Brazil-cherry
Eugenia uniflora
Eugenia uniflora, commonly known as pitanga, is a plant species utilized within various traditional medicine systems. It is traditionally employed for its antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and analgesic properties. Scientific evidence regarding these specific therapeutic claims is limited, though studies have characterized its pectin properties and noted high anthocyanin content in certain varieties. Research also indicates that its essential oils may possess significant antifungal and insecticidal potential. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- antihypertensive · antidiabetic
- Traditions
- Western phytotherapy
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- antihypertensive
- antidiabetic
- analgesic
What the science says
- This study characterized the rheological and structural properties of pectins from Eugenia uniflora, revealing their potential for various applications.
- Brazilian berries, particularly black pitanga and nhamburi, are rich in anthocyanins with high bioaccessibility.
- EOs from selected chemotypes of Eugenia uniflora showed strong inhibitory effects against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Pestalotia sp., with IC50 values comparable to the fungicide tebuconazole.
- The nanoemulsified Eugenia uniflora essential oil was toxic to Spodoptera frugiperda and selective for Trichogramma pretiosum, showing potential for integrated pest management.
Frequently asked questions
What is Brazil-cherry?
Brazil-cherry (Eugenia uniflora) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Brazil-cherry traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Brazil-cherry for: antihypertensive, antidiabetic, analgesic. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Brazil-cherry?
Brazil-cherry appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy.
What does the scientific evidence say about Brazil-cherry?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Brazil-cherry; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: This study characterized the rheological and structural properties of pectins from Eugenia uniflora, revealing their potential for various applications.
How strong is the evidence for Brazil-cherry?
The strongest finding for Brazil-cherry carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Brazil-cherry safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Brazil-cherry in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Brazil-cherry interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Brazil-cherry in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Brazil-cherry?
Brazil-cherry is also known as: Суринамская вишня, Cerisier de Cayenne.
Is Brazil-cherry a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Toxicity of Nanoemulsified Eugenia uniflora (Myrtaceae) Essential Oil to Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Selectivity to Trichogramma pretiosum (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae). literature abstract metadata
- T2 Bioaccessibility of anthocyanins and bioactive compounds from Brazilian berries and their food matrix interaction: an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion study coupled to UHPLC-ESI-TQD-MS/MS analysis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Antifungal Potential of Essential Oil Chemotypes of Eugenia uniflora Against Phytopathogens. literature abstract metadata
- T2 From pulp to pectin gels: Unraveling the rheological and structural properties of pitanga pectins and their acid- and calcium-induced gelation mechanisms. literature abstract metadata
- T3 Eugenia uniflora CC BY-SA 4.0