Eficácia do extrato de Erythrina sp. na indução da dormência no meristema radicular de Allium cepa

Abstract

The genus Erythrina, widely used in traditional medicine, contains alkaloids with recognized anxiolytic and relaxing properties, although many species still lack studies that confirm their efficacy and safety. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the aqueous extract of Erythrina sp. on the root meristem of Allium cepa, investigating its potential to induce dormancy and inhibitory effects on root growth. Bark samples were collected in the municipality of Pedro II (Piauí, Brazil) and prepared by infusion, resulting in a stock solution of 80 mg/mL, from which dilutions of 40 mg/mL and 5 mg/mL were obtained. The bioassay employed 25 onion bulbs distributed among treatments and positive (glyphosate 1%) and negative (demineralized water) controls. Root growth was measured after 48 hours of exposure, and data were analyzed by ANOVA and Scott-Knott test (p < 0.05). Results showed significant differences among groups (F = 7.07; p = 0.001024), with a coefficient of variation of 32.16%, considered acceptable for the biological nature of the variable. The negative control and 5 mg/mL treatment did not differ statistically, while concentrations of 40 and 80 mg/mL significantly reduced root growth, grouping into a distinct category. Glyphosate caused the greatest inhibitory effect, validating the assay. These findings indicate that the Erythrina sp. extract exerts a dose-dependent effect, with relevant inhibition at higher concentrations, although less intense than the synthetic herbicide. It is concluded that the Allium cepa bioassay confirms the moderate cytotoxic potential of the extract, suggesting implications for its use as a natural anxiolytic and highlighting the need for further studies on its chemical composition, mechanisms of action, and pharmacological applicability.