Remedial Effects of "Erabadu" or Coral Tree

Coral tree (Erythrina variegeta) belongs to the family Fabaceae (Legume family). In Sinhala, it is known as Erabudu. It is a tree that is a thorny deciduous tree growing to 60 feet tall. It is naturally growing in many parts of India, China, Malaysia, Sri Lanka. Previous studies proved that the coral tree has many important phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and lectin. 

Different parts of the coral tree are widely used in folk remedies. For example, the coral tree already used in ancient times to prevent dental caries. More specifically, isoflavonoids isolated from the coral tree has been screened for antibacterial activity. Thus, coral tree extract has potential as a potent phytochemical agent for the prevention of dental caries by inhibiting the growth of cariogenic bacteria.

Crude the extract obtained from the coral tree has a potent antioxidative activity and thereby eradicating oxidative stress. Thus, some animal studies demonstrated that the extract of the coral trees may have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the leaves and barks of the coral tree are used in fever and rheumatism due to their anti-inflammatory activity.

According to folk remedies, the coral tree is useful in eye diseases. The inner part of the bark, coated with ghee, and held over a flam, forms affine soot, used for watery eyes. In addition to that, the total alkaloid fraction from the bark has a positive effect on the central nervous system functions. Moreover, this research finding also suggests that barks of the coral tree may have a therapeutic treatment of epilepsy because it could be useful for the treatment of absence seizure.

Animal studies revealed that total alkaloidal fraction from bark caused smooth muscle relaxation. Consequently, it can play an important role in conditions like diarrhea or spasm or colic pain. It is for this reason that it is widely used in folk medicine, as a remedy against nausea and vomiting.

The fresh juice of the coral leaves, with a little bee's honey is an efficacious remedy for tapeworm, threadworm, and roundworm. The tender leaves are cooked with coconut milk as a vegetable for children who are one year old. This prevents worm complaints. As an agent that promotes secretion and flow of milk, either the juice of the fresh leaves cooked in coconut milk can be given to mothers during the period of lactation.

Coral tree extracts were evaluated on calcium homeostasis by a rat research study. Interestingly, they found that coral tree extracts improve the serum Ca level and inhibit the urinary Ca excretion. Moreover, another research finding showed that the coral tree could suppress the high rate of bone turnover induced by estrogen deficiency, inhibit bone loss and improve the biomechanical properties of bone in the lab rats. Finally, studies also proved that bioactive compounds in coral trees might be very useful as antiproliferative and antitumor agents.

In conclusion, based on ancient medicine revealed that the coral tree is a vital medicinal plant with a diverse pharmacological spectrum. Hence, this natural plant provides a substantial role in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Further research needs to be carried out in order  to explore the concealed areas and their practical clinical applications, which can be used for the well-being of the mankind.

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References

Cui, L., Thuong, P.T., Fomum, Z.T., Oh, & W.K. (2009). A new erythrinan alkaloid from the seed of Erythrina addisoniae. Arch Pharm Res., 32, 325–328.

Rukachaisirikul, T., Saekee, A., Tharibun, C., Watkuolham, & S., Suksamrarn, A. (2007). Biological activities of the chemical constituents of Erythrina stricta and Erythrina subumbrans. Arch Pharm Res., 30,1398–1403.

Ghosal, S., Dutta, S. K., & Bhathacharya, S. K. (1972). Erythrina - chemical and pharmacological evaluation II: Alkaloids of Erythrina variegata L. J Pharm Sci., 61, 1274–1277.

Anwar M. Ph D. Thesis. Karachi, Pakistan: Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi; 2006. The pharmacognostic and pharmacological studies on medicinal valued herbal drugs, Erythrina variegata Var. Orientalis, Matricaria chamommilla, Psoralea corylifolia and Chenopodium album.