Dalbergia odorifera
Dalbergia odorifera · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Dalbergia odorifera is a remarkable plant species known for its diverse medicinal properties and significant chemical composition. Utilizing various parts such as the flower, leaf, and root, researchers derive valuable preparations including extracts, volatile oils, and heartwood. The plant contains potent bioactive compounds like formononetin, flavonoids, sativanone, and ( )-claussequinone. These chemical constituents facilitate essential biological activities, ranging from antioxidant and repellent effects to cardioprotective benefits. Consequently, studies focus on its potential to combat cancer and manage cardiovascular diseases by influencing factors like ATPase and alanine transaminase.
- Synonyms
- Dalbergia Changhuagensis
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Flower · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Dalbergia odorifera is a remarkable species known globally by several distinct names. In English-speaking botanical circles, it is most frequently referred to as fragrant rosewood. Its cultural significance is deeply rooted in China, where it is commonly called Jiang Xiang or 降香. More specifically, the plant is identified by the local name Jiangxiang Huangtan. This detailed nomenclature, including the Chinese characters 降香黃檀, highlights the diverse linguistic heritage surrounding this precious wood.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Dalbergia odorifera is a significant species within its genus that often requires careful botanical identification. In various taxonomic records, this plant is frequently listed under the synonym Dalbergia changhuagensis. Understanding these overlapping names is essential for researchers tracking the plant's distribution and genetic lineage. Such nomenclatural connections ensure that data regarding its ecological role remains consistent across different scientific studies. Consequently, recognizing these synonymous relationships helps prevent confusion in both forestry and conservation efforts.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Dalbergia odorifera belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse group of living organisms. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Fabales, which helps define its evolutionary lineage. This plant is a member of the family Fabaceae, a group known for its significant botanical importance. Ultimately, it is identified by its specific genus, Dalbergia, which distinguishes it from other related species.
| 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 odorifera is a botanical species with a specific geographic presence located across Asia-Temperate regions. Within this broad territory, the plant is notably found throughout various parts of China, including the Southeast region. Its natural range also extends to the tropical landscape of Hainan, marking a significant part of its ecological footprint. This distribution pattern highlights the plant's ability to thrive in both mainland and island environments. Understanding these specific locations is essential for studying the natural habitat and conservation needs of the species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Dalbergia odorifera grows in the form of a sturdy tree. As a self-supporting species, it maintains its own structural integrity and upright posture in the wild.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Dalbergia odorifera is a rare and precious medicinal plant recognized for its diverse range of bioactive properties. Research indicates that its various parts, particularly the heartwood, leaf, and flower, exhibit significant antioxidant activity often linked to high flavonoid content. Furthermore, the plant's flavonoids have demonstrated potent cardioprotective effects by reducing myocardial ischemia and protecting heart tissue from damage. Beyond its medicinal benefits, extracts from this species also serve as a natural defense mechanism in agricultural contexts. Specifically, D. odorifera has shown potent repellent activity against the motile zoospores of certain phytopathogenic organisms.
Compounds
Dalbergia odorifera is a highly valued medicinal herb known for its rich concentration of diverse flavonoids. Among its many chemical constituents, sativanone and 3'-O-methylviolanone stand out as dominant compounds within the plant's profile. Research also highlights the presence of formononetin, which contributes to the plant's complex bioactive properties. Furthermore, the identification of dalbergin underscores the specialized phytochemical makeup of this species. Together, these various secondary metabolites provide a scientific foundation for understanding the plant's extensive pharmacological benefits.
Conditions
Dalbergia odorifera is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases. Specifically, its components provide therapeutic benefits for various cardiovascular diseases, including protection against myocardial ischemia. Research indicates that the plant's bioactive compounds, such as trans-nerolol and certain flavonoids, can increase ATPase levels to support heart health. Additionally, Dalbergia odorifera effectively reduces H2O2 content, which helps mitigate oxidative stress. This reduction in hydrogen peroxide is crucial because the plant also treats H2O2-induced cell senescence by protecting cells from premature aging.
Preparations
Dalbergia odorifera is prepared as an extract, such as acetone and ethanol extracts, which demonstrate significant repellent activity against certain phytopathogens and anti-senescent effects in skin cells. The plant is also prepared as heartwood, a source from which bioactive compounds like isoparvifuran and various sesquiterpenoids are isolated. Additionally, Dalbergia odorifera is prepared as volatile oil, which contains trans-nerolidol and shows potential for protecting against myocardial ischemia. Furthermore, the plant is prepared as EEDO, or ethanolic extracts of Dalbergia odorifera, which effectively inhibits UVB-induced photoaging by suppressing reactive oxygen species. These various preparations highlight the diverse medicinal and chemical utility of the species.
Parts used
Dalbergia odorifera is a rare and precious medicinal plant that possesses various biologically active components across its different structures. Research indicates that the plant includes specific parts such as the flower, which exhibits significant antioxidant activity. Similarly, the leaf serves as a valuable source of phytochemicals that may be utilized for future medicinal development. Beyond these aerial parts, the roots of the species are also essential, as they contain novel flavonoid derivatives like dalberavonoids A-C. Together, these diverse parts demonstrate the complex chemical profile that makes the plant a subject of significant pharmacological interest.