The use of herbal medicines and supplements has increased over the past three decades in primary health care. As therapies involving medicinal plants are promising, many of them permanently unsound as to safety in use (toxicity) and biological efficacy. In addition, based on research to identify phytochemicals, these plants represent a source of resources for the development of new therapies. This systematic review on the consumption of guavira (Campomanesia pubescens) aims to provide theoretical background for pharmacological and food use of this plant and contribute to the scientific and economic development of the regions where it is found. The review was carried out between January 2017 and March 2018 and specific databases and descriptors were used to search the articles and other materials used. The analysis of systematic research was restricted to articles in English and Portuguese, as well as monographs, master's dissertations and doctoral theses. Original papers and systematic literature reviews were selected that involved the genus Campomanesia and the species C. pubescens. Despite being widely consumed by the population, there is a shortage of studies that prove the biological activity that justifies ethnopharmacological use as well as tests that point to safety for human consumption.