Eugenia uniflora (Eugenia uniflora): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Eugenia uniflora work to lower blood pressure?

Eugenia uniflora, commonly known as Surinam cherry, is believed to lower blood pressure through vasodilation and diuretic effects. The leaves contain flavonoids, tannins, and sesquiterpenes which may inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and reduce oxidative stress on blood vessels (Evidence Level C). These active compounds help relax arterial walls, improving blood flow. While animal studies support these mechanisms, human clinical trials are necessary to fully confirm the specific biological pathways involved in its antihypertensive action.

Can I take Eugenia uniflora with high blood pressure medication?

Caution is advised when taking Eugenia uniflora alongside prescription high blood pressure medication. Because the herb demonstrates natural antihypertensive properties (Evidence Level C), combining it with drugs like ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or diuretics may cause an additive effect. This interaction can potentially lead to hypotension, characterized by dizziness, fainting, or electrolyte imbalances. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider for monitoring before adding this herb to any existing medication regimen.

What is the correct dosage for Eugenia uniflora leaf tea?

The standard adult dosage for Eugenia uniflora leaf tea is approximately 2 to 3 grams of dried leaves per day. To prepare, steep the dried leaves in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. While the fruit is widely consumed as food, medicinal use of the leaves should adhere to this range to avoid toxicity. Users should start with a lower amount to assess tolerance and avoid exceeding the recommended dose to prevent gastrointestinal upset.

Is Surinam cherry leaf safe during pregnancy?

No, Eugenia uniflora is considered unsafe during pregnancy. The leaves and seeds contain essential oils and compounds that may be toxic if ingested and could potentially stimulate uterine contractions. While the ripe fruit is generally recognized as a food source, medicinal preparations such as leaf teas or extracts should be strictly avoided by pregnant women. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal supplements during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

What are the side effects of consuming Eugenia uniflora leaves?

The primary side effects associated with Eugenia uniflora are gastrointestinal in nature. Consuming large amounts of the leaves or the concentrated essential oil can cause stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea. The essential oil found in the leaves is toxic if ingested internally and should be used with caution. To minimize adverse reactions, users should stick to the recommended dosage of 2-3 grams of dried leaves and discontinue use if digestive symptoms develop.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Eugenia uniflora, commonly known as pitanga, is a tropical fruit tree native to Brazil and South America with documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [PMID:37921949, PMID:38916807].

Background

Eugenia uniflora (pitanga) is a tree species widely distributed in South America, particularly Brazil [PMID:27744523, PMID:37748636]. It is characterized by opposite, simple leaves with pellucid glands containing ethereal oils and berry-like fleshy fruits [PMID:31108783].

Traditional uses

In popular medicine, leaf infusions are used to treat inflammations, rheumatic pain, fever, and as a diuretic or hypoglycemic agent [PMID:19423309, PMID:37748636]. It is also used as an astringent and for treating gastrointestinal disorders [PMID:31108783].

Active compounds

The plant contains polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids (lycopene and β-carotene), and sesquiterpenes [PMID:31108783, PMID:32116374]. Specific compounds include cyanidin-3-glucoside, oxidoselina-1,3,7(11)-trien-8-one [PMID:25228206], oenothein B [PMID:30884725], gallic acid, ellagic acid, myricitrin [PMID:37585932], and a series of sesquiterpenoids called eugenilones A-N [PMID:37105351].

Mechanism of action

The herb exhibits antioxidant activity via electron transfer related to flavonoids [PMID:37585932] and protects against oxidative stress in C. elegans via the DAF-16/FOXO pathway [PMID:30077708, PMID:32365693]. It may exert neuroprotective effects by involving the pro-BDNF/p75NTR pathway [PMID:37088413] and can induce autophagy to trigger death in activated hepatic stellate cells [PMID:27744523].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DOral inflammation

Pitanga juice exhibits anti-inflammatory properties in human gingival and oral gum epithelial cells [PMID:25228206]

Evidence DMPTP-induced memory impairment (Rat model)

Hydroalcoholic extract (300 or 2000 mg/kg/day) blocked disruptions in social recognition, short- and long-term object recognition, and working memory [PMID:37088413]

Evidence DMPTP-induced oxidative stress (Rat model)

Purple pitanga extract (1000 mg/kg) attenuated oxidative stress in the olfactory bulb and substantia nigra [PMID:37921949]

Evidence DLiver injury (Rat model)

Ethyl acetate fraction of leaves exhibited hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities against CCl4-induced acute liver injury [PMID:32365693]

Safety & adverse effects

The ethyl acetate fraction of E. uniflora leaves did not show toxicity up to 2000 mg/kg in rat models [PMID:32365693]. Ethanolic extract of purple pitanga did not cause toxic effects in C. elegans [PMID:30077708].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (rats and C. elegans), with very limited human data restricted to ex vivo oral cell analysis. Strength of evidence is low (Level D).

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 37921949 (2023) — Purple pitanga extract (Eugenia uniflora) attenuates oxidative stress induced by MPTP. · Metabolic brain disease
2.PMID: 27744523 (2017) — Autophagy induced by purple pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.) extract triggered a cooperative effect on inducing the hepatic stellate cell death. · Cell biology and toxicology
3.PMID: 25228206 (2014) — Pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.) fruit juice and two major constituents thereof exhibit anti-inflammatory properties in human gingival and oral gum epithelial cells. · Food & function
4.PMID: 38652443 (2024) — Eugenia uniflora (pitanga) juice as a new alternative vehicle for Limosilactobacillus fermentum ATCC 23271: evaluation of antioxidant and anti-infective effects. · Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]
5.PMID: 30884725 (2019)

Eugenia uniflora

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Eugenia uniflora

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Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Eugenia uniflora

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Eugenia uniflora

Related Herbs

Launaea Taraxacifolia

Prunus avium

Apium graveolens

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources