Matico (Piper angustifolium): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Matico work for wound healing?

Matico contains tannins and compounds like maticin that provide astringent and antimicrobial effects. The tannins help constrict blood vessels and tissues, reducing bleeding and promoting clot formation. This astringent action explains its traditional use as a hemostatic agent in Peruvian medicine. The antimicrobial properties may also help prevent wound infection. Evidence for this mechanism is rated Level C, based primarily on traditional use and pharmacological reasoning rather than clinical trials.

Does Matico interact with any medications?

Matico may theoretically interact with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications due to its hemostatic properties, potentially reducing their effectiveness. The uterine stimulant effects could interact with hormonal medications or drugs affecting the reproductive system. No clinical drug interaction studies have been conducted, so patients taking prescription medications, particularly blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin, should consult a healthcare provider before using Matico. Evidence level: D (theoretical).

What is the recommended dosage for Matico?

Adult dosage for Matico tea is 2-3 grams of dried leaves, steeped and consumed up to three times daily. As a tincture, the typical dose is 2-3 mL taken two to three times daily. For wound care, a poultice made from crushed fresh or dried leaves can be applied topically to the affected area. These recommendations are based on traditional use, as standardized clinical dosing trials are lacking. Evidence level: C.

Is Matico safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Matico is contraindicated during pregnancy due to its uterine stimulant properties, which may cause miscarriage or premature labor. The plant contains compounds that can trigger uterine contractions. There is insufficient safety data for breastfeeding women, so avoidance is recommended. Women who are pregnant, attempting to conceive, or nursing should not use Matico in any form. This safety concern is rated Level C based on traditional knowledge and pharmacological evidence.

What are the side effects of Matico?

Reported side effects of Matico include gastrointestinal irritation, such as nausea, stomach upset, or vomiting, particularly when taken internally. The uterine stimulant effects pose significant risks during pregnancy. Allergic reactions are possible, especially in individuals with known sensitivity to the Piperaceae family, which includes black pepper and kava. Topical application may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Evidence level: C, based on traditional use reports and pharmacological properties.

What is Matico used for in traditional medicine?

Matico has been used traditionally as a wound hemostatic to stop bleeding and promote healing, a use documented among the Incas and Spanish colonial physicians. Historical applications include treating gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted infections, as well as various digestive complaints. Its antimicrobial properties made it valuable for treating infections. Modern herbalists primarily recommend external use for wound care, though internal traditional uses persist in some regions. Evidence level: C.

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

Matico refers to several plant species, including Piper aduncum, Piper acutifolium, and Buddleja globosa, which are used for wound healing and exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties [PMID:37110583, 18639621, 18164566].

Background

Matico is a name applied to various medicinal plants, including species from the Piperaceae family (such as Piper aduncum, Piper acutifolium, and Piper angustifolium) and the Buddlejaceae family (Buddleja globosa) [PMID:37110583, 29321991, 8792674].

Traditional uses

In Peru, Piper acutifolium is traditionally used as an infusion or decoction to improve wound healing or ulcers [PMID:37110583]. Buddleja globosa is used in Chilean folk medicine for wound healing [PMID:18639621, 18164566].

Active compounds

Compounds identified across different species include dillapiol in P. aduncum [PMID:21783920], alpha-phellandrene in P. acutifolium [PMID:37110583], camphor and camphene in P. angustifolium [PMID:8792674], and sakuranetin in P. aduncum [PMID:18676186]. Other constituents include polyphenols [PMID:29321991], tannins [PMID:37991036, 8984970], and verbascoside and 7-O-luteolin glucoside in B. globosa [PMID:18639621].

Mechanism of action

Buddleja globosa extract inhibits collagen-induced platelet activation by decreasing phospholipase C-gamma 2 and protein kinase C phosphorylation signaling [PMID:29321991]. Piper aduncum extracts have shown the ability to inhibit phospholipase A2 from Lachesis muta muta venom [PMID:37991036].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DWound Healing (Cellular)

Piper aduncum ethanol-water extract increased proliferation of adult human dermal fibroblast cells (hDFa) [PMID:27831606]

Evidence DPlatelet Aggregation

Buddleja globosa extract inhibited platelet aggregation in response to collagen, convulsion, and ADP [PMID:29321991]

Evidence DGastric Ulcers (Animal Model)

Ethanol extract of Piper aduncum showed 100% activity in reducing the number of hemorrhagic bands in mice [PMID:24448937]

Evidence DBreast Cancer (Animal Model)

Piper aduncum capsules lowered adenocarcinoma and lymph node metastases incidence and significantly lowered pulmonary metastasis in rats [PMID:26157333]

Evidence DPain/Inflammation (Animal Model)

Buddleja globosa extracts demonstrated antinociceptive activity in tail flick, formalin, and writhing models [PMID:18639621]

Evidence DFungal/Bacterial Infections

Safety & adverse effects

Piper aduncum essential oil showed no genotoxic activity in the Ames/Salmonella typhimurium assay [PMID:21783920].

Drug interactions

Tannins found in matico may inhibit the gastrointestinal absorption of metals such as Fe, Zn, or Cu if consumed around meals [PMID:8984970].

Evidence summary

The evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), demonstrating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. There are no human clinical trials provided in the abstracts.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 35375042 (1850) — Matico. · The Buffalo medical journal and monthly review of medical and surgical science
2.PMID: 37262747 (1847) — Matico. · Illinois and Indiana medical and surgical journal
3.PMID: 20793488 (1844) — Matico. · Provincial medical & surgical journal
4.PMID: 27831606 (2016) — [Determination of the healing effect of Piper aduncum (spiked pepper or matico) on human fibroblasts]. · Revista peruana de medicina experimental y salud publica
5.PMID: 29321991 (2018) — Buddleja globosa (matico) prevents collagen-induced platelet activation by decreasing phospholipase C-gamma 2 and protein kinase C phosphorylation signaling. · Journal of traditional and complementary medicine

Matico

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Matico