Cockspur Coral Tree (Erythrina crista-galli)

Cockspur coral tree (Erythrina crista-galli) contains isoliquiritigenin and other flavonoids that demonstrate preliminary anti-cancer and antibacterial activities. Laboratory studies show potential for inhibiting breast cancer cells and fighting bacterial infections, though human clinical evidence remains limited.

Origin & History

Cockspur Coral Tree (Erythrina crista-galli) is a flowering tree native to South America, particularly Brazil, belonging to the Fabaceae (legume) family. Bioactive compounds are extracted from twigs, leaves, bark, and flowers using column chromatography or aqueous methanol extraction methods.

Historical & Cultural Context

Traditional use information for E. crista-galli specifically is not documented in available sources. Bark alkaloids have been sourced from São Paulo, Brazil since at least 2004, suggesting regional ethnobotanical context, though explicit traditional applications are not described.

Health Benefits

• May support breast cancer cell inhibition based on in vitro studies showing isoliquiritigenin activity (IC50 ~50 µg/mL) - preliminary evidence only
• Potential antibacterial properties demonstrated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC 31.25 µg/mL) - in vitro evidence only
• Shows possible anti-inflammatory activity through nitric oxide inhibition in cell studies - preliminary evidence only
• Contains phytoestrogenic compounds that interact with estrogen receptors - in vitro/molecular docking evidence only
• May have antifungal properties via erythrinan alkaloids (MIC 12.5-31.25 µg/mL) - in vitro evidence only

How It Works

Isoliquiritigenin in cockspur coral tree appears to induce apoptosis in cancer cells through p53 pathway activation and mitochondrial membrane disruption. The compound also demonstrates antibacterial activity by disrupting bacterial cell wall synthesis and interfering with protein production in gram-negative bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been conducted on E. crista-galli. Current evidence is limited to in vitro studies using cancer cell lines (MCF-7, U-373, MDA-MB-231, A549) and molecular docking simulations showing EGFR binding affinity.

Clinical Summary

Current evidence consists primarily of in vitro laboratory studies with no published human clinical trials. Breast cancer cell inhibition studies show IC50 values around 50 µg/mL for isoliquiritigenin extracts. Antibacterial testing demonstrates minimum inhibitory concentrations of 31.25 µg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The evidence base requires substantial clinical research before therapeutic applications can be established.

Nutritional Profile

Cockspur Coral Tree (Erythrina crista-galli) has limited formal nutritional characterization as a food ingredient, but the following compounds and concentrations are documented from phytochemical analyses: Bioactive alkaloids including erysotrine, erysovine, erythraline, and erysopine are present in bark, seeds, and leaves at trace-to-low concentrations (alkaloid content estimated 0.1–0.5% dry weight in bark fractions). Isoflavonoids and flavonoids are the most studied class — isoliquiritigenin, erycrista-galli flavanones, and pterocarpan-type compounds have been identified in leaf and bark extracts; total flavonoid content reported in the range of 15–40 mg quercetin equivalents per gram of dry extract depending on solvent and plant part. Seeds contain moderate crude protein (approximately 20–28% dry weight, consistent with other Erythrina species) with amino acid profiles including lysine, leucine, and arginine, though antinutritional factors (lectins, trypsin inhibitors, alkaloids) significantly limit raw bioavailability and require heat processing for safe consumption. Crude fiber content in seeds is estimated at 8–12% dry weight. Lipid content is low (approximately 3–6% dry weight in seeds), with fatty acid fractions including linoleic and oleic acids. Mineral data extrapolated from genus-level studies suggest presence of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron, though precise concentrations for this species are not individually published. Phenolic content in leaf extracts has been measured at approximately 30–80 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram dry extract. Bioavailability of alkaloids and isoflavonoids is presumed moderate-to-low due to matrix binding and glycosylation; processing (boiling, fermentation) is known to reduce alkaloid load and improve protein digestibility across Erythrina species. Chlorogenic acids and other hydroxycinnamic derivatives have been tentatively identified in leaf fractions. Vitamin data specific to this species are not formally published.

Preparation & Dosage

No clinically studied dosages available as human trials have not been conducted. In vitro studies used concentrations of 12.96-239.77 µg/mL for isolated compounds. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

Other isoflavone sources (soy, red clover), EGFR-targeting compounds, botanical antimicrobials, phytoestrogens

Safety & Interactions

Safety data for cockspur coral tree supplementation in humans is extremely limited due to lack of clinical trials. As a member of the Erythrina genus, potential alkaloid content may cause sedative effects or interact with CNS depressants. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety is unknown and should be avoided. Individuals with legume allergies should exercise caution due to its classification in the Fabaceae family.