Recent research has shown that the seeds of Erythrina americana Miller are high in proteins and an adequate content of lipids, giving it possibilities as a human food. The E. americana flowers and seeds are known in Mexico as "Colorín", and are highly appreciated for their flavor; in some countries they are used as a protein complement. In several regions of Mexico, traditionally the flowers are cooked, but the seeds are not consumed because the presence of alkaloids makes them highly toxic. The alkaloids affect the peripheral nervous system: muscular relaxation and a strong sedative effect on the central nervous system. The objective of the present study was to determine the alkaloid content in some parts of the flowers (calyx and corolla) and where the most toxic alkaloids are located. By liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry of the extract, it was observed that alkaloid content was higher in the calyx than in the petal, although the toxic alkaloids a- y b-erythroidine were detected in both tissues.

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