California redwood

Other Names

Amerikansk sekvojaCalifornia cedarCalifornische redwoodcoast redwoodcoastal redwoodcoastal sequoiaCondylocarpus sempervirenscorlagiant-of-the-forestGigantabies taxifoliaHumboldt redwoodledwoodpalo coloradopin rouge d'Ameriquepino rosso d'americaredwoodSchubertia sempervirenssequoiasequoia de CaliforniaSequoia pyramidataSequoia religiosasequoia rojasequoia rossaSequoia sempervirensSequoia sempervirens f. adpressaSequoia sempervirens f. glaucaSequoia sempervirens f. pendulaSequoia sempervirens subsp. pendulaSequoia sempervirens var. adpressaSequoia sempervirens var. albospicaSequoia sempervirens var. glaucaSequoia sempervirens var. nana-pendulaSequoia sempervirens var. pendulaSequoia taxifoliasequoia toujours vertsequoieSteinhauera sempervirensTaxodium nutkaenseTaxodium sempervirensvavonavavona burr

Synopsis

California Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) as a Dietary Supplement and Natural Ingredient

1. Identity: Botanical and Chemical Names, Source, and Common Forms

1.1 Taxonomy and Nomenclature

The currently accepted scientific name of California redwood is Sequoia sempervirens (D. Don) Endl. It is also known as coast redwood, coastal redwood, and simply redwood. Synonyms recorded in botanical literature include Taxodium sempervirens (D. Don) Lamb. Commonly known as the Coastal Redwood, it is an awe-inspiring evergreen tree found in the coastal fog belt below 2,000 feet in southwestern North America, from Oregon to California; it is the sole living species of the genus Sequoia in the cypress family Cupressaceae.

It is important to note that the term "California redwood" or simply "redwood" can also be applied in some commercial and gemmotherapy contexts to Sequoiadendron giganteum (giant sequoia), a closely related but distinct species in the same subfamily. The redwood (Sequoia sempervirens and Sequoiadendron giganteum) is an impressive tree belonging to the Cupressaceae family, renowned for its exceptional longevity and resistance to the elements. Unless otherwise specified, this article focuses primarily on Sequoia sempervirens, the species most commonly referenced as "California redwood" in North American supplement and ethnobotanical contexts.

1.2 Natural Source and Botanical Description

Coast redwood is a long-lived conifer that stretches along the coast of California, from southern Oregon to south of Monterey Bay; it is the tallest tree in the world, the state tree of California, and an unusual conifer in many respects. This giant tree can grow up to 360 feet by 65 feet at a fast rate, about 2 feet per year in favorable conditions, and can live for 1,200–1,800 years or more, with some specimens recorded to be 2,200 years old. The conical crown tree has horizontal to slightly drooping branches with thick, soft, fibrous, and reddish-brown bark, and its root system is composed of shallow, wide-spreading lateral roots.

The leaves of the Coastal Redwood are needle-like, arranged in a spiral pattern, and measure between 0.5 to 1 inch long; they are flat, bright green on the upper surface, and feature two white stomatal bands on the underside.

1.3 Plant Parts Used and Common Preparations

Traditionally, various parts of the redwood tree — including the bark, needles, and sap — were valued for their medicinal properties. In the context of dietary supplements and botanical medicine, the plant material of interest includes:

Bark: Used in teas, poultices, and tinctures, particularly for its tannin content.
Needles/Leaves: Prepared as infusions, decoctions, and steam inhalations; also the source of leaf cell extracts used in cosmetics.
Sap/Pitch/Resin: The gummy sap is used as a stimulant and tonic to treat fatigue, stress, and rundown conditions.
Young buds/shoots (gemmotherapy): Gemmotherapy is a form of phytotherapy that uses extracts made from the buds, young shoots, and young rootlets of plants; these specific plant parts contain meristems — permanent regions of growth — and constituents that are not found in mature plants, such as plant stem cells.
Cones: Identified as a source of bioactive diterpene compounds in laboratory research.

In phytotherapy, redwood bud macerate is used in gemmotherapy for its revitalizing, remineralizing, and stimulating properties, particularly suited to joints, vitality, and general tone. In supplement form, California redwood is also found as liquid extracts (tinctures), capsules, and dried herb teas. The NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) is a searchable database of current and historical label information from products marketed in the U.S. and lists California Redwood as a recognized ingredient in the supplement marketplace.

2. Traditional and Historical Use

2.1 Indigenous North American Traditions

The Yurok, Karuk, and Chilula tribes, among other Native American groups, showed profound respect for these towering trees and integrated them into their religious practices and everyday existence. Native American tribes such as the Yurok and Karuk utilized redwood bark in poultices to treat wounds, burns, and skin irritations, capitalizing on its soothing and potentially antiseptic qualities. Native people commonly prepared the Sequoia sempervirens bark into medicinal teas and applied it in poultices to combat colds, fevers, and infections.

Indigenous peoples used the tree primarily for its wood, building canoes and dwellings from it; they also had medicinal uses for it, using the bark as a tonic and for jaundice, and as a poultice for venereal disease, and making a tonic of the pitch.

The aromatic needles were sometimes brewed into teas, believed to support respiratory health and alleviate coughs, colds, and chest congestion. The aromatic needles were sometimes used in steam inhalations for respiratory complaints, capitalizing on their invigorating scent and potential expectorant qualities.

The aromatic resins served dual purposes: treating joint pain and being used as incense in purification rituals. The Pomo Indians used these trees for medicine and food.

2.2 Preparations and Methods

The range of preparations documented in ethnobotanical literature for Sequoia sempervirens includes:

Bark teas and decoctions: The bark, rich in tannins, was often brewed into teas or poultices to help soothe sore throats, relieve congestion, and promote wound healing due to its natural astringent and antimicrobial properties.
Poultices: Topical application of bark directly to wounds, burns, skin irritations, and as a treatment for venereal disease.
Pitch/sap tonics: The plant's sap is used to treat rundown conditions and as a stimulant and tonic.
Steam inhalations: Aromatic needle preparations used for respiratory complaints.
Needle infusions: Indigenous tribes practiced making water infusions from the needles because they thought it strengthened respiratory systems and enhanced immune defenses.

2.3 European Gemmotherapy Tradition

In 20th-century Europe, particularly in Italy, France, and Belgium, Sequoia sempervirens (and to a notable extent Sequoiadendron giganteum, the giant sequoia) became incorporated into the practice of gemmotherapy, a system developed in the mid-20th century by Belgian physician Pol Henry and later refined by French physician Max Tétau. Gemmotherapy is a form of phytotherapy that uses extracts made from the buds, young shoots, and young rootlets of the plants; these specific plant parts contain meristems, permanent regions of growth, and constituents that are not found in mature plants, such as plant stem cells, which are said to aid in rejuvenation and cellular repair.

Within this tradition, sequoia bud macerates have been applied for a range of purposes. Sequoia is a tree with many virtues in gemmotherapy, mainly used to boost vitality and general energy to help combat physical and mental fatigue; to support joints and the bone system, promoting mineralization and cartilage regeneration useful in cases of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis; and to stimulate male tone and libido, acting as a natural fortifier for men, often recommended in cases of sexual fatigue or andropause.

3. Key Constituents and Active Compounds

3.1 Phenolic Acids

The immunomodulatory and antiulcerogenic activities of the chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol fractions of Sequoia sempervirens leaves have been investigated; the ethyl acetate fraction showed the best results regarding a high significant increase of RAW 264.7 macrophage cells and reduction of ulcer number and severity compared with ranitidine. HPLC technique was used to investigate the phenolic contents of the most bioactive fraction, and the results allowed the identification and quantification of 12 phenolic acids and 15 flavonoids (in mg/g dry powder ± SD); protocatechuic acid was the predominant phenolic acid (10.94 ± 1.22), followed by salicylic acid (4.52 ± 1.23), coumaric acid (4.42 ± 0.21), and sinapic acid (3.57 ± 0).

3.2 Flavonoids

Vitexin showed the highest content of identified flavonoids (6.67 ± 1.21), followed by orientin (5.96 ± 1.18) and quercetin-3,7-di-O-glucoside (4.92 ± 0.73). A variety of compounds such as terpenoids, essential oils, lignans, flavonoids, and flavanones have earlier been isolated from S. sempervirens.

Recent phytochemical analyses have revealed that sequoia extracts contain a range of potentially beneficial constituents, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and lignans, which are known for their antioxidant properties in other plant sources.

3.3 Terpenes

Terpene compounds are among the most pharmacologically explored constituents of Sequoia sempervirens. A new abietane, namely 20-hydroxyferruginol (1), together with known ferruginol (2), 18-hydroxyferruginol (3), sugiol (4), and 6α-hydroxysugiol (5), were isolated from the cones of Sequoia sempervirens. These are abietane-type diterpenes — diterpenoid compounds sharing a common polycyclic carbon skeleton.

Hydroxyferruginol was found in the methanol extract of the dried cones of Sequoia sempervirens (Cupressaceae), along with 6α-hydroxysugiol.

In essential oil fractions derived from Sequoia sempervirens cell cultures, terpinene-4-ol, eugenol, and γ-terpinene contents were identified in the essential oil extracted from shootlets compared to those extracted from the mother plant.

3.4 Tannins

Tannins are a well-recognized constituent of the bark. The natural antibacterial properties of the tannins found in the bark make it suitable for treating wounds. Tannins are polyphenolic compounds known for their astringent properties, capacity to precipitate proteins, and antimicrobial activity across a broad range of plant species.

3.5 Secondary Metabolite Localization

In order to scientifically search for new sources of secondary metabolites with valuable qualities for phytopharmacognosy, research has aimed at the development of technologies for obtaining highly productive biomass of cells of relict gymnosperms of the genus Sequoia in vitro, capable of accumulating various classes of secondary metabolites; the study of the accumulation and localization of secondary metabolites has allowed evaluation of the biological activity and cytotoxicity of in vitro Sequoia cultures, using histochemical methods to determine the localization of secondary compounds of phenolic and terpenoid nature in plant tissues.

4. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use

Important prefatory note: As of 2026, no completed randomized controlled human clinical trials specifically evaluating Sequoia sempervirens extracts as oral dietary supplements have been identified in peer-reviewed literature. The entirety of mechanistic and pharmacological evidence is derived from in vitro (cell-based) studies and, in the case of gemmotherapy, from practitioner case reports and uncontrolled observations. Evidence is explicitly characterized below by study type and strength.

4.1 Anticancer / Cytotoxic Activity (In Vitro Only)

The most rigorously documented pharmacological research on Sequoia sempervirens concerns the antitumor properties of abietane diterpenes isolated from its cones. A new abietane, 20-hydroxyferruginol (1), together with known ferruginol (2), 18-hydroxyferruginol (3), sugiol (4), and 6α-hydroxysugiol (5), were isolated from the cones of Sequoia sempervirens; their structures were elucidated through spectral data, and compounds 1 and 5 strongly inhibited colon, lung, and breast human tumors and oncogene-transformed cells with GI(50) 2–5 μg/mL. This research was published in Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters (Son et al., 2005) and represents the most specific in vitro evidence for anti-proliferative properties of compounds directly isolated from Sequoia sempervirens.

Subsequent research has extended attention to sugiol, one of the diterpenes isolated from the cones. Sugiol isolated from the cones of Sequoia sempervirens has been studied for its anticancer effects against endometrial carcinoma; results showed that sugiol significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the proliferation of endometrial carcinoma cell lines (HEC-1-A, HEC-1-B, and KLE) as compared to the normal THESCs cells, with IC50 ranging between 14 and 18 µM against all three carcinoma cell lines (versus 110 μM against normal cells); sugiol caused several changes in morphology of the HEC-1-B cells characteristic of apoptosis.

Evidence strength assessment: All cytotoxic/anticancer evidence is in vitro (cell culture) only. No animal studies specific to Sequoia sempervirens cone extracts or the whole supplement have been identified, and no human clinical trials exist. In vitro GI50 data cannot be translated directly into human dosing or therapeutic claims.

4.2 Immunomodulatory Activity (In Vitro)

The immunomodulatory and antiulcerogenic activities of the chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol fractions of Sequoia sempervirens leaves were investigated; the ethyl acetate fraction showed the best results regarding a high significant increase of RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. This study, conducted at the National Organization for Drug Control and Research in Egypt (Taha & Abd El Shakour, 2017, published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research), employed a cell-line model (RAW 264.7 murine macrophages) to assess immune cell activation. The identification of flavonoids and phenolic acids in the most active fraction provides a plausible chemical rationale for the observed immunomodulation.

Evidence strength assessment: Preliminary in vitro evidence only. No human or animal data.

4.3 Antiulcerogenic Activity (In Vitro)

The same Egyptian phytochemical study cited above also evaluated anti-ulcer effects. The ethyl acetate fraction showed significant reduction of ulcer number and severity compared with ranitidine. This is a cell/tissue-based comparison with an active pharmaceutical comparator, though the study design and model details are not fully accessible in the source abstract.

Evidence strength assessment: Preliminary, in vitro/animal model data. Not validated in human clinical settings.

4.4 Antioxidant Activity (In Vitro)

Recent phytochemical analyses have revealed that sequoia extracts contain polyphenols, flavonoids, and lignans known for their antioxidant properties in other plant sources; a limited number of in vitro studies have suggested these compounds may help counteract oxidative stress, one of the underlying factors in various chronic conditions.

Different concentrations of growth regulators produced significant effects on antioxidant activity, total phenols, and flavonoids contents in Sequoia sempervirens cell cultures evaluated under laboratory conditions.

Evidence strength assessment: In vitro only. Consistent with the known pharmacological profiles of the identified polyphenol classes (flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins), but not validated in humans.

4.5 Antimicrobial Activity (In Vitro)

The tannin content of redwood bark has been a basis for traditional claims of wound-healing and antibacterial activity. The natural antibacterial properties of the tannins found in the bark make it suitable for treating wounds. No published peer-reviewed study specifically testing minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of Sequoia sempervirens bark or leaf extracts against specific bacterial pathogens was identified in accessible literature as of the time of this writing; however, the antimicrobial properties of plant tannins are well established across the botanical literature.

Evidence strength assessment: Ethnobotanical tradition supported by class-level phytochemical plausibility. Specific MIC data for Sequoia sempervirens extracts against human pathogens has not been formally published in accessible peer-reviewed sources.

4.6 Gemmotherapy Applications: Vitality, Joints, and Male Health

In the European gemmotherapy tradition, bud extracts of sequoia species have been used empirically for musculoskeletal, reproductive, and general vitality indications. Support of joints and the bone system — promoting mineralization and cartilage regeneration — is described as useful in cases of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Gemmotherapy sources also describe stimulation of male tone and libido, acting as a natural fortifier for men, often recommended in cases of sexual fatigue or andropause.

Some practitioner-level reports describe anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical models relevant to male reproductive health: results cited in one thesis (Ermini, University of Siena, 1995–1996) indicated that bud extract determined in experimental models an anti-inflammatory activity that can indirectly contribute to improvement of sexual function in the elderly. Giant sequoia bud extract has been described as representing a therapeutic approach in the initial stages of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH, first and second stage) because, while not reducing hypertrophy, it is reported to be effective on the symptom complex; it has also been described as a remedy for prostatitis, both acute and chronic.

Evidence strength assessment: The gemmotherapy evidence base for sequoia consists almost entirely of practitioner reports, traditional use compendiums, and non-controlled observations. Homeopathic and gemmotherapy products of this type have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration for safety or efficacy, and the FDA is not aware of scientific evidence to support homeopathy as effective. No peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials for gemmotherapy sequoia bud preparations have been identified. Claims derived from this tradition should be understood as belonging to the category of traditional use, not established therapeutic effect.

5. Body Systems and Health Areas Associated with California Redwood

Based on documented traditional use and available laboratory research, the following body systems and health areas have been associated with California redwood preparations:

Respiratory system: Needle teas were believed to support respiratory health and alleviate coughs, colds, and chest congestion.
Integumentary system (skin, wounds): Redwood bark was utilized in poultices to treat wounds, burns, and skin irritations.
Gastrointestinal system: In vitro antiulcerogenic activity has been reported for leaf fractions, with reduction in ulcer number and severity demonstrated in cell/tissue models.
Immune system: In vitro macrophage activation has been reported; needle infusions were traditionally believed to enhance immune defenses.
Musculoskeletal system: Aromatic resins were used for treating joint pain. In gemmotherapy, bud preparations are associated with cartilage and bone mineralization support.
Male reproductive system: Gemmotherapy practice associates sequoia bud preparations with prostate health and male libido.
General vitality and energy: The gummy sap is used as a stimulant and tonic to treat fatigue, stress, and rundown conditions.
Oncology (laboratory/preclinical): Abietane diterpenes from the cones have demonstrated in vitro inhibition of colon, lung, and breast tumor cell lines.

6. Dosage Forms and Reported Dosages

No standardized, evidence-based dosing recommendation for oral Sequoia sempervirens dietary supplements exists in any regulatory or pharmacopoeial document identified in this review. The dosages reported below derive exclusively from gemmotherapy practitioner guides and product labels, as noted:

Gemmotherapy bud macerate (liquid drops), adult use: As a revitalizing cure: 10 to 15 drops in a little water, morning and evening, for 3 weeks.
Gemmotherapy liquid product (adults): 50 drops of Giant Sequoia Bud extract diluted in a glass of water, sipped slowly, 1–2 times a day.
Commercially labeled gemmotherapy liquid (adults and children): Adults: 50 drops (1/2 teaspoon) one to three times daily. Children under 12: 15 to 25 drops one to three times daily.
Capsule and concentrated liquid extract forms are also marketed, though no standardized dosage has been established in the published scientific literature for these preparations.

There is no established tolerable upper intake level (UL), recommended daily intake (RDI), or formally studied dose-response relationship for Sequoia sempervirens as an oral supplement.

7. Safety Considerations and Interactions

7.1 General Toxicological Profile

No formal toxicological studies (acute, subacute, or chronic) specifically investigating oral administration of Sequoia sempervirens extracts in humans or mammals at dietary supplement doses were identified in the peer-reviewed literature accessible for this review. The overall safety data for this ingredient are extremely sparse.

The Coastal Redwood is generally considered non-toxic to dogs and cats; however, ingesting large amounts of any fibrous material can cause gastrointestinal issues.

7.2 Allergenicity

Sequoia sempervirens pollen is recognized and mainly used in allergenic testing, indicating that inhalation of pollen is a documented sensitizer. Individuals with conifer pollen allergies should be aware of potential cross-reactivity with botanical preparations derived from the tree, though cross-reactivity between pollen and ingested bark or leaf preparations has not been formally characterized in published studies.

7.3 Contraindications Reported in Gemmotherapy Practice

Product labeling for gemmotherapy sequoia preparations notes specific contraindications. Contraindications reported on product labels include cancer (especially hormone-sensitive tumors) and pregnancy and breastfeeding. These contraindications reflect the hormonal tonicity traditionally attributed to sequoia bud extracts in gemmotherapy — specifically, their reputed stimulant effect on male androgens and general endocrine tone — rather than established pharmacovigilance data.

7.4 Evidence Gaps and Regulatory Status

The NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database lists "California Redwood" as a recognized ingredient in U.S. supplement products. However, no monograph for Sequoia sempervirens as a dietary supplement exists in the WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, the European Pharmacopoeia, the ESCOP Monographs, or the German Commission E — the principal pharmacopoeial authorities for botanical substances. No GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) designation or FDA new dietary ingredient (NDI) notification for this species as a supplement ingredient was identified in accessible public records.

While traditional use and preliminary laboratory evidence indicate potential health benefits, more rigorous scientific research is needed to substantiate these claims and to determine appropriate dosages and safety for long-term use.

7.5 Interaction Potential

No drug–herb interaction studies for Sequoia sempervirens oral preparations were identified in the literature. Based on the phytochemical profile — polyphenols with antioxidant capacity, potential effects on macrophage activation, and the historical attribution of androgen-tonic properties in gemmotherapy — theoretical interaction concerns could include potentiation of anti-inflammatory agents and interference with hormone-sensitive treatments, but no empirical data exist to confirm or quantify such interactions.

8. Summary of Evidence Quality

California redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) occupies a well-documented place in the ethnobotany of the Pacific Coast of North America, with traditional uses across multiple Indigenous cultures spanning wound care, respiratory support, and general tonification. Its phytochemical profile has been partially characterized in peer-reviewed research, revealing significant classes of bioactive compounds — abietane diterpenes, phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, and essential oil terpenes — with in vitro activity in cytotoxicity, immunomodulation, and antioxidant models.

However, the translational gap between laboratory findings and clinical application remains entirely uncharted. No human clinical trials, no animal pharmacokinetic studies, no dose-ranging studies, and no safety/toxicology trials specifically examining oral Sequoia sempervirens supplementation have been published in accessible peer-reviewed literature. The gemmotherapy tradition offers a substantial practitioner use history but no controlled evidence base. Any therapeutic claims made for commercial California redwood supplement products extend beyond the current scientific evidence.

References

Health Conditions

Health conditions that California redwood may help support.

No conditions available.

Body Systems

Body systems that California redwood may help support.

No body systems available.