Indian Coraltree

Botanical

What is it

Indian coraltree (Erythrina variegata) is a flowering tree native to the Indo-Pacific region. Its bark, leaves, and flowers have been used in Ayurveda for joint pain, fever, and sleep, with hypnotic and anti-inflammatory traditional uses.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Sleep and anxiety (traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Traditional Ayurvedic use as a mild sedative. Human evidence is essentially absent.

Joint discomfort (traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Traditional use for arthritis-like complaints. No modern clinical evidence.

How it works

The plant contains erythrina alkaloids (erysotrine, erysovine, erythraline), pterocarpans, and isoflavonoids. Erythrina alkaloids have curare-like neuromuscular blocking activity at high doses in animal studies, and some have shown sedative and anxiolytic effects. Some isoflavonoids show estrogenic activity. Human clinical evidence is limited.

Dosage

No standardized human dose. Traditional decoctions use 3 to 6 grams of dried bark.

When and how to take it

No evidence-based timing established.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Erythrina variegata bark extract

Powdered or capsule extract from the bark.

Variable.

Safety

Limited human safety data. High doses of erythrina alkaloids can cause neuromuscular weakness. Allergic reactions are possible.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avoid in people with hormone-sensitive cancers (possible phytoestrogen content), neuromuscular disorders, or in those taking sedatives. Not for routine use without supervision.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with sedatives, neuromuscular-blocking agents, and hormone-sensitive medications. Specific data are lacking.

Frequently asked questions

Is Indian coraltree safe?⌄

Safety data are limited. Avoid in pregnancy and in people taking other sedatives.

Does it work for sleep?⌄

Traditional use suggests sedative effects but rigorous human evidence is absent.

References

Indian Coraltree on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Indian Coraltree (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.