Traditional use, phytochemistry and biological activities of <i>Poincianella pyramidalys</i> (Tul.) LP Queiroz

Abstract

The vegetation of Northeastern Brazil is an important source of income for the local population. Poincianella pyramidalis is a very important species in the semiarid and is inserted in various categories of ethnobotanical use, as foraging, construction and technology uses. However, the most important use is medicinal. Several preparations obtained from the root, bark, leaves and flowers of P. pyramidalis are used to treat various ailments, especially infections, pain and inflammation. This paper discusses the medical use, chemical constituents and pharmacological potential of P. pyramidalis. This revision was based on studies published in scientific journals, books, and search sites such as Science Direct, PubMed and American Chemical Society (ACS). P. pyramidalis features a wealth of secondary metabolites, belonging to the most diverse classes as flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins and others. Of these, 22 compounds were included in this review. The species showed significant ability to perform biological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, radioprotective and anticancer, as well as being both a molluscicide and larvicide. On the other hand, the species showed relative toxicity. Numerous compounds in P. pyramidalis were identified with recognized action on the body, where anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities were the most pronounced. All parts of the plant stem, flower, root and leaf showed pharmacological action validating many traditional uses. However, the identification of the chemical constituents or group responsible for producing these therapeutic actions, as well as carrying out of further test in vivo to determine the mechanisms of action related to biological activities is required.

Key words: Poincianella pyramidalis, folk medicine, bioactive compounds, phytochemistry, biological  activities.