Vatairea Genus as a Potential Therapeutic Agent—A Comprehensive Review of Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Properties

TL;DR

This paper reviews the Vatairea genus from the Amazon, highlighting its ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological properties, including antibacterial and antifungal effects.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of the Vatairea genus, emphasizing its underexplored therapeutic potential and ethnobotanical significance.

Findings

Vatairea extracts show significant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

V. macrocarpa lectin exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial effects and antifungal properties.

Vatairea species demonstrate neurotoxic effects in vivo, suggesting a role in the central nervous system.

Abstract

The Vatairea genus (Fabaceae family) is widespread in the Amazon rainforest. Some species of this genus are known for their ethnobotanical significance and biological potential. The present study explores the pharmacological and promising therapeutic activities, ethnobotanical profile, and phytochemical prospection of Vatairea sp., a monophyletic group of flowering plants, which includes economically and culturally important genera due to their diverse uses, including medicinal applications. V. lundellii, V. guianensis, V. erythrocarpa, V. fusca, V. heteroptera, V. paraensis, V. sericea, and V. macrocarpa are included in the Vatairea sp., also recognized for its high wood quality and potential medicinal properties. Studies show significant antibacterial activity in V. guianensis extracts against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, whereas V. macrocarpa lectin exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial effects, including modulation of antibiotic resistance. Additionally, V. macrocarpa and V. guianensis have demonstrated antifungal properties, with compounds like Vatacarpan exhibiting potent activity against Candida sp. In vivo studies highlight the neurotoxic effects of V. macrocarpa lectin, suggesting a dual role in the central nervous system. Despite these findings, research on Vatairea’s toxicological aspects is limited, with only a few studies on V. macrocarpa and V. guianensis extracts indicating a need for further exploration of this genus’ pharmacological and therapeutic potential.

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