espinheirasanta
Espinheirasanta, scientifically known as Maytenus ilicifolia, is a plant native to South America, particularly found in Brazil and Argentina. It is a shrub or small tree characterized by its thorny branches and leathery leaves, which are typically ovate with serrated or spiny margins, hence its common name which translates to "holy thorn" in Portuguese. The plant belongs to the Celastraceae family.
Historically, espinheirasanta has been used in traditional folk medicine by indigenous communities for its perceived therapeutic
Modern research has investigated some of the compounds present in espinheirasanta, such as tannins and flavonoids,