A method of inhibiting COX-2, inhibiting NF-Kappa B activation, treating inflammation, or treating cancer may comprise administering a therapeutically effective amount of an extract of Maytenus abenfolia to a patient. A medicament as described herein may comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle and a therapeutically effective amount of an extract of Maytenus abenfolia suspended in the vehicle. A method of making an extract of Maytenus abenfolia may comprise creating a component solution by treating Maytenus abenfolia material with an extractor and a solvent and producing an extract by at least partially removing liquid from the component solution. An extract of Maytenus abenfolia may comprise components extracted using various solvents.