Espinheira Santa Leaves Products

Please, enter the quantity (kg) of the selected product above before adding it to the Free Quotation.

ESPINHEIRA-SANTA LEAVES (Congorosa)

Espinheira Santa (Congorosa), Espinheira Santa Leaves, Espinheira Santa Leaves Powder, Espinheira Santa Leaves Tea, Espinheira Santa Tea

Scientific Name: Maytenus ilicifolia Martius

Family: Celastraceae

Popular Name: cancerosa, cancrosa, congorosa, bull's shadow, yerba santa, lifesaver, coromilho-do-campo, maiteno, thorn-of-god

Part Used: Leaves

Main Chemical Components

The leaves of Espinheira Santa are composed mainly of terpenic compounds, phenolics, phytosteroids, alkaloids, anthocyanins, tannins, saponins, resin, mucilage and traces of mineral salts such as iron, calcium, sodium and sulfur.

Therapeutic Indications

Antidyspeptic, antacid and gastric mucosal protector.

Adverse Effects

No serious adverse effects have been reported when Espinheira Santa extracts are used at recommended doses. Mild symptoms may include increased appetite, dry mouth sensation, nausea and gastralgia.

Precautions

Espinheira Santa should not be used during pregnancy, lactation or by children under six years of age.

Avoid use in individuals with hypersensitivity to plants of the Celastraceae family. Suspend use before nuclear medicine examinations.

Espinheira Santa (Congorosa): what it is for and how to make the tea

Scientific Evidence

Espinheira Santa is a medicinal plant rich in flavonoids, tannins and triterpenes, which provide antioxidant, healing and gastric-protective properties. It is commonly used to assist in the treatment of gastric ulcers, heartburn, gastritis, acne and eczema.

The leaves are the primary part used, from which active substances are extracted, commonly prepared as tea.

Although it offers health benefits, Espinheira Santa does not replace medical treatment and should be used with guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.

What is it for

Due to its medicinal properties, Espinheira Santa is commonly recommended for:

1. Improving stomach problems

Rich in tannins and polysaccharides, Espinheira Santa helps protect the gastric mucosa, reduce acidity and relieve symptoms such as heartburn, gastritis, ulcers and stomach pain.

Studies indicate that its effect may be similar to cimetidine, a medication used to reduce gastric acid production.

2. Fighting H. pylori

Espinheira Santa has antibacterial properties that help combat Helicobacter pylori infections, which are associated with ulcers and gastric lesions.

3. Helping in cancer treatment

Laboratory studies show that compounds such as pristimerin may reduce cancer cell proliferation, although further human studies are required.

4. Improving intestinal function

With mild laxative action, Espinheira Santa tea may help relieve mild to moderate constipation.

5. Diuretic action

Espinheira Santa promotes mild diuresis, helping reduce fluid retention and support urinary tract health.

6. Supporting skin healing

When applied to the skin, Espinheira Santa may help treat conditions such as eczema and acne due to its healing and analgesic properties.

7. Fighting bacterial infections

Studies show antimicrobial activity against bacteria such as:

• Staphylococcus aureus – lung, skin and bone infections
• Streptococcus sp. – urinary, skin and gum infections
• Escherichia coli – urinary tract infections

It also shows activity against the fungus Aspergillus nigrans, which can cause aspergillosis.