Raintree Nutrition's Concentrated Carqueja Extract uses new and proprietary extraction methods to concentrate and preserve the active ingredients found in this wonderful plant. Concentration and extraction methods provide the equivalent of 500 mg carqueja leaf and stem (Baccharis genistelloides) per milliliter of extract. Carqueja is a rich source of flavonoids. Certain flavonoids, such as silymarin in milk thistle, have shown liver-protective properties and are used for many liver conditions in herbal medicine systems. Carqueja is rather like the South American version of milk thistle. It contains up to 20% flavonoids, including quercetin, luteolin, nepetin, apigenin, and hispidulin. The flavonoids are considered carqueja's main active constituents. Carqueja is a Brazilian plant (cataloged by several botanical names including Baccharis genistelloides, B. triptera, B. trinervis, and B. trimera). It has a long history of use as a natural digestive aid and liver-supporting aid in Brazilian herbal medicine.

Carqueja is a perennial green herb that grows nearly vertical to a height of 1–2 meters and produces yellowish-white flowers at the top of the plant. The bright green, flat, winged stalks have a fleshy, succulent consistency and the “wings” take the place of leaves. The Baccharis genus is composed of more than 400 species native to tropical and subtropical America. More information about Carqueja Extract

• This plant has been documented with uterine stimulant and uterine antispasmodic actions in animal studies and should therefore not be used in pregnancy.
• Chronic, long-term use of this plant is not advised, as it may lead to die-off of friendly bacteria in the digestive tract due to its documented antibacterial and antifungal properties. Supplementing the diet with probiotics and digestive enzymes is advisable if this plant is used for longer than 30 days.