Mulungu (Erythrina mulungu) is a tree that provides great benefits and has healing properties. More detail on this will follow.
The mulungo is medium in size and well branched. Produces reddish-orange flowers through pollination by cauliflower. It is sometimes called a «coral flower» as its flowers resemble an orange coral in shape. The plant produces pods containing large, red and black seeds, which are sometimes used by indigenous people to make necklaces and jewelry.
The genus Erythrina comprises more than 100 species of trees and shrubs (mostly all heavily armed with spines) in subtropical and tropical regions and has two botanical names: E. mulungu and E. verna. Another closely related species, Erythrina cresta-galli, is found further south on the South American continent, being the national flower of Argentina.
Erythrina mulungu is part of the National List of Medicinal Plants of Interest to SUS (RENISUS), made up of plant species with the potential to advance in the stages of the production chain and to generate products of interest to the Brazilian Ministry of Health.
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healing properties
Since the herb is believed to possess sedative properties, mulungu is often used as a treatment for anxiety.
You can find mulungu at many health food stores and stores specializing in dietary supplements. It is also widely available to buy online.
In alternative medicine, mulungu is said to help with the following conditions:
Mulungu is purported to relieve pain and support weight loss. It is also believed to act as an anticonvulsant and, in turn, protect against epileptic seizures.
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Mulungo benefits
To date, few studies have tested the health effects of mulungu. However, some preliminary animal research indicates that mulungu may offer certain health benefits. Here are some key findings from the available studies:
Anxiety Several studies show that mulungu shows promise in the treatment of anxiety. For example, a study published in the Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacology found that extracts of mulungu bark helped reduce anxiety in mice by depressing the central nervous system.
Additionally, a 2003 Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin study found that rats treated with mulungu extract experienced a decrease in anxiety. Given this finding, the study authors suggest that mulungu may help manage conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. However, more research is needed before Mulungu can be recommended for the treatment of anxiety-related conditions.
Pain Mulungu may help decrease pain, according to a 2003 study in the Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. In tests on mice, the study authors determined that mulungu extract may act as an antinociceptive, a substance that reduces the body’s sensitivity to painful stimuli.
Epilepsy Mulungu may have anticonvulsant effects, according to an animal-based study published in Epilepsy & Behavior in 2012. In the study, researchers found that erysothrin, a compound extracted from the flowers of the mulungu plant, helped inhibit seizures and also produced a mild antihypertensive effect. anxiety effects.
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Contraindications and side effects
Due to a lack of research, little is known about the safety of long-term or regular use of mulungu. However, there is some concern that mulungu might cause drowsiness. Additionally, mulungu may be harmful to people with low blood pressure.
It is important to note that supplements have not been tested for safety and dietary supplements are largely unregulated. In some cases, the product may deliver doses that differ from the amount specified for each herb.
In other cases, the product may be contaminated with other substances such as metals. Additionally, the safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and people with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established.
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