QUILLAIA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

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

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.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Arrau S, Rodríguez-Díaz M, Cassels BK, et al. Antihyperalgesic Activity of Quillaic Acid Obtained from Quillaja Saponaria Mol. Curr Top Med Chem 2019;19(11):927-930. View abstract.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182

Fleck JD, Betti AH, da Silva FP, et al. Saponins from Quillaja saponaria and Quillaja brasiliensis: particular chemical characteristics and biological activities. Molecules 2019;24(1). pii: E171. View abstract.

Kim SW, Park SK, Kang SI, et al. Hypocholesterolemic property of Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria extracts in human body. Arch Pharm Res 2003;26(12):1042-6. View abstract.

McRae JM, Kennedy JA. Wine and grape tannin interactions with salivary proteins and their impact on astringency: a review of current research. Molecules. 2011;16(3):2348-64. View abstract.

Pillion DJ, Amsden JA, Kensil CR, et al. Structure-function relationship among Quillaja saponins serving as excipients for nasal and ocular delivery of insulin. J Pharm Sci 1996;85:518-24. View abstract.

Recchia J, Lurantos MH, Amsden JA, et al. A semisynthetic Quillajasaponin as a drug delivery agent for aminoglycoside antibiotics. Pharm Res 1995;12:1917-23. View abstract.

Roner MR, Tam KI, Kiesling-Barrager M. Prevention of rotavirus infections in vitro with aqueous extracts of Quillaja Saponaria Molina. Future Med Chem 2010;2(7):1083-97. View abstract.

Sidhu GS, Oakenfull DG. A mechanism for the hypocholesterolaemic activity of saponins. Br J Nutr 1986;55:643-9. View abstract.

Tam KI, Roner MR. Characterization of in vivo anti-rotavirus activities of saponin extracts from Quillaja saponaria Molina. Antiviral Res 2011;90(3):231-41. View abstract.

Wu JY, Gardner BH, Murphy CI, et al. Saponin adjuvant enhancement of antigen-specific immune responses to an experimental HIV-1 vaccine. J Immunol 1992;148:1519-25. View abstract.

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.

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