SILVA, L. S. A.; SILVA, Lailson Suelisson de Almeida.
Abstract:
Erythrina velutina (mulungu), is widely present in popular use in bottle forms or hydroalcoholic
extracts, for having a relaxing effect directly associated with anxiety and insomnia, currently
Erytrhina is associated with formulations such as Valeriana sp and Passiflora sp. In in vivo
studies, it is effective from the alkaloids erythravine and 11-hydroxy-erythravine, showing its
pharmacological potential, presenting itself as a strong option for future herbal medicines of
the central nervous system. Therefore, this study aimed to carry out a bibliographic review on
anxiolytic and sedative / hypnotic activities of Erythrina, using electronic databases (Medlyne,
Highwire, Scielo, Scholar google) national and international health committees, using predefined descriptors. established in the publication period from 2000 to 2019. 43 studies were
found, of which 9 were evaluated and used. The results demonstrated that the mechanism of
action can be compared to that of usual drugs in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia, however,
with less side effects and dependence. Studies show that the alkaloids erythravine and 11-
hydroxy-erythravine are mainly responsible for activities in the control of in vivo anxiety and
insomnia in preclinical in vivo tests. Thus showing that Erythrina velutina is considered as
promising for new herbal medicines, although clinical studies are needed to confirm its
effectiveness.
