Combretum quadrangulare

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Combretum quadrangulare is a tree native to Southeast Asia whose leaves, bark, and seeds have been used in traditional medicine for digestive complaints and as an antiparasitic.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Traditional medicine uses

Mixed Evidence

No reliable human clinical evidence supports specific health claims. Preclinical activity has been described but does not translate directly to human benefit.

How it works

The plant contains cycloartane-type triterpenoids, flavonoids, and tannins. Preclinical studies report antiparasitic, antiviral (including anti-HBV), hepatoprotective, and antioxidant activity in cell and animal models. However, controlled human clinical trials are scarce, and oral safety in humans at supplement doses is not well characterized.

Dosage

No established human dose. Traditional preparations use decoctions of leaves or seeds.

When and how to take it

No established timing. If using under guidance, take with food.

1 commercial form

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Leaf, bark, or seed extract

Used in traditional Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Thai medicine.

Limited PK data.

Safety

Hepatotoxicity has been a concern with some Combretum species; there have been case reports of severe liver injury (including from C. caffrum/Bushman's tea). Use with caution and avoid in people with liver disease.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy, lactation, children, and anyone with liver disease. Limited human safety data.

Interactions

Insufficient data. Avoid combining with hepatotoxic drugs (acetaminophen at high doses, alcohol, methotrexate).

Food sources

Not a food source

Amount
N/A
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is Combretum quadrangulare safe?⌄

Hepatotoxicity has been reported with related Combretum species, so caution is warranted. Avoid if you have liver disease.

References

Combretum quadrangulare on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Combretum quadrangulare on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Combretum quadrangulare (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.