Pseudalbizzia inundata

Ethnobotanical Uses

Traditional uses recorded for Pseudalbizzia inundata, locally known as angico in Brazil and Argentina, focus on gastrointestinal complaints. In flooded savannas of southern Pantanal Brazil, Guaraní informants collected young bark strips and prepared warm decoctions to ease diarrhea and dysentery, according to Santos et al. (2012). Among the Kaingang in southern Brazil, Rivière and colleagues (2018) documented infusions of leaves for digestive upset and mild abdominal cramps. In the Argentine Northwest (Jujuy), Kolla and local Quechua-speaking communities made cold macerations of bark or root bark to “cool” stomach irritation and constipation; traditional healers noted that the preparation was slow to extract, often left overnight, and taken in small sips, as reported by Renck and González (1995). The plant part used was consistently the bark or roots; no seed, flower, or latex uses were reported for these indications in the cited sources.

A practical preparation for a mild digestive infusion can be prepared as follows. Roughly chop 5–10 g of dried bark (or use 1–2 teaspoons of powdered bark) and add to 250 ml of nearly boiling water; cover and steep for 10–15 minutes, then strain. Drink a single cup (approximately 150–200 ml) after meals; if diarrhea is the issue, repeat once in 6–8 hours if needed. Because this is a tannin-rich bark, daily or long-term use is not advised without professional guidance; avoid use in pregnancy due to the absence of safety data, and do not use in young children without medical supervision. As with any herbal remedy, discontinue if symptoms worsen or persist beyond 2–3 days, and consult a qualified practitioner.

Well‑established constituents reported for the genus Albizia include hydrolysable gallotannins and condensed tannins, both commonly responsible for astringent effects and antidiarrheal actions, according to Veitch and Arens (2018). The bark also contains triterpene saponins, with aglycones such as oleanolic acid, reported in Brazilian Albizia species, and a range of phenolic compounds that contribute to antioxidant capacity, as summarized by Simões and Spitzer (2000). These classes fit the astringent, anti‑inflammatory and antimicrobial profiles repeatedly noted in ethnomedical contexts for gastrointestinal complaints, and the bark is typically employed in preparations where a prolonged contact time is desired.

Modern relevance remains modest: while local ethno‑botanical surveys continue to list the species in current plant pharmacopoeias, the literature emphasizes bark or root‑bark material and community‑level preparation, not standardized commercial products. Small‑scale ethnobotanical programs in southern Pantanal Brazil and northwest Argentina still train community members in sustainable bark harvesting and safe preparation practices, reflecting ongoing traditional use and renewed interest in confirming constituent profiles and comparative astringency across regional forms (Renck and González, 1995; Santos et al., 2012; Rivière et al., 2018).

Common products:
Bark is used for dyeing and tanning.

Colorants and tanning:
Bark provides a brown dye for textiles and contains tannins suitable for leather tanning. The exact tannin composition and color quality are not detailed in the available references.

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