Erythrina senegalensis A.rich [FABACEAE]

E. senegalensis, is a tree in the pea family. It is 5-15 m tall and grows in West-African tropical and sub-tropical areas from Senegal to Cameroon. It is a plant that is used in traditional medicine to cure several diseases. In 2005 and 2007, surveys were performed in three different regions in Mali (West Africa). The results showed that this plant is mainly used against amenorrhea, but also against different types of infections. Literature search shows that the anti microbial activity of this plant has been extensively investigated and that this effect can explain the traditional use of the plant. However, when compared with the local knowledge, the literature data are far from giving confirmation of all the activities claimed for this plant. Several traditional uses are still to be explored both in vitro and in vivo bioassays. A series of pterocarpans with biological activity have been isolated from this plant. One of them is a new natural product.