With regards to the studies of phytotherapeutic medicines, their popular use proves to be potentially important; however, a series of studies are necessary focusing on the identification of the species that have proven pharmacological action and/or biologically active components. The use of phytotherapy medicines in the clinical practice, treatment and prevention of less severe disorders is being recently recognized by the Brazilian SUS. Particularly in dentistry, the use of medicinal plants is still underexplored. However, some studies were conducted with plants of popular medicine use, such as: copaiba oil, pomegranate extract, clove, malva, plantain, mulberry, sage and chamomile, among others, in the search for antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory qualities. Some of these qualities were later proven in scientific studies. In this review, we aimed to highlight the potential of the "aroeira-do-sertão" tree (M. urundeuva All), which is a plant utilized in traditional medicine in the Northeast region of Brazil and in some South America countries, as a phytotherapeutic medicine in dentistry. The extracts of the "aroeira-do-sertão" tree are acquired through the preparation of the leaves, roots and bark of the trunk and branches. The dimeric chalcones, urundeuvina A, B, C and matosine were isolated in the M. urundeuva bark. Some published studies have investigated the effects of the "aroeira-do-sertão" such as; antimicrobial action, anti-inflammatory action, healing in the treatment of wounds, gastritis, gastric ulcers, cervicitis, vaginitis, and hemorrhoids. In this regard, the "aroeira-do-sertão" has shown good results in studies involving the control of microorganism related to oral conditions, such as S. mutans. However, further studies are needed to confirm its mechanism of action and establish safe conditions for its use in specific situations (i.e. diseases).
aroeira-do-sertão"; phytotherapy; dentistry; medicinal plants