Matico (Piper aduncum) has a long history of traditional use in South America, particularly among indigenous peoples, for the treatment of ulcers—both external and internal. The leaves are commonly applied to wounds and ulcers to promote healing and reduce inflammation. In traditional herbal medicine, preparations of Matico are also ingested or applied as poultices for gastrointestinal ulcers, with the belief that its astringent and antimicrobial properties help protect and heal mucosal tissues.

However, scientific research on the efficacy of Matico specifically for ulcer treatment is limited. While some laboratory studies have identified antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory constituents in Matico (such as flavonoids and essential oils), there is a paucity of rigorous clinical trials or robust pharmacological studies directly supporting its use for peptic or skin ulcers in humans. Thus, most of the support for using Matico in ulcer management derives from traditional knowledge and anecdotal evidence, rather than from strong scientific validation.

In summary, Matico’s use for ulcers is primarily justified by traditional practices, with only limited preliminary scientific support. High-quality clinical studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for this indication.