pires, C. A., Queiroz, E. F., Henriques, A. T., & Hostettmann, K. (2005). Isolation and on-line identification of antioxidant compounds from three Baccharis species by HPLC-UV-MS/MS with post-column derivatisation. Phytochemical Analysis, 16(5), 307-314. https://doi.org/10.1002/pca.860
  10. Choudhary, N., Khatik, G. L., & Suttee, A. (2021). The Possible Role of Saponin in Type-II Diabetes- A Review. Current diabetes reviews, 17(2), 107–121. https://doi.org/10.2174/1573399816666200516173829
  11. Cao, S., Liu, M., Han, Y., Li, S., Zhu, X., Li, D., Shi, Y., & Liu, B. (2024). Effects of Saponins on Lipid Metabolism: The Gut–Liver Axis Plays a Key Role. Nutrients, 16(10), 1514. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101514
  12. Letchuman, S., Madhuranga, H. D. T., Kaushalya, M. B. L. N., Premarathna, A. D., & Saravanan, M. (2024). Alkaloids unveiled: A comprehensive analysis of novel therapeutic properties, mechanisms, and plant-based innovations. Intelligent Pharmacy.[ https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ipha.2024.09.007