Maytenus ilicifolia (Maytenus ilicifolia): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Maytenus ilicifolia work for stomach ulcers?

Maytenus ilicifolia exerts gastroprotective effects through several mechanisms. Its active compounds, including triterpenes (maytenin, pristimerin) and flavonoids, reduce gastric acid secretion and increase protective mucus production in the stomach lining. The herb also demonstrates anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity that may support mucosal healing. Tannins provide an astringent effect, forming a protective barrier on ulcerated tissue. These combined actions explain its traditional use for gastric ulcers, though clinical evidence remains limited (Evidence Level C).

Does Maytenus ilicifolia interact with any medications?

Maytenus ilicifolia may interact with acid-suppressing medications such as proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, lansoprazole) and H2 blockers (ranitidine), potentially reducing their effectiveness due to its own antacid properties. Theoretically, compounds in this herb could affect blood clotting, so caution is advised with anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs. Limited pharmacokinetic data exists for specific drug interactions. Patients should consult a healthcare provider before combining this herb with prescription medications.

What is the recommended dosage for Maytenus ilicifolia?

Traditional dosage recommendations include tea prepared with 10-15 grams of dried leaves per cup, taken three times daily. Capsule preparations typically contain 500mg and are taken three times daily with meals. Standardized extracts may vary in concentration of active triterpenes and flavonoids. Treatment duration depends on the condition being addressed. Due to limited clinical evidence (Evidence Level C), consult a qualified healthcare practitioner for personalized dosing guidance.

Is Maytenus ilicifolia safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Maytenus ilicifolia is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The herb contains uterine-stimulating compounds that may cause miscarriage or premature labor. Traditional use has included this plant for inducing menstruation and pregnancy termination in folk medicine. No safe threshold has been established for pregnant individuals. Compounds may pass into breast milk, posing risks to nursing infants. Women of childbearing age should use reliable contraception while taking this herb (Evidence Level C, Traditional).

What is Maytenus ilicifolia used for traditionally?

Maytenus ilicifolia, known as espinheira-santa in Brazil, is traditionally used for gastric ulcers, gastritis, heartburn, and digestive complaints throughout southern South America. Folk medicine applications include anti-inflammatory uses and cancer support. The herb's gastroprotective, antacid, and anti-inflammatory properties have made it a staple in Brazilian traditional medicine for stomach-related conditions. Current scientific evidence supporting these uses remains preliminary (Evidence Level C), warranting further clinical investigation.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Maytenus ilicifolia, commonly known as espinheira-santa, is a Brazilian medicinal plant used primarily for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders [PMID:37639710, PMID:38278373].

Contexte

Maytenus ilicifolia (synonym Monteverdia ilicifolia) is a native plant of the Atlantic Forest in Brazil and South America belonging to the Celastraceae family [PMID:24854657, PMID:37639710]. It is listed in the Brazilian Pharmacopeia and the National List of Essential Medicines (RENAME) [PMID:38278373].

Usages traditionnels

It is widely used in traditional South American medicine to treat gastritis, gastric ulcers, nausea, and other gastrointestinal problems [PMID:23828591, PMID:37639710, PMID:38073526]. It is also used in popular medicine as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and abortifacient [PMID:24854657, PMID:15261968].

Composés actifs

The plant contains polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids [PMID:32394829], and specific flavanols including catechin and epicatechin [PMID:36080285, PMID:38073526]. Other identified compounds include the pentacyclic triterpenoid pristimerin [PMID:39538091], the triterpene ketone friedelin [PMID:29558378], and cytotoxic aromatic triterpenes [PMID:7714534].

Mécanisme d'action

M. ilicifolia may exert anti-inflammatory effects by down-regulating TLR2 expression and abrogating IL-8 secretion in intestinal epithelial cells [PMID:28789861]. Its compound pristimerin may modulate intestinal barrier function by upregulating tight junction proteins such as occludin and claudin-1 and inhibiting NO generation [PMID:39538091]. In cancer cells, a spray-dried extract has been shown to induce apoptosis via positive caspase-3 staining and down-regulation of Bcl-2 [PMID:23828591].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve BGastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) / Dyspepsia

A randomized double-blind clinical trial found that M. ilicifolia (at doses of 400 mg and 860 mg) resulted in significant reductions in GERD symptoms and heartburn impact on quality of life, comparable to omeprazole (20 mg) [PMID:39598468]

Preuve DGastric Ulcers/Inflammation

Animal models demonstrate antiulcerogenic activity, including increased gastric pH and volume, and protection against lesions induced by cold-restraint stress [PMID:15261968]

Preuve DSkin Wound Healing

A 4% hydroalcoholic extract accelerated wound closure in mice and increased soluble, total, and type III collagens [PMID:34522639]

Preuve DHelicobacter pylori

In vitro studies show that acetone:water crude extracts of M. ilicifolia exhibit inhibitory activity against H. pylori (MIC 64 µg/mL) [PMID:36671247]

Sécurité et effets indésirables

In rat models, hydroacetonic extracts showed no clinical signs of maternal toxicity and did not interfere with embryo-fetal development [PMID:24854657]. Supratherapeutic doses (1360 mg/kg) in rats did not cause significant impairments in the neuromotor maturation or physical development of offspring [PMID:28889966]. An aqueous extract was found to be non-mutagenic in the Ames test [PMID:1842016].

Grossesse et allaitement

A study in Wistar rats indicated that a hydroacetonic extract (15.11 mg/kg/day) was non-toxic to pregnant rats and did not cause fetal malformations [PMID:24854657]. However, general reviews warn that herbal remedies can contain substances toxic to the fetus and may be embryotoxic [PMID:33164294].

Interactions médicamenteuses

Studies investigating the effects of M. ilicifolia on Cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activities were conducted, though specific interaction outcomes were not detailed in the provided abstract [PMID:32394829].

Posologie et administration

In a clinical trial for GERD, participants took three capsules (either 400 mg or 860 mg) before breakfast and dinner for 4 weeks [PMID:39598468]. No PubMed data available. Consult a healthcare provider.

Synthèse des preuves

Evidence consists primarily of preclinical in vitro and animal studies (Level D), with one recent randomized double-blind clinical trial (Level B) supporting its efficacy in managing GERD symptoms.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 33164294 (2021) — Is it safe to consume traditional medicinal plants during pregnancy? · Phytotherapy research : PTR
2.PMID: 37639710 (2023) — Authentication and Quality Control of the Brazilian Traditional Herb "Espinheira-Santa" (Monteverdia ilicifolia) by Morpho-Anatomy and Microscopy. · Microscopy and microanalysis : the official journal of Microscopy Society of America, Microbeam Analysis Society, Microscopical Society of Canada
3.PMID: 24854657 (2014) — Effects of Maytenus ilicifolia on reproduction and embryo-fetal development in Wistar rats. · Genetics and molecular research : GMR
4.PMID: 38278373 (2024) — Pharmacological evaluation of a traditional Brazilian medicinal plant, Monteverdia ilicifolia. Part I - Preclinical safety study. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
5.PMID: 36080285 (2022)

Maytenus ilicifolia

Sources et citations

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