Pedra hume caà

(Myrcia salicifolia)

Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Myrcia
Species: salicifolia, uniflora, multiflora, sphaerocarpa
Synonyms: Aubmyrcia salicifolia, Myrcia multiflora
Common Names: Pedra hume caá, pedra-ume-caá, insulina vegetal
Main Phytochemicals: beta-amyrin, catechin, desmanthin, gallic acid, ginkgoic acid, guaijaverin, mearnsitrin, myrciacitrin I–V, myrciaphenone A, myrciaphenone B, myricitrin, and quercitrin.
Part Used: Leaves

HERBAL PROPERTIES AND ACTIONS

Main Actions: lowers blood sugar improves diabetes increases urination protects nerves

Other Actions: fights free radicals dries secretions

Standard Dosage: Leaves Infusion: 1 cup 2-3 times daily with meals Capsules: 1-2g 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.

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.

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.
Pedra hume caá has been used by indigenous tribes in the rainforest for diabetes, diarrhea, and dysentery. TIt 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.” 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.

Pedra Hume Caá

Main Preparation Method:	infusion or capsules
Main Actions (in order):	antidiabetic, hypoglycemic, aldose reductase inhibitor (prevents diabetic complications), astringent, hypotensive (lowers blood pressure)
Main Uses:	for diabetes as a preventative to diabetic neuropathy and macular degeneration for hypertension and as a heart tonic (tones, balances, strengthens the heart) for enteritis, diarrhea and dysentery as an astringent to stop bleeding and hemorrhages
Properties/Actions Documented by Research:	antidiabetic, alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, aldose reductase inhibitor, appetite suppressant, hypoglycemic
Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:	antihemorrhagic (reduces bleeding), antioxidant, astringent, cardiotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the heart), gastrototonic (tones, balances, strengthens the gastric tract), hypotensive (lowers blood pressure)
Traditional Preparation:	Infusion: one cup of leaf infusion 2-3 times daily with meals Tabs/Caps: 1-2 g of leaf powder in tablets or capsules with meals
Contraindications:	It lowers blood sugar levels. It is contraindicated in hypoglycemia. Diabetics should monitor their glucose levels closely. Pedra hume caá has been used in South American herbal medicine for hypertension. This use has not been substantiated or confirmed by clinical research. However, 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.
Drug Interactions:	May potentiate antidiabetic medications and insulin drugs. May potentiate antihypertensive medications.

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