Chaparro Amargo / Bitter Bush
Castela texana
Chaparro Amargo has been used in northern Mexican and Texas border folk medicine for centuries. Quassinoids isolated from Castela species — particularly glaucarubinone — show significant anti-leukaemic and anti-tumour activity in laboratory studies. The bitter compounds (quassinoids) interfere with protein synthesis in cancer cells. Also widely used as an anti-parasitic, particularly against amoebic dysentery, which may indirectly support cancer prevention through gut health.
Medicinal Properties
Cancer Types Studied
Recommended Dosage
Bark decoction: 1–2 tsp dried bark in 2 cups water, simmer 15 minutes. Drink 1 cup twice daily. Tincture: 2–4 ml in water three times daily.
Preparations
Bark Tea (Decoction)
1–2 tsp dried bark simmered in 500 ml water for 15–20 minutes. Strain. Drink 1 cup morning and evening. Very bitter taste.
Tincture
2–4 ml of 1:5 tincture in water, three times daily before meals. Used traditionally for digestive complaints and as a tonic.
NIH / PubMed Research
Links open on PubMed (National Library of Medicine). Research is ongoing — results may not reflect clinical use.
Cautions & Interactions
- Very bitter — start with low doses
- May cause nausea at high doses
- Avoid in pregnancy
- Limited clinical safety data — use under practitioner supervision
- Do not confuse with other 'bitter bush' species
Related Herbs
Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before use.