Dalbergia frutescens
Dalbergia frutescens · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Dalbergia frutescens is a medicinal shrub known for its diverse pharmacological properties and traditional healing uses. Recent scientific inquiries have focused on its potential efficacy in addressing various parasitic infections. Specifically, studies have explored how its bioactive compounds might combat the presence of Giardia intestinalis. Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing natural therapeutic alternatives against intestinal protozoa. This research highlights the importance of exploring botanical resources in the fight against common gastrointestinal ailments.
- Synonyms
- Trioptolemea Glabra · Trioptolemea Latifolia · 14 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Africa
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Dalbergia frutescens is a versatile botanical species known by a wide variety of regional names. In many areas, it is commonly referred to as Arco-de-pipa or Cipó de Estribo. Local communities also frequently identify the plant as Cipó-jacarandá or Cipó-pau. Furthermore, it is widely recognized by the name Jacarandá-branco. This diversity in nomenclature reflects the deep cultural and regional connections people have with the species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Dalbergia frutescens is a botanical species characterized by a complex web of taxonomic synonyms. Within scientific literature, this plant is frequently identified under alternative names such as Amerimnon frutescens. Researchers also encounter various morphological classifications, including Dalbergia tomentosa and Dalbergia variabilis. Certain varieties further complicate the nomenclature, specifically Dalbergia frutescens var. tomentosa and Dalbergia variabilis var. bahiensis. Understanding these overlapping designations is essential for accurate identification and study within the genus.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Dalbergia frutescens is a distinctive botanical specimen that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this expansive group, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Fabales, which helps define its evolutionary lineage. This species is a member of the Fabaceae family, a group known for its diverse and significant members. Ultimately, it is categorized under the specific genus Dalbergia, marking its unique place in the natural world.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Dalbergia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Dalbergia frutescens is a botanical species widely distributed throughout various regions of South America. Its presence is particularly notable across the vast expanse of Brazil, where it thrives in diverse ecological zones. The plant can be found spanning from the northern territories down through the northeast and southeast regions of the country. Furthermore, its habitat extends into the southern reaches and the west-central areas of the Brazilian landscape. This widespread distribution highlights the plant's adaptability to the many different climates found within the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Dalbergia frutescens is a unique plant that takes on the growth form of a tree. It possesses an obligatory climbing habit, relying on other structures for support as it ascends. This specialized climber typically reaches a maximum height of 10 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Dalbergia frutescens contains specific isoflavones that exhibit significant antigiardial activity against Giardia intestinalis. Research identifies formononetin as the most potent compound isolated from the bark of this plant, demonstrating superior efficacy compared to the standard drug metronidazole. While other isoflavones like castanin and glycitein were also tested, formononetin stands out with an exceptionally low IC50 value. Other related compounds such as daidzein and genistein were found to be much less active than the primary agent. Consequently, the chemical components of Dalbergia frutescens serve as promising leads for developing new treatments to combat this protozoan parasite.