Avoid

⛔ Best avoided

Chaparral

Also called: larrea

A desert shrub.

Why people take it: Detox, cancer.
What the evidence says: None.
How it is usually taken: Not recommended at any amount; see the warning above.
Be careful: Causes serious liver damage.
Medicines it can interact with: Dangerous interactions are reported; do not combine with any medicine.

Other avoid

Ephedra Bitter orange DMAA Comfrey (by mouth)Aristolochia Germander Pennyroyal Lobelia Kratom SARMs Prohormones Tianeptine Phenibut

Common questions

What is Chaparral?

A desert shrub.

Why do people take Chaparral?

Detox, cancer.

Does Chaparral work?

None.

How much Chaparral do people take?

Not recommended at any amount; see the warning above.

Is Chaparral safe?

Causes serious liver damage.

Does Chaparral interact with medicines?

Dangerous interactions are reported; do not combine with any medicine.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

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For information only, not medical advice. Supplements are not medicines: they are not tested and approved like drugs before they are sold, and they can interact with medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start one, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take regular medicines, or have kidney, liver or heart disease.