Dalbergia odorifera
What's the taxonomical classification of Dalbergia odorifera?
Dalbergia odorifera belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is categorized under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is classified in the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Following its taxonomic descent, it falls under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, the plant is identified by its specific genus, Dalbergia, and its unique species designation, odorifera.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Dalbergia |
| Species | odorifera |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Dalbergia odorifera has pinnately compound leaves consisting of several pairs of oval or elliptical leaflets that are typically light green and glabrous. The tree produces small, fragrant, yellowish-white flowers that grow in dense axillary panicles. Its woody stems are characterized by a dark, dense heartwood that is highly valued for its aromatic properties. The fruit is a small, flat, indehiscent legume that contains one or two seeds. This species often develops a spreading canopy with a rugged bark texture as it matures.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical rainforest regions of southern China, northern Vietnam, and parts of Southeast Asia. It primarily thrives in warm, humid environments located within subtropical and tropical climate zones. Within these regions, the species is often found growing in low-altitude areas characterized by rich, well-drained soil. Its specific range is heavily concentrated in areas that receive consistent seasonal rainfall to support its growth. Due to its specific environmental requirements, the distribution remains limited to these particular ecological niches in Asia.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Dalbergia odorifera requires a tropical or subtropical climate with well-draining soil and consistent moisture to thrive.
It grows best in areas that receive full sunlight and maintain warm temperatures throughout the year. Growers must ensure the soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral to support healthy root development. Because it is a slow-growing hardwood, careful management of water levels is necessary to prevent root rot.
Once established, the tree can provide high-quality timber used extensively in fine woodworking.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant, Dalbergia odorifera, is utilized medicinally through its heartwood, leaf, root, sapwood, and wood components. The dense heartwood is frequently harvested for its potent bioactive compounds used in traditional remedies. Extracts from the leaf are often applied to treat various topical ailments and systemic issues. The root provides essential chemical constituents that contribute to the plant's therapeutic profile. Additionally, both the sapwood and the general wood structure contain secondary metabolites that are valued in pharmacological preparations.
According to a study published by "Planta medica", the heartwood of Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen. contains three new flavonoids, specifically (3R)-4'-methoxy-2',3,7-trihydroxyisoflavanone (11), 7-methoxy-3,3',4',6-tetrahydroxyflavone (18), and 2',7-dihydroxy-4',5'-dimethoxyisoflavone (22). These were isolated alongside twenty-two known compounds, including (S)-4-methoxydalbergione (1), cearoiin (2), medicaicpin (3), formonoenetin (4), sativanone (5), 3-hydroxy-9-methoxy-coumestan (6), meliotocarpan A (7), isoliquiritiigenin (8), stevein (9), liquiritigenin (10), 3',4',7-trihydroxyflavanone (12), butein (13), 3'-hydroxy-melanettin (14), koparin (15), bowdicchiion (16), fisetin (17), melanettin (19), sulfuretin (20), 3'-hydroxydaidzein (21), 3'-O-methylviolanone (23), xenognosin B (24), and dalbergin (25). For medicinal purposes, (S)-4-methoxydalbergione (1) and cearoiin (2) were found to exhibit antiallergic activity. Additionally, (S)-4-methoxydalbergione (1), cearoiin (2), butein (13), koparin (15), bowdicchiion (16), 3'-O-methylviolanone (23), and xenognosin B (24) all showed significant anti-inflammatory activity.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- heartwood
- leaf
- root
- sapwood
- wood
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Dalbergia odorifera, has been utilized for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and Kampo to treat conditions related to blood stagnation and chest pain. In the context of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the wood is frequently prescribed to invigorate blood circulation and alleviate menstrual irregularities. Practitioners of Kampo also incorporate its derivatives to address various internal ailments by calming the spirit and regulating bodily functions. Historically, the aromatic properties of the heartwood were valued for both their medicinal benefits and their use in perfumery. These diverse applications demonstrate the plant's long-standing importance in East Asian therapeutic practices.
According to a study published by "Chemical & pharmaceuctical bulletin", the root heartwood of Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen (Leguminosae) is a Chinese medicinal drug known by the Japanese name koshinko. This plant is used for a stagnant blood syndrome, also referred to as oketsu or the stagnation of disordered blood. Researchers isolated 15 compounds from the plant, which included 10 known compounds and 5 new phenolic compounds. These new compounds are isomucronustyrene and hydroxyobtustyrene, (+)-isoduartin, odoriflavene, and (-)-odoricarpan. Among the 15 isolated compounds, the cinnamylphenols, isoflavans, isoflavene, and benzoic acid derivative significantly inhibited prostaglandin biosynthesis and platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Kampo
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Dalbergia odorifera?
This plant has demonstrated significant pharmacological potential through its documented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-tumor, and analgesic activities. Its bioactive compounds work to neutralize free radicals, which provides a robust defense against oxidative stress in biological systems. The extract also exhibits the ability to inhibit the growth of various pathogenic bacteria, making it a candidate for antimicrobial research. Furthermore, the plant shows promise in suppressing tumor cell proliferation and reducing systemic inflammation. These diverse properties are complemented by its ability to alleviate pain, highlighting its multi-faceted medicinal value.
According to a study published by "Planta medica", the heartwood of Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen contains three new flavonoids, identified as (3R)-4'-methoxy-2',3,7-trihydroxyisoflavanone (11), 7-methoxy-3,3',4',6-tetrahydroxyflavone (18), and 2',7-dihydroxy-4',5'-dimethoxyisoflavone (22), alongside 22 known compounds. The plant's constituents were evaluated for antiallergic and anti-inflammatory properties. Specifically, (S)-4-methoxydalbergione (1) and cearoiin (2) exhibited antiallergic activity. Furthermore, significant anti-inflammatory activity was demonstrated by (S)-4-methoxydalbergione (1), cearoiin (2), butein (13), koparin (15), bowdichione (16), 3'-O-methylviolanone (23), and xenognosin B (24).
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- antioxidant
- antibacterial
- anti-tumor
- cardioprotective
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains a diverse array of bioactive medicinal compounds including (-)-odoricarpan, (S)-4-methoxydalbergione, dalberavonoids A-C, dalbergin, and dalodorin A. These specific phytochemicals are primarily classified as neoflavonoids and rotenoids found within the wood and bark. The presence of these molecules contributes to the plant's significant pharmacological potential in various biological studies. Researchers often investigate these constituents for their unique chemical structures and potential therapeutic properties. Each of these identified substances plays a role in the complex chemical profile that defines the species.
According to a study published by "Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin", the root heartwood of Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen is a Chinese medicinal drug used for a stagnant blood syndrome. In addition to 10 known compounds, five new phenolic compounds were isolated from the plant. These five new compounds include isomucronustyrene and hydroxyobtustyrene, (+)-isoduartin, odoriflavene, and (-)-odoricarpan. Of the 15 compounds isolated, cinnamylphenols, isoflavans, isoflavene, and benzoic acid derivatives significantly inhibited prostaglandin biosynthesis and platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- (-)-odoricarpan
- (S)-4-methoxydalbergione
- dalbergin
- dalodorin A
- dalodorin B
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating blood stasis, improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and addressing stagnant blood syndrome. It functions primarily by breaking up congestion within the vascular system to restore proper flow. Practitioners often utilize its properties to clear blockages that lead to localized discomfort or swelling. By targeting the root causes of circulatory issues, it helps alleviate chronic aches associated with poor movement of vital fluids. This traditional application makes it a significant remedy for various conditions involving internal stagnation.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Dalbergia odorifera is used in China for dissipating blood stasis, regulating the flow of qi, and relieving pain. It is utilized in traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions to treat cardio-cerebrovascular diseases by promoting blood circulation and eliminating blood stasis. Modern pharmacology research has confirmed that its isolated components and crude extracts possess anti-inflammatory, anti-angina, and anti-oxidative activities. The plant also shows therapeutic potential in cardiovascular and coronary heart diseases. Approximately 175 metabolites have been identified within its chemical constituents.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- blood circulation
- blood stasis
- inflammation
- pain
- stagnant blood syndrome
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as Dalbergia odorifera extract, Qishen Yiqi Dripping Pills, acetone extracts, essential oil, and volatile oils. The medicinal properties of the wood are often concentrated through the production of specific acetone extracts to isolate active compounds. Various pharmaceutical forms also utilize the plant's essential oil for targeted therapeutic applications. Additionally, the volatile oils derived from the species contribute significantly to its traditional pharmacological profile. These diverse preparations allow for the systematic application of the plant in both traditional and modern medicine.
According to a study published by "Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences", 18 flavonoids were identified in free form in rat serum following the oral administration of Dalbergia odorifera extract. These identified flavonoids included five isoflavones, four isoflavanones, four neoflavones, two flavanones, two chalcones, and one isoflavanonol. The study utilized HPLC-UV and HPLC-MS techniques to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze these compounds. Specifically, the amounts of 4 prominent flavonoids, which were (3R)-4'-methoxy-2',3,7-trihydroxyisoflavanone, vestitone, formononetin, and sativanone, were determined in the serum. This research provides a basis for clarifying the pharmacological effect of Dalbergia odorifera and evaluating its clinical applications.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Dalbergia odorifera extract
- Qishen Yiqi Dripping Pills
- acetone extracts
- essential oil
- volatile oils
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause allergic skin reactions, gastrointestinal distress, and potential liver toxicity if consumed in large amounts. The essential oils derived from the wood are known to trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Ingesting preparations of the plant may lead to nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Furthermore, excessive or unregulated use of its extracts may pose a risk of hepatotoxicity to the human liver. Users should exercise caution and consult a professional before using any parts of the species.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Dalbergia odorifera?
This plant, Dalbergia odorifera, pairs most effectively with warming and aromatic herbs such as cinnamon, clove, and cardamom to enhance its deep woody profile.
These spices complement the natural sweetness and balsamic undertones inherent in the rosewood. Integrating citrusy elements like lemongrass or ginger can also balance its heavy scent with bright, sharp top notes. Such combinations are frequently utilized in traditional perfumery and botanical aromatherapy to create complex, grounding fragrances.
Using these specific pairings helps to elevate the plant's unique olfactory characteristics.