There are many plants that have been used for decades by the population to treat diseases and injuries, such as Himatanthus drasticus, also known as janaúba, janaúna, jaraúba, among other names. In popular medicine it is known for its healing, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties, among others. The methodology used an integrative review, with searches in online databases Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scielo Brazil and BDTD (Brazilian digital library of theses and dissertations). The systematization grouped 22 articles included in the review parameters that show the potential of the metabolite compounds present in Himatanthus drasticus for use in the control and prevention of human diseases. However, more studies and tests are necessary to prospect their use in the industry and also by the population.