Maytenus
A traditional South American leaf used to support stomach comfort.
Maytenus, chiefly represented by Maytenus ilicifolia, is a small South American tree in the Celastraceae family whose dried leaves are used in traditional herbal medicine. Preparations—commonly infusions or powdered extracts—contain flavonoids, triterpenes and other phytochemicals and are traditionally associated with stomach comfort and digestive wellbeing.
Research has investigated potential gastric-protective, antiulcer and antioxidant activities, but effects may vary by individual and by preparation. Maytenus is contraindicated in pregnancy, not recommended for children or breastfeeding people, and could interact with medications; consult a healthcare professional before use.
At a Glance
Maytenus refers to a group of South American plants, with Maytenus ilicifolia commonly used in traditional herbal practice.
Leaves are typically collected, dried and used in infusions or powdered extracts that contain flavonoids and triterpenes.
Traditional use and some studies focus on digestive comfort, gastric protection and antioxidant activity, though individual responses vary.
| Common name |
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| Scientific name | Maytenus ilicifolia |
| Plant family | Celastraceae |
| Origin | South America |
| Parts used | Leaves |
| Active compounds |
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| Main benefits |
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Origin & History
Maytenus is native to South America, with a high concentration of species in Brazil and occurrences in Chile, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. The species Maytenus ilicifolia grows in habitats such as the araucaria forest and the Atlantic Forest; the plants are small trees with holly-like, toothed leaves that are harvested and dried for traditional use.
In South American folk medicine, Maytenus ilicifolia—often called espinheira santa—has a long history of use as a leaf infusion for digestive complaints and stomach-related traditions. Historically more than 200 Maytenus species have been used across Indigenous and rural communities, and the genus name derives from the Mapudungun word Maytén; preparations traditionally employ the dried leaves, and reported applications also include anti-inflammatory and wound-healing uses. Uses and effects may vary by individual and by preparation.
Composition & Active Compounds
Maytenus ilicifolia is a small tree with holly‑like, toothed leaves that are harvested, dried and used in infusions or powdered extracts. The leaf chemistry includes tannins, a range of flavonoids (including catechins such as epicatechin), triterpenes and triterpenoids, maytansinoids, vitamin E and several phytosterols. These constituents are the focus of phytochemical and pharmacological research because they contribute to antioxidant activity and other bioactive properties observed in laboratory and clinical studies, though individual effects may vary.
The dried leaves are the part most commonly used in herbal preparations and supplements.
- Tannins: polyphenolic compounds with protein‑binding and astringent properties
- Flavonoids: polyphenolic antioxidants; includes catechins such as epicatechin
- Triterpenes: nonpolar compounds including friedelina, friedelin‑3‑ol and friedelin‑3‑ona
- Triterpenoids: structurally related terpenes such as lupeol
- Maytansinoids: unique maytenus‑derived compounds including maytensina, maytanprina and maytanbutina
- Vitamin E (alpha‑tocopherol): lipid‑soluble antioxidant
- Phytosterols: plant sterols such as ergosterol, beta‑sitosterol and campesterol
Properties & Effects
Maytenus is traditionally known for its use in digestive care and stomach complaints across South America. Its most well‑documented role is as a stomach protector and digestive herb used to promote gastric comfort.
- Gastric protection: Maytenus may support stomach comfort and is traditionally used to ease gastric acidity and related digestive discomfort.
- Antiulcer activity: Research suggests it may help reduce the risk or severity of certain gastric lesions in some contexts.
- Antioxidant: Maytenus may provide antioxidant support that contributes to general cellular protection.
- Anti‑inflammatory: Traditional use and preliminary studies suggest it may help reduce inflammatory discomfort.
- Analgesic: It has been used historically for mild pain relief in some communities.
- Antimicrobial: Laboratory evidence indicates it may exhibit activity against certain microbes.
- Antimutagenic: Early studies report possible antimutagenic effects, though evidence remains limited.
- Antispasmodic: Traditionally used to relieve spasms or cramping of the digestive tract in some practices.
- Diuretic: Historical accounts attribute mild diuretic effects to the plant in traditional use.
Dosage & How to Use
Typical dosing guidance from traditional use and published summaries is limited and variable.
| Gastric disorders |
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| Prevention of digestive problems |
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Safety, Side Effects & Contraindications
Maytenus ilicifolia has a generally low incidence of reported adverse effects in the literature, but safety data are limited and individual responses can vary. Because of concerns about a possible abortifacient effect, this plant should be avoided by pregnant people; data are also insufficient to recommend use in children or during breastfeeding. Anyone taking prescription medications or receiving medical treatment should consult a healthcare professional before using Maytenus due to potential interactions and limited interaction data.
Reported side effects have been uncommon in available sources, and toxicological studies have not shown clear major toxicity; nevertheless, the absence of widely reported adverse events does not guarantee safety for every person or dose. If any unexpected symptoms occur after use, discontinue the herb and seek medical advice. Caution is advised with dosing and duration, and professional guidance is recommended for those with chronic health conditions.
- Pregnancy: contraindicated due to concerns about a potential abortifacient effect.
- Children: not recommended because of insufficient safety data.
- Breastfeeding: not recommended for lactating people because of limited information.
- Drug interactions: may interact with medications; consult a healthcare professional if using prescription drugs or undergoing medical treatment.
Not recommended during pregnancy, for children or while breastfeeding; may interact with medications. Consult a healthcare professional before use.