This botanical profile is part of the Star Naturals Herbal Library.
American Beautyberry
Callicarpa americana
Historical / Folk Use
American Beautyberry has long been valued in Native American and Southern folk traditions for its fragrant leaves and clusters of vibrant purple berries.
Historically, the leaves were crushed and rubbed on the skin or infused into washes to help discourage insects during outdoor activities for both people and horses. The berries were eaten fresh or made into teas, syrups, and preserves, appreciated for their mild antioxidant content and seasonal nourishment. Beautyberry was regarded as a versatile and practical plant in everyday use.
Energetics
Traditionally described as:
• Cooling and aromatic
• Protective in tone
• Clarifying to surface
• Refreshing and light
• Lightly astringent
• Subtle and balancing
Research & Resources
The research summaries below highlight findings from scientific studies on compounds found in this botanical.
They are provided for educational purposes and do not represent claims about the effects of Star Naturals products.
Study 1:
USDA research observed that compounds extracted from American beautyberry leaves, including callicarpenal and intermedeol, were associated with repelling mosquitoes in laboratory assays. In these experiments, DEET was used as a control for comparison of repellency activity.
Study 2:
In controlled tick bioassays, beautyberry leaf compounds callicarpenal and intermedeol were associated with repellency of blacklegged ticks.
Study 3:
Ethnobotanical descriptions report that beautyberry leaves were used topically by farmers and Indigenous people as a natural insect deterrent for themselves and animals like horses and mules.