Background

• Pedra hume caá is a medium-sized shrub that grows in drier regions of the Amazon and other parts of Brazil. In Brazil, the common name pedra hume caá refers to three species of myrcia plants that are used interchangeably-Myrcia salicifolia, Myrcia uniflorus, and Myrcia sphaerocarpa. It is unknown if reports on pedra hume caá can be applied to other species in the myrcia genus.
• Pedra hume caá has been used by indigenous tribes in the rainforest for diabetes, diarrhea, and dysentery. The Taiwanos tribe (in northwest Amazonia) considers the leaves to be an astringent and uses them for persistent diarrhea. Pedra hume caá has had a place in Brazilian traditional medicine for many years.
• It remains a very popular natural remedy for diabetes throughout South America; the traditional use is a simple leaf tea with a pleasant, slightly sweet taste. It is also used for high blood pressure, enteritis (inflammation of the bowels), hemorrhage, and mouth ulcers.

References

• Ferreira AC, Neto JC, da Silva AC, et al. Inhibition of Thyroid Peroxidase by Myrcia uniflora Flavonoids. Chem Res Toxicol. 2006;19(3):351-355.
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• Matsuda H, Nishida N, Yoshikawa M. Antidiabetic principles of natural medicines. V. Aldose reductase inhibitors from Myrcia multiflora DC. (2): Structures of myrciacitrins III, IV, and V. Chem Pharm Bull.(Tokyo) 2002;50(3):429-431.
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• Pepato MT, Oliveira JR, Kettelhut IC, et al. Assessment of the antidiabetic activity of Myrcia uniflora extracts in streptozotocin diabetic rats. Diabetes Res 1993;22(2):49-57.
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• Russo EM, Reichelt AA, De Sa JR, et al. Clinical trial of Myrcia uniflora and Bauhinia forficata leaf extracts in normal and diabetic patients. Braz.J Med Biol Res 1990;23(1):11-20.
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• Yoshikawa M, Shimada H, Nishida N, et al. Antidiabetic principles of natural medicines. II. Aldose reductase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors from Brazilian natural medicine, the leaves of Myrcia multiflora DC. (Myrtaceae): structures of myrciacitrins I and II and myrciaphenones A and B. Chem Pharm Bull.(Tokyo) 1998;46(1):113-119.
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