Known for its benefits for gastrointestinal health, the plants should be purchased in reliable plants to be a common objective of counterfeiting
Known for their leaves with spiny edges, the vertebral column of the saint (Maytenus ilicifolia) is one of the most traditional medicinal plants in Brazil. Also called “divin spill” or “cancer”, it has been used by peoples from South America for centuries and today it is also present in the national report of essential medicines (rename), which guides the use of inputs in the Unified Health System (Sus). Consumed also in the form of tea, it is popularly used due to therapeutic benefits associated with the gastrointestinal system.
Its potential action in case of gastritis, burning of stomach and reflux is even one of the reasons why the plant transports the adjective “holy”. Experts warn, however, that it is often the objective of counterfeiting, which can compromise not only to its effectiveness, but also to the safety of those who consume it.
“THE Maytenus ilicifolia (Scientific Name) is one of the main adulterated plants in the natural product market “, warns the pharmacist Ana Carla Prade, coordinator of the pharmacy program of São Bento do Sul (SC). The expert also stresses that in two years by visiting the municipal markets in different Brazilian states, he found the real species marketed only in one of them.
When it comes to the original Santa Claus, a therapeutic effects report is mentioned by specialists who work with herbal medicine. Among the main ones there are actions to protect the gastric mucosa and the anti -inflammatory effect.
Main substances
Consumed by the infusion of dry leaves, the Santa Claus concentrates in this structure the substances responsible for its therapeutic action. “They contain the highest concentration of phytochemicals, such as soils, phenolic, alkaloids, tannins, anthocyanins, phytosterols, mucilage and minerals”, lists Michelle Jorge, coordinator of the laboratory of complementary and supplementary health practices (Lapacis) of the State University of Campinas (Unicamp).
These phytochemicals met, according to the nutritionist, Vanderi Marchiori, specialist in herbs-based medicine and founder of the Paulist Association of Phytotherapy (Apfit), have anti-inflammatory performance. In addition, they also help protect gastric mucus, responsible for promoting the integrity of the digestive system.
- Poor help for digestion
However, when it comes to the digestive tract, the Espinheira-Santa tea is linked to the improvement of the cases of acidity and erupting, the famous Belchi. In this line, studies show that the plant provides positive results on the symptoms related to poor digestion.
The action is underlined as an effect of compounds such as triterpenes, flavonoids and tannins which, through infusion, act by increasing the pH of the stomach.
- Impact on glucose in the blood
In popular culture, this plant is also related to the control of diabetes. This use also studies motivated in search of a more solid confirmation.
One of these, concentrated on anti-hyperglycemic potentialAnalyzed plant extracts in in vitro studies. The result, although positive in this sense, underlines that it is not possible to carefully identify which mechanisms are responsible for the effects, which require even more research.
- Diuretic action
Another potential benefit popularly attributed to infusion is the diuretic action, which is sought for light cases of fluid retention and reduction of swelling.
However, this form of use is not listed in the Brazilian pharmacopoeia, which condenses therapeutic indications, contraindications, adverse effects and more relevant information on herbal medicines.
Already in studies that speak of plants with diuretic action, the Santa Santa is mentioned. The effect would come from Ethil Acetate, a substance obtained through the infusion of the plant.
Is Sananta tea good for gastritis?
The therapeutic action of Espinheira-San in the gastrointestinal tract is one of the most documented in articles and studies that face both traditional use and clinical practices. “Regulates the production of hydrochloric acid, has a healing effect and inhibits the recurring infection from H. Pylori“, Explains Ana Carla, who currently develops research on the ideal dosage of tea at the Federal Institute of Santa Catarina (IFC).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than half of the world population has been or is contaminated by bacteria, which is a risk factor for gastritis and ulcers.
The pharmacist also stresses that the use of plants is a safe alternative for patients with conventional drugs intolerance in slight cases of gastritis, reflux and burning of stomach.
This statement derives from the practical experience with Espinheira-Santa, since Ana Carla was responsible for the development of a protocol focused on the reduction of the use of drugs that influence the amount of acid produced by the stomach, such as homeprazole.
“The protocol consists in gradually removing the drug inhibitor from the proton pump with the use of the spine of the spine (obtained when the dry leaves are boiled in water) In a period of five weeks, always following the evolution of the patient, “he explains.
The result was positive and the protocol was used since 2018 in the cases referring to its herbal medicine.
Falsifications of Espinheira-San
Despite his proven benefits, Espinheira-Santa has to face a problem: adulteration. The proof of this is that the question “How do you know if the Holy-San is false or right?” It is one of the problems that are distinguished when users are looking for information about Google.
Michelle says that this happens why Maytenus ilicifolia It tends to be confused with other species of medicinal plants. “The most frequent are the Maytenus AquifoliaThe Yerba Mate (ILEX PARAGUARIENSIS) and Sorocaíba (Sorcea bomlarandii) “, Mentions it. It also emphasizes that the last species cited is one of the most used species in adulteration.
For other species, there are not enough studies that justify use or demonstrate their security, which turns out to be a problem for the consumer, who must double your attention when buying Santa Claus.
Therefore, it is important to understand the appearance of the plant and its false versions. Michelle stresses that, while the tree of Sorcea bomlarandii It can reach 10 meters in height, have a lot of foliage and still potentially toxic, that of the real spray has a lower size and a few leaves.
Contraindications
Although it is considered safe for tea-shaped consumption, Espinheira-San has some contraindications.
“It is not suitable for pregnant women, breastfeeding women and children under the age of 6,” says Michelle. In addition, the Brazilian pharmacopoeia also contrainds us to use in children under the age of 18, due to the lack of safety studies in this age group.
The possible adverse effects include dry fauce, nausea, increase in appetite and slight gastric discomfort. “Those who use anticoagulants or drugs such as anabolic steroids, Methotrexate, amiodarone, ketoconazole and immunosuppressants should also avoid the use of interaction”, warns Ana Carla.
Tea preparation
To preserve the compounds of Espinheira-Santa, it is important to prepare tea in the right way. According to the Viva Pharmacy booklet of the reference Center in supplementary health practices (Cerpis), the most appropriate way is the infusion of dry leaves.
“A spoonful of about three grams is used in 150 ml of boiling water. It should be covered, wait ten minutes and filter,” says Michelle. Already vander them adds that, after being tense, the tea should be ingested in the sequence. “It can be consumed cold, warm or hot, as the person wants,” he strengthens.
Finally, in relation to the doses and time of consumers, Michelle explains that the most suitable is that the use is accompanied by a qualified health professional, who makes therapeutic indications according to each scenario.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
