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

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.