Overview

Quillaia (Quillaja saponaria) is a large evergreen tree found in Peru and Chile. Chemicals in the tree bark called saponins act as natural detergents.

Saponins can attach to dietary fat in the stomach. This might help lower cholesterol. Quillaia also contains high concentrations of chemicals called tannins. Tannins can thin mucus to make it easier to cough up.

People use quillaia for asthma, high cholesterol, bronchitis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. .

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for QUILLAIA overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Quillaia is commonly consumed in foods. But it is possibly unsafe when used in larger amounts as medicine. Quillaia contains high amounts of tannins which can cause stomach problems, as well as kidney and liver damage. Quillaia also contains chemicals called oxalates, which can cause kidney stones.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if quillaia is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Quillaia is commonly consumed in foods. But it is possibly unsafe when used in larger amounts as medicine. Quillaia contains high amounts of tannins which can cause stomach problems, as well as kidney and liver damage. Quillaia also contains chemicals called oxalates, which can cause kidney stones.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if quillaia is safe or what the side effects might be.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Quillaia is possibly unsafe when used as medicine while pregnant or breast-feeding. Avoid use.

Stomach and intestinal (gastrointestinal, GI) problems: Quillaia can irritate the GI tract. Don't use it if you have a stomach or intestinal disorder.

Kidney disease: The oxalate in quillaia can cause kidney stones. Don't use it if you have kidney disease or a history of kidney stones.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with QUILLAIA

    Quillaia can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking quillaia along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of quillaia might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.