Chiococca alba

Botanical

What is it

Chiococca alba (West Indian snowberry) is a tropical shrub native to the Americas. The root and bark have been used in folk medicine across Central and South America as a diuretic, emmenagogue, and remedy for snakebite and rheumatism.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Traditional uses (diuretic, anti-inflammatory)

Mixed Evidence

Folk medicine use exists in the Americas. No reliable human clinical data support specific indications.

How it works

The plant contains iridoid glycosides, triterpenes, and the alkaloid chiococcine. Animal and in vitro studies report modest anti-inflammatory, antiprotozoal, and analgesic effects. Human clinical evidence is essentially absent.

Dosage

No standardized human dose exists. Traditional decoctions of root use 1 to 3 grams of dried material.

When and how to take it

No evidence-based timing is established.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Dried root preparations

Decoctions, tinctures, and powders sold by herbalists.

Variable.

Safety

Human safety data are very limited. High doses may cause vomiting and diarrhea due to the alkaloid content.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy (traditional use as an emmenagogue suggests uterine activity), breastfeeding, and in children. Not recommended for routine use due to lack of safety data.

Interactions

No documented drug interactions, but interactions with diuretics and CNS medications are theoretically possible.

Frequently asked questions

Is Chiococca alba widely studied?⌄

No. It remains a primarily traditional remedy with very limited modern clinical research.

Is it safe to use?⌄

Safety data are insufficient. Use with caution and avoid in pregnancy.

References

Chiococca alba on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Chiococca alba on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Chiococca alba (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.