mulungu

Mulungu refers to the bark or root preparations of the Erythrina mulungu tree, a leguminous plant native to Brazil and other parts of South America. Traditionally used in Brazilian and Amazonian herbal medicine, mulungu is valued for its calming and sedative properties. The main active constituents are erythrinian alkaloids such as erythravine and (+)-11α-hydroxyerythravine, which have been shown to inhibit neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors—particularly the α4β2 subtype—leading to central nervous system depressant effects[1][8]. These actions underlie its use as a natural anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), sleep aid (for insomnia), mild antidepressant, anticonvulsant, analgesic (pain relief), anti-inflammatory agent, hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) remedy, and antihypertensive[1][5][6][8]. Mulungu is typically consumed as teas/decoctions from bark or leaves but is also available in capsules or tinctures. It is not an approved pharmaceutical drug but rather a traditional herbal remedy with growing interest for further pharmacological development.

Brand names

Mulungu Matusa

Other names

Erythrina mulunguErythrina velutinacoral tree