Pharmacobotanical characterization of Monteverdia ilicifolia (Mart. ex Reiss.) Biral leaves and its adulterants sold as medicinal tea in Brazil: a contribution to quality control

Leaves of Monteverdia ilicifolia (“espinheira-santa”) are considered a medicinal tea by the Brazilian Sanitary Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), their anti-dyspeptic, anti-acid and protective gastric mucosa properties. Their spiny margins similar to those other botanical species, which may lead misidentifications. The aim this work was evaluate authenticity 32 samples herbal drugs commercialized as “espinheira-santa” in formal trade Brazil, macro microscopic morphological studies leaves. evaluation based on leaf venation patterns, shape anatomy petiole midrib region cross section, vascular system arrangement epidermal characters. Analysis these characters compared literature data suggests that 34% M. remaining 66% Sorocea bonplandii, species with no clinical assuring its effective safe use, representing thus potential risk public health.