Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell) Brenan: Ethnobotanical, phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological aspects.
Journal of ethnopharmacology January 10, 2023 Merline Delices, Jessica de Araujo Isaias Muller, Karuppusamy Arunachalam et al. 23 citations
Anadenanthera colubrina, a South American tree used in traditional medicine and indigenous rituals, has pharmacological potential but also possible toxicity from psychotropic compounds. This review of published studies found that bark and seeds are commonly used for respiratory conditions and as entheogens. The plant exhibits anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antidiarrheal, wound healing, antimicrobial, antitumoral, antioxidant, antiaddictive, insecticide, and allelopathic properties in laboratory assays. Approximately 56 compounds have been identified, including an exclusive flavonoid, anadanthoflavone, and bufotenine from seeds, linked to hallucinogenic and antiviral activity. Extracts from leaves, bark, gum, and fruits show low toxicity in tests, but seed extracts' safety remains unclear. More research on isolated compounds and mechanisms is needed to validate traditional uses.