Scientific Name: Piscidia erythrina

Constituents:

• Glycosides (piscidin)
• Isoflavonoids (ichthynone, durmillone. jamiacin, piscidone, rotenone, sumatrol & lisetin)
• Pyrano-rotenoids (erythynone & hydroxyerythynone)
• Calcium oxalate
• Acids (piscidic, malic, succinic, tartaric)
• Resin
• Volatile oils
• Tannins
• Saponins

Medicinal actions:

• Analgesic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antispasmodic
• Bitter
• Nervine Relaxant & Sedative

Mechanism of Action & Pharmacology:

• Very little known.
• Isoflavonoids may be antispasmodic and cardiac relaxants.

Pharmacy:

• Decoction
• Tincture
• Capsules

Safety & Toxicity Concerns:

• Rotenone is a mitochondrial toxin which can produce Parkinson syndrome in rats, and is also an insecticide and has anti-cancer activity and is responsible for the plant’s toxicity.
• High doses may cause bradycardia, hypotension, nausea, vomiting, numbness, tremor, sweating, headache, paralysis and death.
• Avoid in pregnancy, lactation, children and the elderly.
• Use caution in CVD and cardiac insufficiency.

Interactions:

• Theoretically may potentiate the effect of sedatives and tranquilizers.