Casearia sylvestris
Useful mainly for no well-supported human use.
Quick decision guide
May help most
no well-supported human use
Common dosing range
not established for human supplementation
When to expect effects
Unknown
Watch out for
Human safety and efficacy are unstudied; quality and identity of products vary
What is it
Casearia sylvestris (guacatonga) is a South American shrub whose leaves are used in traditional Brazilian medicine for inflammation, stomach complaints, wounds, and snakebite. Its activity is attributed to clerodane diterpenes (casearins) and other constituents. Evidence is almost entirely preclinical; controlled human trials are lacking.
Is it worth it for you?
Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.
Worth considering if…
Probably skip if…
Evidence at a glance
| Goal | Effect | Best fit | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activity Mixed Evidence | Not demonstrated in humans | none established | Unknown |
anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activity
- Effect
- Not demonstrated in humans
- Best fit
- none established
- Time
- Unknown
Evidence for 1 use
AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.
anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activity
Mechanism onlyLaboratory and animal studies report anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, antiulcer, and antivenom activity for Casearia sylvestris extracts and its casearin diterpenes. These findings have not been confirmed in controlled human trials, so any benefit in people remains unproven.
Bottom line: Traditional and preclinical use only; no human evidence of efficacy.
How to take it
What to track
Safety
Know the common side effects, key cautions, and who should avoid it.
Common side effects
Who should avoid it
- pregnant or breastfeeding people
- children
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
No safety data; avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Choosing a product
What to look for on the label — and what to be skeptical of.
Look for…
Be skeptical of…
References by claim
Track Casearia sylvestris with Pilora
Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.
Coming to App StoreDisclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.