Mulungu

Erythrina verna

Physical Characteristics

Erythrina verna is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects, Humming birds. It can fix Nitrogen. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

S. America - eastern and southern Brazil, Bolivia.

Habitats

Edible Uses

None Known.

Medicinal Uses

Antidepressant Antiinflammatory Antispasmodic Antitussive Cardiac Carminative Epilepsy Febrifuge Narcotic Sedative Urinary The bark of the tree has long been used for medicinal purposes by indigenous peoples in Brazil, especially as a natural sedative. It has been used to calm an overexcited nervous system and promote restful sleep[ 318 ]. The active compounds in the tree have been studied extensively; they have been found to comprise large amounts of novel flavonoids, triterpenes, and alkaloids[ 318 , 739 ]. Twenty isoquinoline alkaloids have been documented for this tree. Many of these have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, cardioactive, narcotic, and sedative activities. One of these alkaloids, 'cristamidine' has been shown to have a positive effect on the liver[ 318 ]. Other alkaloids have shown hypotensive and heart-regulatory activities[ 318 ]. The alkaloid 'erysodine' has been documented with neuromuscular effects characteristic of curare arrow poisons. Two studies also indicate that it might be useful as an anti-nicotine drug, as it demonstrated actions as a competitive antagonist and to block nicotine receptors[ 318 ]. The traditional use of the plant to relieve anxiety and stress has been validated by researchers in a 2002 study, where it was shown that a water-alcohol extract of the plant altered anxiety-related responses. The effect was similar to the commonly-prescribed anti-anxiety drug diazepam[ 318 ]. It was suggested in this study that the alkaloids in Erythrina 'may alter GABAergic neurotransmission.' GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain; abnormalities with its function is implicated in diseases including epilepsy, anxiety, and depression[ 318 ]. Further research has validated the traditional use of the plant as an antimicrobial agent for throat and urinary infections, it had demonstrated antibacterial activity in two studies against Staphylococcus aureus, and antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium fortuitum and Mycobacterium smegmatis[ 318 ]. Positive regulatory effects on heart palpitations and decreased blood pressure have been reported[ 318 ]. The bark is antispasmodic, antitussive, calmative and narcotic[ 739 ]. It is considered to be an excellent sedative to calm agitation and nervous coughs and to treat other nervous system problems, including insomnia and anxiety. It also is widely used in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, gingivitis, hepatitis, inflammation of the liver and spleen, intermittent fevers, and to clear obstructions in the liver. It is also used in some areas as part of the treatment for epilepsy[ 318 ]. It is also used to quiet hysteria from trauma or shock, as a mild, hypnotic sedative to calm the nervous system, to treat insomnia and promote healthy sleeping patterns (by sedating overactive neurotransmitters), to regulate heart palpitations, and to treat hepatitis and liver disorders.; Dr Donna Schwontkowski, a chiropractor who has used Amazonian plants in her practice, recommends the bark for treating hernias, stomachaches, and epilepsy - and to help augment milk flow as well[ 318 ].

Known Hazards

None known