The Healing Power of Rainforest Plants
The Tropical Plant Database
Pedra Hume Caa
Genus: Myrcia
Species: salicifolia, uniflora, multiflora, sphaerocarpa
Synonyms: Aubmyrcia salicifolia, Myrcia multiflora
Common Names: Pedra hume caá, pedra-ume-caá, insulina vegetal
Part Used: Leaves
The following text has been reprinted from: The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs © 2005 by Leslie Taylor.
MAIN ACTIONS | OTHER ACTIONS | STANDARD DOSAGE |
| Leaves | ||
| Infusion: 1 cup 2-3 times | ||
| daily with meals | ||
| Capsules: 1-2 g 2-3 times | ||
| daily with meals | ||
Pedra hume caá is a medium-sized shrub that grows in drier regions of the Amazon and other parts of Brazil. It has small, green leaves and large, orange-red flowers. A member of the myrtle family, it is one of more than 150 species of Myrcia indigenous to tropical South America and the West Indies. In Brazil, the common name pedra hume caá refers to three species of Myrcia plants which are used interchangeably—Myrcia salicifolia, M. uniflorus, and M. sphaerocarpa.
TRIBAL AND HERBAL MEDICINE USES
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 astringent and use it for persistent diarrhea. It has had a place in Brazilian traditional medicine for many years. Dr. G. L. Cruz, a leading Brazilian practitioner and herbalist, nicknamed it "vegetable insulin" in 1965. Dr. Cruz noted in his book Livro Verde das Plantas Medicinais e Industriais do Brasil that "one uses all parts of the plant in infusions, decoctions or extracts to combat diabetes. Specialists that have made careful study of medicinal plants affirm that the regular use of this plant produces surprising results in the treatment of this ailment, as in a short space of time the sugar disappears from the urine. Hence the name ‘vegetable insulin.’" Even 30 years later, Dr. Cruz and other Brazilian researchers and practitioners are recording the actions and uses of pedra hume caá for diabetes in much the same manner. 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 diarrhea, hypertension, enteritis, hemorrhages, and mouth ulcers.
PLANT CHEMICALS
Phytochemical analysis of pedra hume caá reveals a high content of flavonoids, flavonols, and flavanones. In 1998, Japanese researchers reported the discovery of several novel and biologically active phytochemicals. These new flavanone glucosides were named myrciacitrins I and II; the new acetophenone glucosides were named myrciaphenones A and B. Their published study reported that a methanol extract of pedra hume caá (as well as these novel chemicals) demonstrated potent inhibitory activities on aldose reductase and alphaglucosidase.
Aldose reductase inhibitors (ARIs) are substances that act on nerve endings exposed to high blood sugar concentration to prevent some of the chemical imbalances that occur, and thus protect the nerves. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors delay the digestion and subsequent absorption of sugar in the gastrointestinal tract. For this reason, the novel compounds in pedra hume caá that act upon aldose and glucosidase were seen to be (at least partially) responsible for pedra hume caá’s blood sugar-balancing properties. Various ARIs (both synthetic and natural) are being studied by researchers; it is believed that these compounds may be helpful in reducing or preventing some side effects of diabetes — including diabetic neuropathy and macular degeneration.
Other flavonoids found in pedra hume caá (notably quercitrin, myricitrin, guaijaverin, and desmanthin) also have shown in numerous studies to inhibit aldose reductase and xanthine oxidase (xanthine oxidase inhibitors block the production of uric acid). The main plant chemicals documented in pedra hume caá include: beta-amyrin, catechin, desmanthin, gallic acid, ginkgoic acid, guaijaverin, mearnsitrin, myrciacitrin I–V, myrciaphenone A, myrciaphenone B, myricitrin, and quercitrin.
BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES AND CLINICAL RESEARCH
Brazilian scientists have documented leaf extracts of pedra hume caá with hypoglycemic activity since 1929. Two clinical studies published in the 1990s again demonstrated its hypoglycemic activity and confirmed its traditional use for diabetes. In a 1990 double-blind placebo clinical study with normal and Type II diabetic patients, pedra hume caá (3 g powdered leaf daily) demonstrated the ability to lower plasma insulin levels in the diabetic group. In a 1993 study, 250 mg/kg of a leaf extract demonstrated the ability to reduce appetite and thirst, and to reduce urine volume, urinary excretion of glucose and urea in diabetic rats. The extract also inhibited the intestinal absorption of glucose. This study concluded that "aqueous extracts of Myrcia have a beneficial effect on the diabetic state, mainly by improving metabolic parameters of glucose homeostasis."
CURRENT PRACTICAL USES
Pedra hume caá continues to be one of the more popular natural remedies for diabetes throughout South America, where it is widely known. The studies with animals and humans have confirmed its safety and no toxic effects or side effects were noted. It is hoped that, with the growing diabetes epidemic in North America, health practitioners here will look for natural alternatives and incorporate this wonderful rainforest remedy into their natural health practices. These tropical shrubs grow very quickly and growth is encouraged by pruning. A single shrub can be harvested of its leaves by hard pruning 4 times a year or more - producing approximately 50-60 kg of leaves annually. It is truly a wonderful and sustainable resource the rainforest offers!
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Main Preparation Method: decoction Main Preparation Method:infusion or capsules
Main Actions (in order): Main Uses:
antidiabetic, alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, aldose reductase inhibitor, appetite suppressant, hypoglycemic Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use: Cautions: It lowers blood sugar levels. It is contraindicated in hypoglycemia. Diabetics should monitor their glucose levels closely. | |
Traditional Preparation: One cup of leaf infusion 2-3 times daily with meals. One to 2 g of leaf powder in tablets or capsules with meals can be substituted if desired. See Herbal Preparation Methods instructions if necessary.
Contraindications:- 1. Pedra hume caá has been documented to lower blood sugar levels in animal and human studies. It is contraindicated in those with hypoglycemia. Diabetics who wish to use this plant should seek the advice and supervision of a qualified health care practitioner while using this plant, as blood sugar levels will need to be monitored carefully and medications may need adjustments.
- 2. Pedra hume caá has been used in South American herbal medicine for hypertension. This use has not been substantiated or confirmed by clinical research. Those with low blood pressure and/or those on medications to lower their blood pressure should use this plant with caution and closely monitor these possible effects.
| | |
| Country | Uses |
| Amazonia | for diabetes, diarrhea, and as an astringent |
| Brazil | for diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, enteritis, heart problems, hemorrhages, hypertension, mouth ulcers, and as an astringent and diuretic |
The above text has been printed from The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs by Leslie Taylor, copyrighted © 2005. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, including websites, without written permission.
Referenced Quotes on Pedra Hume Caa
1. "Animal research in foreign countries has proven Pedra Hume Caa's efficacy in treating diabetes in dogs and rabbits. When humans were tested, it was found to be more effective in cases of adult-onset diabetes than juvenile diabetes. Pedra Hume Caa is called "vegetable insulin." It has been used traditionally to eliminate the sugar from the urine of diabetics. It is also used to treat diarrhea."
2. "Pedra huma-caa, nicknamed 'vegetable insulin," has been researched in Brazil for the treatment of diabetes. It was used by early South American Indians as a powerful healing poultice."
3. "Pedra Huma-Caa, nicknamed "vegetable insulin" has been the subject of studies in Brazil for the treatment of diabetes."
8. "Pedra Huma-Caa contains a lot of tannin and its astringent action makes it a very useful plant. Brazilian uses and folklore: Pedra Huma-Caa tea is taken in Brazil to help relieve the symptoms of diabetes."
21. "Myrcia salicifolia DeCandolle, Prodr. 3 (1828) 246.
The leaves are considered by the Taiwanos to be efficacious against persistent diarrhea. The dried leaves are mixed with farina they are said to be astringent and, if taken in excess, to be emetic."
Published Research on Pedra Hume caá
All available third-party research on pedra hume caá can be found at PubMed. A partial listing of the third-party published research on perdra hume caá updated through Feb 2019 is shown below:
Antidiabetic & Hypoglycemic Actions:
Figueiredo-González, M., et al. "α-Glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitors from Myrcia spp.: a stronger alternative to acarbose? J. Pharm. Biomed. Anal. 2016 Jan; 118: 322-327.
de Oliveira, A., et al. "Inhibition of alpha-amylase by "insulin plant" (Myrcia sphaerocarpa DC) extracts: an alternative for the treatment of diabetes mellitus?" J. Appl. Pharma. Sci. 2015 May; 5: 89-93.
Cascaes, M., et al. "Constituents and pharmacological activities of Myrcia (Myrtaceae): A review of an aromatic and medicinal group of plants." Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2015 Oct; 16(10): 23881-904.
Vareda, P., et al. "Myrcia bella leaf extract presents hypoglycemic activity via PI3k/Akt insulin signaling pathway." Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med. 2014; 2014: 543606.
Funke, I., et al. "Traditionally used plants in diabetes therapy - phytotherapeutics as inhibitors of α-amylase activity." Braz. J. Pharmacog. 2006 Jan/Mar; 16(1) :1-5.
Zucchi, O., et al. "Characterization of hypoglycemiant plants by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry." Biol. Trace Elem. Res. 2005; 103(3): 277-90.
Matsuda, H., et al. "Structural requirements of flavonoids and related compounds for aldose reductase inhibitory activity." Chem. Pharm. Bull. (Tokyo). 2002; 50(6):788-95.
Matsuda, H. "Antidiabetic principles of natural medicines. V. Aldose reductase inhibitors from Myrcia multiflora DC. (2): Structures of myrciacitrins III, IV, and V." Chem. Pharm. Bull. 2002; 50(3): 429-31.
Yoshikawa, M., 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. 1998; 46(1): 113-19.
Pepato, M. T., et al. "Assessment of the antidiabetic activity of Myrcia uniflora extracts in streptozotocin diabetic rats." Diabetes Res. 1993; 22(2): 49-57.
Russo, E. M., 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.
Schmeda-Hirschmann, G., et al. "Preliminary pharmacological studies on Eugenia uniflora leaves: xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity." J. Ethnopharmacol. 1987; 21(2): 183-86.
Chaudhry, P. S., et al. "Inhibition of human lens aldose reductase by flavonoids, sulindac and indomethacin." Biochem. Pharmacol. 1983; 32(13): 1995-98.
Grune, U., et al. "Sobre o principio antidiabetico da pedra-hume-caá, Myrcia multiflora (Lam)." Thesis 1979; Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
Brune, U., et al. "Myrcia spaerocarpa, D.C., planta diabetica." V Simposio de Plantas Medicinais do Brasil, Sao Paulo-SP, Brazil, 1978; 74 (September 4-6).
Mendes dos Reis Arruda, L., et al. "[Hypoglycemic effect induced by extract of the roots of Myrcia citrifolia (pedra-hume-caa), preliminary pharmacological study]." V Simposio de Plantas Medicinais do Brasil, Sao Paulo-SP, Brazil, 1978; 74 (September 4-6).
Varma, S. D., et al. "Flavonoids as inhibitors of lens aldose reductase." Science 1975; 188(4194): 1215-16.
Coutinho, A. B. Tese de Catedra. Faculdade de Medicina de Recife. Recife, Brazil, 1938.
Martins de Toledo, O. Tese de Doutoramento. Faculdade de Medicina de Sao Paulo. Sao Paulo, Brazil, 1929.
Anti-Obesity Actions:
Ferreira, E., et al. "The 2',4',6'-trihydroxyacetophenone isolated from Myrcia multiflora has antiobesity and mixed hypolipidemic effects with the reduction of lipid intestinal absorption." Planta Med. 2011 Sep; 77(14): 1569-74.
Ferreira, A. "[Hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effect of 2',4',6'-trihydroxyacetophenone isolated in Myricia multiflora]." (Thesis) 2010. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Brazil.
Antioxidant Actions:
Pontes, F., et al. "Antifungal and antioxidant activities of mature leaves of Myrcia splendens (Sw.) DC." Braz. J. Biol. 2019 Jan-Mar; 79(1): 127-132.
Gao, J., et al. "Myricitrin ameliorates ethanol-induced steatosis in mouse AML12 liver cells by activating AMPK, and reducing oxidative stress and expression of inflammatory cytokines." Mol. Med. Rep. 2018 May; 17(5): 7381-7387.
Qi, S., et al. "Myricitrin modulates NADPH oxidase-dependent ROS production to inhibit endotoxin-mediated inflammation by blocking the JAK/STAT1 and NOX2/p47phox pathways." Oxid. Med. Cell. Longev. 2017; 2017: 9738745.
Lei, Y. "Myricitrin decreases traumatic injury of the spinal cord and exhibits antioxidant and anti inflammatory activities in a rat model via inhibition of COX 2, TGF β1, p53 and elevation of Bcl 2/Bax signaling pathway." Mol. Med. Rep. 2017 Nov; 16(5): 7699-7705.
Xhang, B., et al. "Myricitrin attenuates high glucose-induced apoptosis through activating Akt-Nrf2 signaling in H9c2 cardiomyocytes." Molecules. 2016 Jul; 21(7): E880.
Cascaes, M., et al. "Constituents and pharmacological activities of Myrcia (Myrtaceae): A review of an aromatic and medicinal group of plants. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2015 Oct; 16(10): 23881-904.
Moresco, H., "Myricitrin as the main constituent of two species of Myrcia." J. Appl. Pharma. Sci. 2014 Feb; 4(2): 1-7.
Vareda, P., et al. "Hypoglycemic effect of the extract of Myrcia bella Cambess. through modulation of protein expression involved on glucose metabolism in liver of streptozotocin diabetic mice." Planta Med. 2014; 80 - SL23.
Salvador, M., et al. "Antioxidant capacity and phenolic content of four Myrtaceae plants of the south of Brazil." Nat. Prod. Commun. 2011 Jul; 6(7): 977-82.
Liver-Protective Actions:
Ferreira, E., et al. "Potent hepatoprotective effect in CCl(4)-induced hepatic injury in mice of phloroacetophenone from Myrcia multiflora." Libyan J. Med. 2010 Jun 8; 5.
Ferreira, A. "[Hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effect of 2'4'6' -trihidroxiacetofenona isolated in Myricia multiflora]." (Thesis) 2010. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Brazil.
Anti-Thyroid Actions:
Ferreira, A. C., et al. "Inhibition of thyroid peroxidase by Myrcia uniflora flavonoids." Chem. Res. Toxicol. 2006 Mar; 19(3): 351-5.
Antitumor Actions:
Ramalho, S., et al. "Evaluation of flavonols and derivatives as human cathepsin B inhibitor." Nat. Prod. Res. 2015; 29(23): 2212-4.