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

The <i>Vatairea</i> 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 pro...

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Main Authors: Sarah Andrade Toledo, Laryssa Danielle da Silva Reis, Brenda Costa da Conceição, Lucas Villar Pedrosa da Silva Pantoja, Fábio José Coelho de Souza-Junior, Flávia Cristina Santos Garcez, Cristiane Socorro Ferraz Maia, Eneas Andrade Fontes-Junior
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Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Pharmaceuticals
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/3/422
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author Sarah Andrade Toledo
Laryssa Danielle da Silva Reis
Brenda Costa da Conceição
Lucas Villar Pedrosa da Silva Pantoja
Fábio José Coelho de Souza-Junior
Flávia Cristina Santos Garcez
Cristiane Socorro Ferraz Maia
Eneas Andrade Fontes-Junior
author_facet Sarah Andrade Toledo
Laryssa Danielle da Silva Reis
Brenda Costa da Conceição
Lucas Villar Pedrosa da Silva Pantoja
Fábio José Coelho de Souza-Junior
Flávia Cristina Santos Garcez
Cristiane Socorro Ferraz Maia
Eneas Andrade Fontes-Junior
author_sort Sarah Andrade Toledo
collection DOAJ
description The <i>Vatairea</i> 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 <i>Vatairea</i> sp., a monophyletic group of flowering plants, which includes economically and culturally important genera due to their diverse uses, including medicinal applications. <i>V. lundellii</i>, <i>V. guianensis</i>, <i>V. erythrocarpa</i>, <i>V. fusca</i>, <i>V. heteroptera</i>, <i>V. paraensis</i>, <i>V. sericea</i>, and <i>V. macrocarpa</i> are included in the <i>Vatairea</i> sp., also recognized for its high wood quality and potential medicinal properties. Studies show significant antibacterial activity in <i>V. guianensis</i> extracts against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, whereas <i>V. macrocarpa</i> lectin exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial effects, including modulation of antibiotic resistance. Additionally, <i>V. macrocarpa</i> and <i>V. guianensis</i> have demonstrated antifungal properties, with compounds like Vatacarpan exhibiting potent activity against <i>Candida</i> sp. In vivo studies highlight the neurotoxic effects of <i>V. macrocarpa</i> 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 <i>V. macrocarpa</i> and <i>V. guianensis</i> extracts indicating a need for further exploration of this genus’ pharmacological and therapeutic potential.
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spelling doaj-art-8816f676d3134e05aec1dec3483d37c82025-08-20T01:48:53ZengMDPI AGPharmaceuticals1424-82472025-03-0118342210.3390/ph18030422<i>Vatairea</i> Genus as a Potential Therapeutic Agent—A Comprehensive Review of Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological PropertiesSarah Andrade Toledo0Laryssa Danielle da Silva Reis1Brenda Costa da Conceição2Lucas Villar Pedrosa da Silva Pantoja3Fábio José Coelho de Souza-Junior4Flávia Cristina Santos Garcez5Cristiane Socorro Ferraz Maia6Eneas Andrade Fontes-Junior7Laboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Behavior, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075110, BrazilLaboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Behavior, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075110, BrazilLaboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Behavior, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075110, BrazilLaboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Behavior, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075110, BrazilLaboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Behavior, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075110, BrazilLaboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Behavior, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075110, BrazilLaboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Behavior, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075110, BrazilLaboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Behavior, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075110, BrazilThe <i>Vatairea</i> 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 <i>Vatairea</i> sp., a monophyletic group of flowering plants, which includes economically and culturally important genera due to their diverse uses, including medicinal applications. <i>V. lundellii</i>, <i>V. guianensis</i>, <i>V. erythrocarpa</i>, <i>V. fusca</i>, <i>V. heteroptera</i>, <i>V. paraensis</i>, <i>V. sericea</i>, and <i>V. macrocarpa</i> are included in the <i>Vatairea</i> sp., also recognized for its high wood quality and potential medicinal properties. Studies show significant antibacterial activity in <i>V. guianensis</i> extracts against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, whereas <i>V. macrocarpa</i> lectin exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial effects, including modulation of antibiotic resistance. Additionally, <i>V. macrocarpa</i> and <i>V. guianensis</i> have demonstrated antifungal properties, with compounds like Vatacarpan exhibiting potent activity against <i>Candida</i> sp. In vivo studies highlight the neurotoxic effects of <i>V. macrocarpa</i> 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 <i>V. macrocarpa</i> and <i>V. guianensis</i> extracts indicating a need for further exploration of this genus’ pharmacological and therapeutic potential.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/3/422<i>Vatairea</i> sp.folk medicinephytochemicalpharmacologyethnobotany
spellingShingle Sarah Andrade Toledo
Laryssa Danielle da Silva Reis
Brenda Costa da Conceição
Lucas Villar Pedrosa da Silva Pantoja
Fábio José Coelho de Souza-Junior
Flávia Cristina Santos Garcez
Cristiane Socorro Ferraz Maia
Eneas Andrade Fontes-Junior
<i>Vatairea</i> Genus as a Potential Therapeutic Agent—A Comprehensive Review of Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Properties
Pharmaceuticals
<i>Vatairea</i> sp.
folk medicine
phytochemical
pharmacology
ethnobotany
title <i>Vatairea</i> Genus as a Potential Therapeutic Agent—A Comprehensive Review of Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Properties
title_full <i>Vatairea</i> Genus as a Potential Therapeutic Agent—A Comprehensive Review of Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Properties
title_fullStr <i>Vatairea</i> Genus as a Potential Therapeutic Agent—A Comprehensive Review of Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Properties
title_full_unstemmed <i>Vatairea</i> Genus as a Potential Therapeutic Agent—A Comprehensive Review of Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Properties
title_short <i>Vatairea</i> Genus as a Potential Therapeutic Agent—A Comprehensive Review of Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Properties
title_sort i vatairea i genus as a potential therapeutic agent a comprehensive review of ethnobotanical phytochemical and pharmacological properties
topic <i>Vatairea</i> sp.
folk medicine
phytochemical
pharmacology
ethnobotany
url https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/3/422
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