Myrcia
OTHER NAME(S): Cambui, Pedra Hume, Pedra Hume Caa, Myrcia multiflora, Myrcia salicifolia, Myrcia uniflora
Overview
Myrcia is a medium-sized shrub that grows in parts of central and southeastern Brazil. Some Myrcia species also grow in other South American countries, including Bolivia, Peru, and Paraguay.
Myrcia is used for diabetes, diarrhea, hemorrhage, high blood pressure, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use.
Myrcia might reduce how much sugar is absorbed by the stomach. This might help lower post-meal blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Myrcia might reduce how much sugar is absorbed by the stomach. This might help lower post-meal blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Diabetes. Early research shows that drinking an herbal tea containing Myrcia uniflora does not improve blood sugar or insulin levels in people with or without diabetes.
- Diarrhea.
- Bloody diarrhea.
- Inflamed intestines.
- Bleeding.
- High blood pressure.
- Mouth ulcers.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate Myrcia for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Myrcia is safe or what the side effects might be.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Myrcia is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Myrcia is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism): Myrcia might decrease the production of thyroid hormone. This might worsen symptoms in people who already have low thyroid hormone levels.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Levothyroxine (Synthroid, others) interacts with MyrciaMyrcia might reduce how much thyroid hormone the body produces. Levothyroxine is used to increase thyroid hormone levels in people whose levels are too low. In theory, taking Myrcia with levothyroxine might reduce how well levothyroxine works.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of Myrcia depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Myrcia. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- 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.
- 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):113-9.
- Matsuda, H., Nishida, N., and 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):429-31.
- Ferreira AC, Neto JC, da Silva AC, et al. Inhibition of thyroid peroxidase by Myrcia uniflora flavonoids. Chem Res Toxicol 2006;19(3):351-55.
- Pepato MT, Oliveira JR, Kettelhut IC, Migliorini RH. Assessment of the antidiabetic activity of Myrcia uniflora extracts in streptozotocin diabetic rats. Diabetes Res 1993;22(2):49-57.
- Zoghbi MGB, Andrade EHA, da Silva MHL, Carreira LMM, Maia JGS. Essential oils from three Myrcia species. Flavour Fragr J 2003;18:421-424.