HOLY THORN (MAYTENUS ILICIFOLIA): A REVIEW OF ITS PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES AND POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS IN THE TREATMENT OF GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES

Abstract

Maytenus ilicifolia, commonly known as espinheira-santa, is widely used in Brazilian traditional medicine for the relief of digestive system disorders, such as gastritis, ulcers, and indigestion, and its effectiveness has been progressively supported by scientific evidence highlighting the presence of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, and triterpenes, which are responsible for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, healing, and gastroprotective actions, acting in the protection of the gastric mucosa and in the control of inflammatory processes; in this context, the present analysis examined scientific studies published between 2020 and 2025, including systematic reviews, experimental research, and clinical trials, which demonstrate that espinheira-santa is effective in reducing symptoms such as epigastric pain, heartburn, and inflammation, as well as promoting the regeneration of the gastric mucosa, also presenting significant antioxidant activity, with the ability to neutralize free radicals, and antimicrobial action, especially against Helicobacter pylori, one of the main agents associated with gastritis; however, despite the observed benefits, the need for caution in its use is emphasized due to insufficient data regarding the ideal dosage, possible drug interactions, and long-term safety, so that espinheira-santa should be considered a complementary therapeutic alternative, not replacing conventional treatments, and further controlled clinical studies are essential to ensure greater standardization, efficacy, and safety in its use for gastrointestinal diseases.