Maytenus ilicifolia
Evidence: LimitedUseful mainly for people with functional dyspepsia or mild gastritis seeking a traditional remedy.
Quick decision guide
May help most
People with functional dyspepsia or mild gastritis seeking a traditional remedy
Common dosing range
300–900 mg/day of leaf extract; ~400 mg common
When to expect effects
Days to weeks
Watch out for
Human evidence is thin; not a substitute for ulcer treatment
What is it
Maytenus ilicifolia, known in Brazil as espinheira-santa, is a South American shrub whose leaves are used traditionally for dyspepsia, gastritis, and ulcers. It is one of the better-documented traditional gastric remedies, though high-quality human trials are limited.
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 | Evidence | Effect | Best fit | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dyspepsia and gastric protection | Limited Evidence | Modest symptom relief | Adults with functional dyspepsia or mild gastritis | Days to weeks |
Evidence for 1 use
AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.
dyspepsia and gastric protection
Supplement benefitEspinheira-santa has a long traditional use for dyspepsia and ulcers, and animal studies show antacid and gastroprotective (anti-ulcer) activity. Direct controlled human trials are sparse, so symptom relief is plausible and traditionally supported but not firmly established.
Bottom line: A traditionally supported option for mild dyspepsia, with limited but consistent preclinical backing.
How to take it
- Typical dose
- 300–900 mg/day of leaf extract
- Timing
- Commonly taken before meals
- With food
- Before meals; also taken as a leaf tea traditionally
- How long to try
- Trial 2–4 weeks for dyspepsia symptoms
What to track
- Upper-abdominal discomfort
- Heartburn or fullness after meals
- Nausea
Safety
Common side effects
Generally well tolerated, Occasional dry mouth or mild GI upset
Who should avoid it
- Pregnant or breastfeeding people
- Those trying to conceive (traditional contraceptive/abortifacient use reported)
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Avoid — traditional reports of anti-fertility and abortifacient effects; not enough safety data.
Interactions
Overlapping effect on gastric acidity; generally additive rather than harmful
Choosing a product
Look for
- Identifies species as Maytenus ilicifolia and leaf part
- Third-party tested for identity and contaminants
Be skeptical of
- “Cures ulcers”
- “Eradicates H. pylori”
- Replaces prescribed gastric therapy
References by claim
Track Maytenus ilicifolia 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.