Potencial terapêutico da canela - de - velho (Miconia albicans): revisão da literatura.

Abstract

Miconia albicans is one of the most important species of the Melastomataceae family, known as “maria-branca”, “lacre-branco”, “folha-branca” and “canela-de-velho”. According to reports in the literature, its popular use indication is for the treatment of rheumatism, arthrosis, arthritis, vitiligo, genitourinary infections, regulation of heart rhythm, antiophidic, prevention of heart attacks, relief of febrile symptoms, and for gastric problems. Given this reported therapeutic diversity, the present study aims to review the literature on the Miconia albicans plant and its therapeutic potential. The study was based on an integrative review without time limitation in the scientific databases Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and the BVS. Of the 113 articles retrieved from the databases, 31 were selected to compose the results, in which phenolic compounds and terpenes were identified as the most prevalent classes of secondary metabolites. Conditions related to joint pain such as arthritis, osteoarthritis and pain in the spine/back were evidenced, as the problems most related to its use. Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities were the most frequent among the studies, but positive results were also obtained for antioxidant, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, analgesic, antidiabetic and antiophidic properties. In addition to toxicity against Artemia salina, THP-1 cells and against lung fibroblast cell lineage. Possible mechanisms of action were also attributed, the antioxidant linked to the scavenging of free radicals, anti-inflammatory inhibition of arachidonic acid cascade enzymes, blocking the increase in inflammatory cytokine levels, decreased levels of adipocytokines and soluble TNF receptors -α, antidiabetic inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B and anxiolytic relationship with GABAergic receptors. In view of this, the literature points to the need for more studies, for a reliable confirmation, in which a safe use of the plant can be guaranteed and the opening of a range of new drug therapy options for the population, since its results are promising and contribute to the discovery of new drugs.