Miconia albicans (Sw.) Triana (canela-de-velho), the new trend plant from the Brazilian Cerrado

Abstract

Miconia albicans (canela-de-velho) is a species widely distributed in the Cerrado. In recent years, its leaves have been commercialized for the preparation of medicinal teas. The genus Miconia is highly diverse in the Cerrado, and the high morphological similarity of the species often results in misidentification, even by specialists. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the identification of M. albicans, and its distinction from other Cerrado species with morphological similarity. In addition, a literature review of the species was performed in search of studies on potential biological and pharmacological activity. Nineteen samples of plants marketed as "canela-de-velho" and/or Miconia albicans were acquired from fairs in six municipalities in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The species were properly identified and conflicting characters were determined. Based on these characters, a survey of all species with morphological similarity in Cerrado was carried out. Thirteen species similar to M. albicans were found, and an illustrated identification key was developed. As for the review of biological activity, only M. albicans presents anti-inflammatory activity identified by one study. M. albicans and six of the 13 identified species showed cytotoxicity at high concentration levels in studies with in vitro and in vivo analyses. M. albicans accumulates aluminum in the leaves, which are the organs used to prepare the infusion. Currently, there are no clinical trials to validate the use of M. albicans as herbal medicine. Indiscriminate use and lack of scientific evidence, besides not producing the desired results, can cause adverse effects.

Bioaccessibility of Metallic Ions and Phenolic Compounds in Teas From Miconia Albicans

“…It is popularly used to treat digestive disorders, back pain, arthritis, osteoarthritis, joint pain and inflammation. These activities can be explained by the presence of substances such as flavonoids, ursolic acid and oleanoic acid (OLIVEIRA, MOTA E AGNES, 2014;BRASIL, et al, 2019;IGLESIAS & FONSECA, 2022). Metallic elements are also extracted during the tea preparation process and can be partially or fully bioaccessible and bioavailable to the body (POHL, et al, 2016).…”

Vegetation structure define mite assemblage on plants: a case study in Cerrado biome

“…(Melastomataceae) was choose as target-plant for sampling, for its high abundance at PNE and for occurring in all plots. This plant is a shrub that bears plenty of green leaves throughout the year, each of which with plenty of trichomes (Iglesias & Fonseca 2022). In each plot, a plant of this species, as close as possible to the plot center was selected and marked so that, at each sampling date, samples were taken from the same plants.…”