Erythrina velutina
Erythrina velutinina, commonly known as the velvet coral tree, is a striking medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its vibrant blooms, this species holds significant ethnobotanical value. Traditional healers utilize its various parts to treat diverse ailments, leveraging its unique phytochemical properties for diverse therapeutic applications.
- Scientific name: Erythrina velutina
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is a member of the family Fabaceae and is classified under the genus Erythrina. Specifically, Erythrina velutina represents a unique species within this taxonomic hierarchy.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Erythrina | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Erythrina velutina, is recognized by several distinct common names across different languages and regions. In Portuguese, it is frequently referred to as both Suinã and Mulungu, names that ground it in its local botanical heritage. Additionally, it is known in Persian as فردوسی برزیلی and in Armenian as Իլենի թավշանման.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pt | Suinã | Wikidata |
| fa | فردوسی برزیلی | Wikidata |
| hy | Իլենի թավշանման | Wikidata |
| pt | Mulungu | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several continents and distinct ecological zones. In West-Central Tropical Africa, it can be found inhabiting the Gulf of Guinea Islands. Its presence extends to East Tropical Africa, specifically within the borders of Uganda. Moving toward the Indian Subcontinent, the species is documented growing in Sri Lanka. Finally, it reaches the Caribbean region, where it is located in both Aruba and the Cayman Islands.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gulf of Guinea Is. | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Uganda | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Sri Lanka | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Aruba | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Cayman Is. | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Cuba | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Dominican Republic | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Haiti | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Jamaica | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Leeward Is. | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Erythrina velutina, possesses various components that are utilized in different medicinal applications. The stem bark is often harvested for its specific bioactive compounds, while the leaves are frequently employed in traditional remedies. Whether used as a whole leaf or in processed forms, these vegetative structures play a vital role in the plant's therapeutic profile. Additionally, the seeds serve as another important part of the species, contributing to the diverse pharmacological potential of this medicinal plant.- Total parts
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stem bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Erythrina velutina has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Hypaphorine, flavonoids, indole alkaloid.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Hypaphorine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| indole alkaloid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Erythrina velutina has 6 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Anticonvulsant, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anxiolytic.
- Total activities
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticonvulsant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anxiolytic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Erythrina velutina has 9 reported medicinal uses identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include central nervous system disorders, anxiety, central nervous system, central nervous system depressants, convulsion.
- Total uses
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 10
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| central nervous system disorders | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anxiety | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| central nervous system | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| central nervous system depressants | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| convulsion | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| convulsions | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| depression | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| insomnia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |