Deguelia scandens
Deguelia scandens · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Deguelia scandens is a botanical species that has garnered scientific interest due to the diverse therapeutic potential found within its stem. Research focusing on ethanolic extracts, including those prepared with 50% ethanol and absolute ethanol, has revealed significant biological activities. These studies highlight the plant's potent antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, particularly its effectiveness against Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli. Furthermore, the presence of key chemical compounds like lupeol, dalpanitin, flavonoids, and vicenin 3 contributes to its notable cytotoxic effects. These bioactive constituents suggest that the plant may hold promise in addressing complex medical conditions, including arthritis and cancer.
- Synonyms
- Lonchocarpus Pterocarpus · Pterocarpus Guianensis · 3 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Stem
Classification
Synonyms
Deguelia scandens is a botanical species that is frequently identified through a variety of different scientific names. In various taxonomic records, it is recognized by several synonyms, including the names Derris guianensis and Derris pterocarpus. Researchers may also encounter this plant documented as Lonchocarpus pterocarpus or Phyllocarpus pterocarpus depending on the specific classification system used. Furthermore, the name Pterocarpus guianensis serves as another valid synonym for this particular climbing legume. Understanding these shifting nomenclatures is essential for accurately tracking the plant across diverse botanical studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Deguelia scandens is a specialized member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast botanical realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. Its taxonomic journey continues through the order Fabales, which connects it to a diverse group of flowering plants. As a representative of the genus Deguelia, it occupies a unique niche in its ecosystem. Finally, this plant belongs to the prominent family Fabaceae, marking it as part of the well-known legume group.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Deguelia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Deguelia scandens is widely distributed across the diverse landscapes of Southern America. Within Brazil, the species can be found spanning from the Northeast to the West-Central regions and throughout the northern territories. Its presence also extends into Northern South America, covering significant portions of the continent. Specifically, this plant is established in the lush environments of French Guiana and Guyana. This broad geographical range highlights the plant's adaptability to various South American ecosystems.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Deguelia scandens is characterized by its distinct tree-like growth form. Despite this structure, the species maintains an obligatory climbing habit to reach necessary light levels.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Deguelia scandens, also referred to as Derris scandens, has demonstrated significant biological potential through recent scientific screening of Sri Lankan medicinal plants. Research indicates that this species possesses potent antimicrobial activity, making it a valuable subject for drug discovery efforts. Specifically, the plant exhibits strong antibacterial properties, with isolated flavonoids like dalpanitin and vicenin-3 showing effectiveness against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, microfractionation studies have identified cytotoxic activity within its extracts, highlighting its diverse biochemical capabilities. These findings reinforce the importance of exploring traditional herbal medicines to identify new bioactive natural products.
Compounds
Deguelia scandens is a versatile medicinal plant characterized by a diverse array of bioactive chemical constituents. Research indicates that the plant contains the triterpene lupeol, which is associated with significant anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Furthermore, the species is rich in various flavonoids, specifically including the antimicrobial compounds dalpanitin and vicenin-3. Beyond its medicinal value, the structural composition of the plant's stem is notable for containing lignin, which contributes to its potential use as a natural reinforcing agent. Together, these components highlight the significant pharmacological and industrial potential of this species.
Conditions
Deguelia scandens demonstrates significant therapeutic potential through its ability to treat various infectious agents. The plant exhibits antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, specifically targeting Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It also effectively treats Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. Furthermore, the plant shows anticancer properties by treating the PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cell line when placed in a nutrient deprived medium (NDM).
Preparations
Deguelia scandens is prepared as ethanolic extracts to investigate its medicinal properties and chemical composition. Researchers specifically utilize 50% ethanol to create these preparations for studying cytotoxicity and wound-healing activity. The plant is also processed as a 50% ethanolic extract to quantify bioactive markers like genistein and lupeol. Furthermore, studies involve the use of absolute ethanol to facilitate Soxhlet extraction. Finally, the absolute ethanolic extract is evaluated for its effectiveness in promoting wound closure in human skin fibroblast cells.
Parts used
Deguelia scandens, also identified in botanical studies as Derris scandens, possesses a stem that holds significant industrial and medicinal potential. Research indicates that the stem of this plant can yield high-strength cellulosic fibers that serve as a promising natural alternative to synthetic reinforcements in polymer composites. These extracted fibers demonstrate impressive mechanical properties, including a high Young's modulus and notable thermal stability. Beyond its structural applications, the stem is also utilized in traditional Thai medicine to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Specifically, aqueous extracts from the stem have shown a significant ability to reduce myeloperoxide release and inhibit leukotriene B(4) generation.