# Erythrina Caffra (Erythrina caffra 'Coral Tree')

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/erythrina-caffra
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-01
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Coral Tree, South African Coral Tree, Coast Coral Tree, Kaffirboom, Umsinsi, Erythrina caffra

## Overview

Erythrina caffra, the South African Coral Tree, contains isoquinoline alkaloids including erysotrine and erythraline that interact with GABA-A receptors and [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) pathways to produce sedative and anxiolytic effects. Research on closely related Erythrina species suggests these alkaloids modulate [cortisol](/ingredients/condition/stress) secretion and [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) mediators, though direct clinical evidence specific to E. caffra remains limited.

## Health Benefits

• May reduce stress and anxiety markers based on related E. indica species showing [cortisol reduction](/ingredients/condition/stress) in human volunteers (evidence: preliminary human data)
• Potential [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects when E. indica bark extract was combined with NSAIDs, showing enhanced benefits with fewer gastric side effects (evidence: small human trial)
• Traditional use for menstrual cramp relief, with E. indica pilot study showing 60% of women experiencing milder symptoms (evidence: limited pilot data)
• Possible antidiabetic properties demonstrated in E. abyssinica through in vitro and animal models (evidence: preclinical only)
• Wound healing and astringent effects attributed to tannin content across Erythrina species (evidence: traditional use and phytochemical analysis)

## Mechanism of Action

The isoquinoline alkaloids in Erythrina caffra, particularly erysotrine and erythraline, act as competitive antagonists at nicotinic [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) receptors (nAChRs) and are thought to potentiate GABA-A receptor activity, producing CNS depressant and anxiolytic effects. Bark extracts from related Erythrina species inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes and suppress [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including TNF-α and IL-6, which may explain observed anti-inflammatory synergy with NSAIDs. Alkaloid-mediated modulation of the [hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal](/ingredients/condition/stress) (HPA) axis has been proposed as the mechanism behind cortisol reduction observed in preliminary human studies using E. indica.

## Clinical Summary

Direct clinical trials on Erythrina caffra are absent from the published literature; existing human evidence derives primarily from E. indica studies, making extrapolation speculative. A small human volunteer study using E. indica bark extract reported measurable reductions in salivary [cortisol](/ingredients/condition/stress) under stress conditions, though sample sizes were limited and methodology details are not fully standardized. Combination studies pairing E. indica bark extract with NSAIDs in human subjects suggested enhanced [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) outcomes with reduced gastric side effects compared to NSAIDs alone, representing preliminary but not confirmatory evidence. Overall, the evidence base is rated preliminary to preclinical, and robust randomized controlled trials specific to E. caffra have not been conducted.

## Nutritional Profile

Erythrina caffra (Coral Tree) bark, seeds, and leaves contain a distinct alkaloid profile as the primary bioactive fraction. Erythrina alkaloids — including erythraline, erysotrine, erysovine, erysopine, and erythroidine — are present at approximately 0.1–0.5% dry weight in bark tissue, with β-erythroidine being pharmacologically notable as a nicotinic [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) receptor antagonist. Seeds contain moderate protein (approximately 20–28% dry weight) with a leguminous amino acid profile, including lysine, arginine, and leucine, though seed consumption is generally discouraged due to toxic alkaloid concentration. Crude fiber content in bark preparations is estimated at 15–25% dry weight. Flavonoids including luteolin, apigenin, and quercetin glycosides are present in leaf and bark extracts at trace to low concentrations (estimated 0.05–0.2% dry weight). Isoflavones analogous to those found in related Erythrina species (e.g., calycosin, formononetin) have been tentatively identified, contributing to reported phytoestrogenic and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity. Mineral content in leaf material includes calcium (~1,200–1,800 mg/100g dry weight), potassium (~900–1,400 mg/100g dry weight), magnesium (~200–350 mg/100g dry weight), and iron (~15–30 mg/100g dry weight), consistent with other Erythrina species. Tannins and phenolic acids (e.g., gallic acid, caffeic acid derivatives) are present at approximately 2–5% dry weight in bark. Bioavailability of alkaloids is considered moderate via oral routes; flavonoid bioavailability is enhanced by gut microbial [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) but overall limited due to glycosylation. Data specific to E. caffra is sparse; values are extrapolated primarily from E. indica and E. variegata research.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosages exist for E. caffra specifically. Traditional doses from related E. indica include: bark powder 1-3 grams twice daily with water or honey for joint pain/fever; leaf decoction from 10-15g fresh leaves reduced to 100ml, taken as 50ml twice daily for anxiety/[insomnia](/ingredients/condition/sleep). Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

High doses of Erythrina alkaloids, including erysotrine and erythraline, can produce excessive CNS depression, muscle paralysis, and respiratory depression in animal models, suggesting a meaningful toxicity threshold that has not been clearly established in humans for E. caffra specifically. Due to nicotinic [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) receptor antagonism, concurrent use with cholinergic medications, smoking cessation drugs (e.g., varenicline), or neuromuscular blocking agents carries a theoretical risk of additive or antagonistic interactions. Potentiation of benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or other CNS depressants is plausible given GABA-A receptor activity and should be avoided without medical supervision. Erythrina caffra is not evaluated for safety in pregnancy or lactation, and use should be avoided in these populations until adequate safety data exist.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses specifically on Erythrina caffra were identified; all evidence derives from related species or preclinical studies. A 2021 Phytomedicine study on E. indica reported stress marker reduction over 4 weeks, while a 2019 Fitoterapia trial showed enhanced [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects when combined with NSAIDs (sample sizes unspecified, no PMIDs provided in sources).

## Historical & Cultural Context

While E. caffra lacks detailed historical records, Erythrina species feature prominently in African traditional medicine (E. abyssinica used in Uganda and Kenya for gastrointestinal disorders and malaria) and Ayurvedic systems (E. indica for [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), fever, and anxiety since medieval times). These plants have been used for centuries in tribal folk medicine for inflammatory diseases, CNS disorders, and infections.

## Synergistic Combinations

Ashwagandha, Valerian root, White willow bark, Turmeric, Magnesium

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are the active compounds in Erythrina caffra?

Erythrina caffra contains isoquinoline alkaloids, most notably erysotrine, erythraline, and erysopine, concentrated primarily in the bark and seeds. These alkaloids are responsible for the plant's reported sedative, anxiolytic, and anti-inflammatory activities through receptor-level interactions, particularly at nicotinic acetylcholine and GABA-A receptors.

### Is Erythrina caffra the same as Erythrina indica?

No, Erythrina caffra (South African Coral Tree) and Erythrina indica are distinct species within the Erythrina genus, differing in geographic origin and exact alkaloid profiles. However, they share closely related phytochemical compositions, which is why E. indica clinical data is frequently referenced when discussing the potential effects of E. caffra, though direct equivalence cannot be assumed.

### Can Erythrina caffra reduce anxiety?

Preliminary evidence from E. indica studies suggests that Erythrina alkaloids may reduce anxiety markers, including measurable salivary cortisol reductions in stressed human volunteers, via HPA axis modulation and GABA-A receptor potentiation. However, no published randomized controlled trials specific to E. caffra confirm anxiolytic efficacy or establish a safe effective dosage in humans.

### Does Erythrina caffra interact with any medications?

Erythrina caffra alkaloids theoretically interact with nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-targeting drugs such as varenicline or neuromuscular blockers due to competitive receptor antagonism. Additive CNS depression is a concern when combined with benzodiazepines, alcohol, or barbiturates, and patients on anti-inflammatory medications like NSAIDs should be aware that combination use may alter pharmacodynamic outcomes, as observed in related species research.

### What is the traditional use of Erythrina caffra bark?

In southern African traditional medicine, Erythrina caffra bark has historically been used as a sedative, to treat fever and inflammation, and to manage pain, with preparations typically made as decoctions applied topically or consumed orally. These uses align biochemically with the known COX-inhibiting and nAChR-antagonizing alkaloid content of the bark, though traditional dosages are not standardized and differ significantly from any experimental preparations studied in related species.

### Is Erythrina caffra safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

There is insufficient clinical data on Erythrina caffra safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it should be avoided during these periods as a precautionary measure. While traditional use exists for menstrual support, pregnant and nursing individuals should consult healthcare providers before use. Related species like E. indica lack robust human safety studies in these populations.

### What is the most effective form of Erythrina caffra supplement—extract, powder, or tincture?

Bark extract appears to be the most studied and concentrated form, particularly in combination preparations showing anti-inflammatory benefits in clinical trials. Bioavailability data specific to Erythrina caffra is limited, though bark extracts standardized for alkaloid content would theoretically offer more consistent dosing than raw powders. Tinctures and powders lack the same level of human clinical validation as prepared extracts.

### How strong is the scientific evidence supporting Erythrina caffra's stress-reducing effects?

Evidence is preliminary and primarily based on related species (E. indica) showing cortisol reduction in human volunteers rather than direct studies on E. caffra itself. While traditional use for anxiety and stress is documented, clinical-grade human trials specifically evaluating Erythrina caffra are limited. More rigorous research is needed before claims about stress reduction can be considered well-established.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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