Brazilian-tea

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, commonly known as blue verbena or treacle plant, is a traditional medicinal herb used in various folk remedies across the Caribbean and Central America. While its specific uses are not extensively documented, it has shown promise in preliminary scientific studies. The methanol extract of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis leaves demonstrated antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory properties, suggesting potential benefits for managing blood sugar levels. Additionally, a dichloromethane extract exhibited significant antiplasmodial activity at 200 mg/kg dose in mice, indicating possible efficacy against malaria. The bio-oil derived from the plant showed strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, further highlighting its potential medicinal applications. Notably, no major safety concerns or reported drug interactions have been identified to date. However, more research is needed to validate these findings and explore the full range of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis's therapeutic properties.

At a glance
Best evidence
A
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • A single plastic tea bag can release hundreds of thousands to billions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles during brewing. A PMID
  • The methanol extract of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis leaves showed antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity compared to other solvent extracts. D PMID
  • The dichloromethane extract of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis showed significant antiplasmodial activity at 200 mg/kg dose, improving survival rates in infected mice. D PMID
  • The bio-oil derived from Stachytarpheta jamaicensis showed strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. D PMID
  • The study indicates that Stachytarpheta jamaicensis shows potential as an antidiabetic agent based on previous in vitro and in vivo experiments. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Brazilian-tea?

Brazilian-tea (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Brazilian-tea?

5 sourced findings are recorded for Brazilian-tea; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: A single plastic tea bag can release hundreds of thousands to billions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles during brewing.

How strong is the evidence for Brazilian-tea?

The strongest finding for Brazilian-tea carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Brazilian-tea safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Brazilian-tea in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Brazilian-tea interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Brazilian-tea in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Brazilian-tea?

Brazilian-tea is also known as: Verveine bleue.

Is Brazilian-tea 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

  1. T2 Antidiabetic Potential of Selected Ethnomedicines Utilized for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Trinidad and Tobago: A Review. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of compound isolated from Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L) Vahl. leaves. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Antioxidant, antimicrobial and in silico investigations on pyrolytic bio-oil from invasive Stachytarpheta jamaicensis. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Antiplasmodial and immunomodulatory activities of dichloromethane extract of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis in Plasmodium berghei infected mice. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Unveiling the invisible burden from cup to body: a comprehensive profiling of microplastics and nanoplastics released from tea bags. literature abstract metadata