Evidence-based·Last reviewed May 30, 2026·How we grade evidence

Maytenus ilicifolia

Botanical

Useful 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…

You have functional dyspepsia or mild gastric discomfort
You want a traditional botantical antacid alternative and tolerate it well

Probably skip if…

You have a diagnosed ulcer needing standard therapy
You want robust clinical-trial backing
You are pregnant or trying to conceive

Evidence at a glance

dyspepsia and gastric protection

Limited Evidence
Effect
Modest symptom relief
Best fit
Adults with functional dyspepsia or mild gastritis
Time
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 benefit
Limited Evidence

Espinheira-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.

Effect size
Modest symptom relief
Time to effect
Days to weeks
Best fit
Adults with functional dyspepsia or mild gastritis

Bottom line: A traditionally supported option for mild dyspepsia, with limited but consistent preclinical backing.

SourceBaggio et al., 2007 — PubMedda et al., 2015 — PubMed

How to take it

1. Typical dose
300–900 mg/day of leaf extract
2. Timing
Commonly taken before meals
3. With food
Before meals; also taken as a leaf tea traditionally
4. How long to try
Trial 2–4 weeks for dyspepsia symptoms

What to track

Upper-abdominal discomfort
Heartburn or fullness after meals
Nausea

Safety

Know the common side effects, key cautions, and who should avoid it.

Common side effects

Generally well toleratedOccasional 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

antacids and acid-reducing drugsMinor

Overlapping effect on gastric acidity; generally additive rather than harmful

Choosing a product

What to look for on the label — and what to be skeptical of.

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

dyspepsia and gastric protection

Baggio et al., 2007 — PubMed (2007) link

da et al., 2015 — PubMed (2015) link

Track Maytenus ilicifolia with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

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Evidence-based·Last reviewed May 30, 2026·Evidence current as of May 30, 2026·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: 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.