Nordihydroguaiaretic acid

Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is an antioxidant compound found in the creosote bush (Larrea tridentata).

The creosote plant has been used in herbal medicine, but its use is controversial. It was widely used during the 1950s as a food preservative and to preserve natural fibers, but was later banned after reports of toxicity during the early 1960s. Recently, it has been used as a nutritional supplement; however, renal toxicity and hepatotoxicity are reported for chronic use of creosote bush and NDGA.