Brazilian-tea
Stachytarpheta jamaicensis
Stachytarpheta jamaicensis is a plant utilized across various traditional medicine systems. It is historically applied to address sores, boils, fever, stomach complaints, cough, eczema, and dysentery, among other conditions. Preliminary scientific studies suggest potential antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, with some methanol extracts showing alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Additionally, dichloromethane extracts have demonstrated antiplasmodial activity in mouse models. There are no major safety issues or notable drug interactions recorded in the current data. Information regarding the potential release of microplastics from tea bag brewing is noted in related literature.
- Traditionally for
- sores · vermifuge
- Traditions
- traditional
- Best evidence
- A
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- sores
- vermifuge
- boils
- fever
- stomach complaints
- dropsy (edema)
- emetic
- erysipelas
- cathartic
- cough
- depurative
- dysentery
- eczema
- flu
- galactagogue
What the science says
- A single plastic tea bag can release hundreds of thousands to billions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles during brewing.
- The methanol extract of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis leaves showed antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity compared to other solvent extracts.
- The dichloromethane extract of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis showed significant antiplasmodial activity at 200 mg/kg dose, improving survival rates in infected mice.
- The bio-oil derived from Stachytarpheta jamaicensis showed strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.
- The study indicates that Stachytarpheta jamaicensis shows potential as an antidiabetic agent based on previous in vitro and in vivo experiments.
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 is Brazilian-tea traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Brazilian-tea for: sores, vermifuge, boils, fever, stomach complaints, dropsy (edema). This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Brazilian-tea?
Brazilian-tea appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.
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
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Antidiabetic Potential of Selected Ethnomedicines Utilized for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Trinidad and Tobago: A Review. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of compound isolated from Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L) Vahl. leaves. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Antioxidant, antimicrobial and in silico investigations on pyrolytic bio-oil from invasive Stachytarpheta jamaicensis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Antiplasmodial and immunomodulatory activities of dichloromethane extract of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis in Plasmodium berghei infected mice. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Unveiling the invisible burden from cup to body: a comprehensive profiling of microplastics and nanoplastics released from tea bags. literature abstract metadata