This work started with the notice that the specie freely sold in fairs and popular stores in Rio de Janeiro city botanically differs from Mart. Ex. Reiss (Celastraceae), industrially commercialized (and with its use recognized and registered in the Ministry of Health) as Espinheira Santa. By botanical comparison it was evidenced that none of the collected species corresponded to M. ilicifolia Mart. Ex. Reiss but, probably, to Sorocea bomplandii Bailon (Moraceae), one of the most used species in the adulteration of Espinheira Santa. Once there aren't enough studies that justifies the use or that evidence the safety of S. Bomplandii Bailon, it becomes a public health issue.
medicinal plants; Maytenus ilicifolia; herb sellers; ethnopharmacology; Sorocea bomplandii