Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Amburana cearensis: A Scientometric Study on an Endangered Medicinal Tree

Abstract

Amburana cearensis (Fabaceae) is a native tree of the Brazilian northeastern semiarid region, which has considerable economic, medicinal, and social importance, especially in the Caatinga biome. This study aims to identify the scientific knowledge generated about the pharmacological applicability of the species. We analyzed scientific works on the widespread pharmacological use of A. cearensis, adopting the scientometric research method. The medicinal properties were classified according to the uses mentioned in the manuscripts, considering body systems and treated symptoms. They were associated with the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health. We identified a total of 86 articles addressing the medicinal potential of the species, distributed in 57 journals published between 2005 and 2023. There was a significant increase in publications during the period evaluated. Also, the species has been widely used in traditional medicine, which has attracted new studies, especially experimental ones focusing on unraveling its pharmacological potential. One trend observed was a significant geographic bias, since most of the studies investigated were carried out by researchers linked to Brazilian institutions located mainly in the northeast. This region includes the largest number of species occurrence points, explaining the interest of these institutions in recognizing the biological potential of their local or regional flora. In-depth investigations into the medicinal properties and secondary metabolites produced by A. cearensis should continue so that its therapeutic benefits are fully understood. However, it is necessary to link research into chemical and pharmacological properties with consideration of the importance of sustainable management of the species, since it faces risks of extinction. We acknowledge that an earlier version of this manuscript was presented as a dissertation by Ayane Emília Dantas dos Santos to fulfil the academic requirements for the degree of Forest Science at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. The dissertation is available for reference at the following link: https://repositorio.ufrn.br/jspui/bitstream/123456789/46918/1/Cienciometriaetnobotanicamodelagem_Santos_2022.pdf.