Quebracho Blanco Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Quebracho Blanco (Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco) is a tall evergreen tree that grows in parts of South America, especially Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia. The name "quebracho" comes from Spanish words meaning "axe breaker," a reference to the tree's very hard wood. The bark is the part most often used in herbal medicine.

Traditionally, people have used quebracho bark for breathing-related complaints such as coughs, asthma, and bronchitis. It has also been used as a tonic and, in folk medicine, for fevers and digestive problems. Today you may find it as a tincture, liquid extract, tea, or in capsules, sometimes combined with other herbs.

It is important to know that quebracho is different from "quebracho colorado," a related red-wood tree that is mainly used as a source of tannins for leather tanning.

People most commonly use quebracho blanco for respiratory problems, including cough, asthma, and bronchitis, as well as for shortness of breath. Some traditional uses also include fevers, digestive upset, and as an aid for sexual performance.

The honest bottom line is that strong human evidence is lacking for all of these uses. Most of what is known comes from traditional use, laboratory work, or older animal studies. There are no large, high-quality clinical trials that confirm quebracho is safe and effective for any specific health condition.

Because of this, quebracho should not be relied on to treat asthma, breathing emergencies, or any serious medical condition. If you have trouble breathing, see a healthcare professional rather than depending on an herbal product.

Quebracho bark contains several plant compounds called indole alkaloids, including aspidospermine and yohimbine-related substances. These alkaloids are believed to be responsible for most of the herb's effects.

In laboratory and animal studies, some of these compounds appear to relax certain muscles and affect blood vessels, which is one reason the herb has been linked to breathing and circulation. Yohimbine-type alkaloids can also affect the nervous system and blood pressure.

It is important to stress that these mechanisms are mostly based on lab and animal research. How the whole bark extract behaves in the human body, and at what doses, is not well understood.

Quebracho blanco has not been well studied for safety in people, and the bark contains active alkaloids that can affect the heart, blood vessels, and nervous system. Because of this, it should be used with caution.

People with heart disease, high or low blood pressure, anxiety disorders, or kidney or liver problems should be especially careful and check with a doctor first. Older adults and anyone taking prescription medicines should also seek professional advice before use.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is not enough safety information, and the alkaloids it contains could be risky. To be safe, avoid quebracho blanco if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or nursing.

Always tell your pharmacist or doctor about any herbal product you are taking, and stop use and seek care if you feel unwell.

Because quebracho has not been studied carefully in humans, its full side effect profile is not known. Based on the alkaloids it contains, possible effects may include nausea, stomach upset, dizziness, headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, anxiety, and changes in blood pressure.

Taking too much of any alkaloid-containing herb can be dangerous. Large amounts could cause more serious problems with the heart or nervous system. If you notice a racing heart, chest pain, fainting, severe dizziness, or a strong allergic reaction such as rash or swelling, stop using it and get medical help right away.

There is no well-established or standardized dose for quebracho blanco. The amount of active alkaloids can vary a lot between products, which makes safe dosing hard to determine.

If you choose to use a quebracho product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed the recommended amount. Start with the lowest suggested dose and watch for side effects.

Because of the uncertainty around its strength and safety, it is best to talk with a pharmacist or doctor before taking quebracho blanco, especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition.