Cha de Bugre Powder
Also known as: Cha de Bugre, Bugre Tea, Brazilian Tea, Cordia salicifolia
Overview
Cordia salicifolia, commonly known as Cha de Bugre, is a plant native to Brazil traditionally consumed as a tea or supplement. It is primarily marketed for its purported weight loss, appetite suppression, and diuretic effects. While popular in Brazil and gaining traction in North America, research on Cha de Bugre is very limited and preliminary. There are no high-quality systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically on Cordia salicifolia. The available evidence is mostly anecdotal or from small, non-rigorous studies, leading major health databases like RxList and WebMD to rate the evidence as insufficient to determine effectiveness for any condition. It is often used in herbal weight loss formulations, but its specific mechanisms and efficacy remain largely unconfirmed by scientific investigation.
Benefits
Despite traditional use for weight loss, there is no robust clinical evidence to support significant weight loss or appetite suppression effects of Cha de Bugre. Claims of benefits for cellulite reduction, cough, edema, gout, cancer, viral infections, fever, heart disease, or wound healing also lack scientific support. No quantified effect sizes or clinically meaningful outcomes have been demonstrated in peer-reviewed Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) that meet quality criteria. Systematic reviews on similar herbal weight loss supplements, such as Caralluma fimbriata, have shown minimal or no significant weight loss benefits, suggesting a similar lack of efficacy may apply to Cha de Bugre, though no such meta-analyses exist for Cha de Bugre itself.
How it works
The proposed mechanisms of action for Cha de Bugre include diuretic effects and possible appetite suppression, but these are not well-characterized or confirmed in human studies. Some compounds within Cha de Bugre may possess stimulant properties, potentially similar to caffeine or ephedrine, which could contribute to its purported effects. However, the specific molecular targets, biological pathways, and interactions with body systems remain largely unclear and unconfirmed by scientific research. Data regarding its absorption, bioavailability, and metabolic fate in the human body are currently lacking.
Side effects
The overall safety of Cha de Bugre is not well-established due to insufficient clinical data and a lack of rigorous studies. There is a potential for a moderate interaction with lithium, as its diuretic effects could alter lithium clearance in the body, leading to increased lithium levels and potential toxicity. Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is unknown, and therefore, its use is not recommended for these populations. While no well-documented common or rare side effects have been reported in clinical trials, this is largely due to the absence of such trials. Caution is strongly advised due to the unknown long-term safety profile and the lack of regulatory oversight for this supplement. Consumers should be aware that the absence of reported side effects does not equate to proven safety.
Dosage
There is no established minimum effective dose or optimal dosing regimen for Cha de Bugre due to the lack of clinical trials and scientific consensus. Product labels for commercial supplements vary widely, and there is no standardized recommendation for dosage. The timing of administration and the most effective form (e.g., tea, powder, capsules) have not been systematically studied. Furthermore, there are no known required cofactors or absorption enhancers that would influence its efficacy. Given the insufficient safety data, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using Cha de Bugre, as upper limits and safety thresholds have not been determined.
FAQs
Is Cha de Bugre effective for weight loss?
Current scientific evidence is insufficient to support the effectiveness of Cha de Bugre for weight loss. Most claims are anecdotal, and no robust clinical trials confirm this benefit.
Is Cha de Bugre safe to take?
Safety data for Cha de Bugre are very limited. Potential drug interactions, particularly with lithium, exist, and its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is unknown. Caution is advised.
How should Cha de Bugre be taken?
There is no standardized or scientifically established dosing regimen for Cha de Bugre. Product labels vary, and it's best to consult a healthcare provider before use.
Are there known side effects of Cha de Bugre?
No common or rare side effects are well-documented in clinical trials, primarily because such trials are lacking. However, this does not confirm its safety, and caution is warranted.
Research Sources
- https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/cha_de_bugre.htm – This RxList entry indicates that Cha de Bugre is used for weight loss and other conditions, but states there is insufficient evidence to rate its effectiveness. It also highlights a moderate interaction risk with lithium due to potential diuretic effects.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1124/cha-de-bugre – WebMD's overview of Cha de Bugre notes its traditional uses for weight loss and as a diuretic. It concludes that there is insufficient reliable information to determine if Cha de Bugre is effective for any health purpose.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8579607/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis on Caralluma fimbriata, a different herbal weight loss agent, found no significant weight loss effect. This highlights the general difficulty in proving efficacy for such supplements and suggests a similar outcome might be expected for Cha de Bugre if rigorously studied.
- https://farmaciajournal.com/arhiva/201706/art-23-Croitoru_Fulop_Erzsebet_968-971.pdf – This source discusses the presence of caffeine and ephedrine in some herbal slimming products, though not specifically in Cha de Bugre preparations. It underscores the potential for stimulant compounds in such supplements and the need for careful analysis.
- https://caringsunshine.com/relationships/relationship-gastritis-and-cha-de-bugre/ – This article mentions minimal peer-reviewed evidence for other claimed uses of Cha de Bugre, such as gastritis treatment. It reinforces the overall lack of scientific support for various traditional applications of the herb.
