Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) Phytochemical Traits and its Different uses: A Review

Abstract

Creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) is a perennial shrub present in Chihuahuan, Sonoran and Mojave deserts it contains diverse metabolites; among them lignans are the most important, one of the most studied is nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), this shrub has been studied for more than seventy years due to its great variety uses. The bactericidal effect of creosote bush has been well documented, as the fungicide, nematicide, protozoa and viral effect. It has been used as an antioxidant to preserve meat in canned food. Recently research has been done on NDGA effects on anti-carcinogenic cells. There is scarce information about the use of creosote bush in livestock production. Some studies in sheep and broilers are available. The results of these research indicate that creosote bush could be used to improve productive variables in livestock and have an intestinal effect on bacteria.