Isolation and Characterization of Bioactive Amines from Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir. of Brazilian Origin
Weslany Souza Rocha, João Xavier de Araújo‐Júnior, Edeildo Ferreira da Silva‐Júnior, Ticiano Gomes Do Nascimento
The Natural Products Journal August 12, 2026 DOI: 10.2174/0122103155484839260802040319 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Phytochemical study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Identified tryptamine, N-methyltryptamine, and N,N-dimethyltryptamine in Mimosa tenuiflora extracts, primarily from bark, confirming the plant as a source of pharmacologically active alkaloids. |
Abstract
Introduction: Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir., widely known as Jurema preta in Brazil and tepezcohuite in Mexico, is a perennial shrub or tree traditionally used in folk medicine across the Caatinga biome of northeastern Brazil and other regions of Central and South America. Tryptamine is an indole alkaloid naturally found in several species, with M. tenuiflora representing an important natural source of this compound. Additionally, it has derivatives such as N-methyltryptamine and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which share similar structural features.
Methods: In the present study, phytochemical investigations were conducted on extracts obtained from different parts of M. tenuiflora, including bark, stem, leaves, and branches, with the aim of identifying and characterizing its alkaloid constituents. Indole alkaloids were isolated primarily from the bark extract using solvent partitioning and column chromatography. Structural characterization was performed employing complementary analytical techniques, including HPLC, GC/MS, ATR-FTIR, and one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy (¹H and HMBC). Results and
Discussion: The analyses led to the identification of several bioactive amines, notably tryptamine, N-methyltryptamine, and N,N-dimethyltryptamine. The results confirm the chemical diversity of M. tenuiflora and highlight its relevance as a natural source of pharmacologically active alkaloids.
Conclusions: These findings contribute to natural product chemistry and support the bioprospecting of plant-derived compounds with potential applications in central nervous system disorders. Moreover, this study reinforces the importance of conserving biodiversity and valuing traditional knowledge associated with medicinal plants native to the Brazilian Caatinga.