Cha de Bugre
A Brazilian herb (Cordia ecalyculata) sold for appetite suppression and water weight. There are no human trials; the evidence is a single rodent study plus genotoxicity screening.
Where to buy
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What the science says
- Human weight loss Limited evidence
No randomized controlled trial in humans has tested cha de bugre for body weight, appetite or fluid retention. Marketing claims rest on traditional use rather than clinical data.
- Animal data Limited evidence
A study in diet-induced obese rats reported anti-obesity and slimming effects of Cordia ecalyculata alongside biochemical and genotoxic assessments. Rodent findings at fixed doses do not predict human results.
- Genotoxicity questions Limited evidence
Two laboratory studies examined the mutagenic and genotoxic potential of Cordia ecalyculata, alone and combined with Spirulina, in the context of its use as an anti-obesity candidate. Results in this area are mixed, which is a reason for caution rather than reassurance.
Dosage & safety
How to take it
Interactions
With medications
- ciprofloxacin, fluvoxamine and other CYP1A2 inhibitors
These drugs slow caffeine clearance, so the caffeine in cha de bugre lingers and hits harder. reduce or avoid caffeine sources while on them
- stimulant medication and decongestants
Additive increases in heart rate, blood pressure and jitteriness from the caffeine content. do not combine without medical supervision
With other supplements
- caffeine, guarana, green tea extract and other stimulants
Caffeine loads add up, and cha de bugre's caffeine content is usually not on the label. count it toward your daily caffeine total
Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.
Frequently asked questions
Does cha de bugre work for weight loss?
No human trial has tested cha de bugre for weight, appetite or fluid retention; the evidence is a single rodent study, so it is limited. What you are buying is essentially a caffeinated tea with a weight-loss label.
Is cha de bugre safe?
Human safety data on cha de bugre are absent, laboratory studies have raised questions about its genotoxic potential, and it contains caffeine. Avoid cha de bugre in pregnancy, with cardiovascular disease or anxiety, and alongside other stimulants.
Does cha de bugre contain caffeine?
Yes, cha de bugre contains caffeine, usually not stated on the label, so count it toward your daily caffeine total and drink it before mid-afternoon. CYP1A2 inhibitors such as ciprofloxacin and fluvoxamine make its caffeine linger and hit harder.
How much cha de bugre should I take?
Cha de bugre has no studied human dose; it is traditionally drunk as a tea from about 1 g of dried leaf per cup, and capsules typically list 500 mg without trial support.
Scientific references
Related in Weight management
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