Phytochemical profile and neuropharmacological potential of Erythrina velutina Willd. (Fabaceae): An integrative preclinical review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14295/bjs.v5i4.845Keywords:
medicinal plants, alkaloids, flavonoids, neuroactive compounds, oxidative stressAbstract
Medicinal plants constitute an important source of bioactive compounds for the discovery of novel neuroactive agents. Erythrina velutina Willd. (Fabaceae). Popularly known as mulungu, has been traditionally used in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions related to the central nervous system (CNS), which has motivated extensive pharmacological and preclinical investigations. This integrative review critically synthesizes the available evidence on the phytochemical profile and neuropharmacological potential of E. velutina. The literature search was conducted in PubMed, SciELO, Web of Science, and the Virtual Health Library, including preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, with no language or publication-year restrictions. The analyzed studies indicate a complex phytochemical composition characterized primarily by alkaloids, flavonoids, and other phenolic compounds. Preclinical evidence demonstrates anxiolytic, sedative, anticonvulsant, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anticholinesterase activities associated with modulation of GABAergic and cholinergic neurotransmission, as well as with reductions in oxidative stress and neuronal protection. The available toxicological data suggest low acute toxicity and the absence of genotoxic effects at the experimentally evaluated doses. However, the lack of standardized extracts, compound-guided pharmacological studies, long-term toxicological assessments, and clinical investigations limits the translational extrapolation of the findings. Therefore, future studies focused on bioprospecting, elucidation of mechanisms of action, and clinical validation are required to consolidate the pharmacological potential of Erythrina velutina.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Gabriela Acunha Razzera, Elize Musachio, Fernanda dos Santos Trombini, Cindhy Suely da Silva Medeiros, Maria Denise Schimith, Euler Esteves Ribeiro, Fernanda Barbisan
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