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
Maytenus ilicifolia, commonly known as espinheira-santa, is a Brazilian medicinal plant used primarily for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders [PMID:37639710, PMID:38278373].
Background
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].
Traditional uses
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].
Active compounds
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].
Mechanism of 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].
Clinical evidence
Evidence 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]
Evidence 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]
Evidence DSkin Wound Healing
A 4% hydroalcoholic extract accelerated wound closure in mice and increased soluble, total, and type III collagens [PMID:34522639]
Evidence 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]
Safety & adverse effects
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].
Pregnancy & lactation
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].
Drug interactions
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].
Dosage & 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.
Evidence summary
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.
PubMed sources
- 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)