Bauhinia ungulata
Bauhinia ungulata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Bauhinia ungulata is a versatile botanical species known for its significant therapeutic potential in traditional medicine. The plant's leaves and seeds are particularly valued for their rich concentration of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, pinitol, kaempferol, and quercetin. Scientific investigations have highlighted its potent antioxidant activities, which contribute to its diverse pharmacological profile. Research indicates that preparations such as essential oils from this plant can influence critical biological conditions, including wound healing processes and Factor Xa inhibition. Consequently, this species represents a promising subject for developing new natural therapeutic agents.
- Synonyms
- Pauletia Ungulata · Cansenia Ungulata
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Seed
Classification
Common Names
Bauhinia ungulata is a distinctive plant known by a diverse array of names across various cultures and regions. In certain local dialects, it is affectionately referred to as Kachá wö́glö or chak-ts'ulubtok. It is also widely recognized by the common names Mororó and Pata de gallo. Furthermore, many people identify this species as Pata-de-vaca, a name that highlights its unique physical characteristics. These multiple monikers reflect the deep linguistic connections people have established with this versatile species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Bauhinia ungulata is a botanical species that is frequently identified by several different names in scientific literature. Because of various taxonomic classifications, it is commonly recognized by its synonym Cansenia ungulata. Researchers may also encounter this plant documented under the alternative name Pauletia ungulata. These overlapping designations highlight the complex history of how this specific plant has been categorized over time. Understanding these synonyms is essential for anyone conducting precise botanical research or field studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Bauhinia ungulata is a distinctive botanical specimen belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It finds its specific placement within the order Fabales, showcasing its evolutionary connections. Furthermore, this plant is a member of the diverse Fabaceae family. Ultimately, it is identified by its scientific classification under the genus Bauhinia.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Bauhinia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Bauhinia ungulata is a distinctive species found throughout various regions of Northern America. Its presence is particularly widespread across the diverse landscapes of Mexico. The plant can be found stretching from the central territories into the northernmost reaches of the country. Furthermore, its distribution encompasses the Gulf coast and the northeastern sectors of the Mexican terrain. Finally, this resilient species also thrives within the northwest and southeast regions of the nation.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Bauhinia ungulata is a self-supporting plant that typically adopts a shrub-like growth form. Depending on its specific environmental conditions, this species can reach a maximum height of 4 meters. In some instances, however, the plant may grow even larger, reaching up to 5 meters. This versatile structure allows it to establish a stable presence within its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Bauhinia ungulata is recognized as a medicinal plant with significant antioxidant properties, particularly through its essential oil collected from the Amazon region. Research indicates that this plant can be utilized to lower the glycemic index and serve as an alternative treatment for diabetes. Through various assays, including DPPH and total antioxidant capacity tests, the essential oil has demonstrated a robust ability to scavenge free radicals. Molecular characterization reveals that key components like α-bisabolol and β-caryophyllene interact effectively with the human catalase enzyme. Ultimately, these findings confirm that Bauhinia ungulata functions as a potent antioxidant capable of reducing oxidative stress damage.
Compounds
Bauhinia ungulata is a significant plant in Brazilian traditional medicine, particularly known for its use in treating diabetes. Phytochemical analyses have confirmed that this species contains various bioactive compounds, most notably a group of flavonoids. Specific flavonoids found within the plant include both kaempferol and quercetin. Additionally, the species is characterized by the presence of the saccharide pinitol, which is linked to its hypoglycemic activity. Understanding the presence of these metabolites is essential for optimizing agricultural production and standardizing medicinal materials.
Conditions
Bauhinia ungulata serves as a significant medicinal resource due to its ability to treat diabetes through the hypoglycemic activity of its flavonoids and pinitol. The plant's seeds contain a Kunitz-type inhibitor, known as BuXI, which effectively inactivates factor Xa. This same inhibitor also demonstrates the capacity to treat human plasma kallikrein by inactivating it with high efficiency. Furthermore, research highlights the specific pharmacological value of B. ungulata in its ability to promote wound healing. These diverse biological activities underscore the plant's complex therapeutic potential in addressing various physiological conditions.
Preparations
Bauhinia ungulata is prepared as an essential oil known as EOBU, which was collected from the Amazon region in Brazil. This essential oil undergoes characterization through gas chromatography to identify its primary chemical constituents. The study highlights that the oil contains significant amounts of α-bisabolol, β-caryophyllene, and Epi-γ-eudesmol. Research demonstrates that this prepared oil functions as a potent antioxidant capable of scavenging free radicals. Through these processes, the essential oil of Bauhinia ungulata serves as a valuable tool for reducing oxidative stress damage.
Parts used
Bauhinia ungulata is a versatile plant species that offers significant medicinal potential through its various biological components. The leaves of the plant are commonly utilized in the Amazon region to prepare medicinal teas, specifically for managing diabetes. Recent studies have focused on microencapsulating aqueous extracts from these leaves to preserve their valuable phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities. Beyond the foliage, the seeds of the plant also serve as a critical source of bioactive substances. Researchers have successfully isolated a specific Kunitz-type inhibitor from these seeds that demonstrates the ability to inactivate human plasma kallikrein and factor Xa.