Entada phaseoloides
What's the taxonomical classification of Entada phaseoloides?
Entada phaseoloides belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. Its taxonomic progression continues through the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, placing it within the order Fabales. As a member of the family Fabaceae, this plant is specifically categorized under the genus Entada, with its unique biological identity defined by its species name, phaseoloides.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Entada |
| Species | phaseoloides |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Entada phaseoloides has woody climbing vines that develop large, pinnately compound leaves and thick, woody pods containing massive seeds. The stems are robust lianas that can reach significant lengths as they scramble through forest canopies. Its leaves are composed of several pairs of leaflets that are typically elliptical or oblong in shape. The flowers are generally small and arranged in clusters, often appearing in shades of white or pale yellow. Most notably, the plant produces elongated, woody legume pods that can grow to impressive sizes. These pods eventually split to reveal large, dark seeds that are characteristic of the genus.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical regions of West and Central Africa, extending from Senegal in the west to Angola in the south and stretching north toward Sudan. It primarily thrives in lowland rainforest environments and secondary forests throughout the Congo Basin. The species is frequently found in disturbed areas and forest edges where sunlight is more accessible. Its range is strictly limited to the humid, equatorial climates of the African continent. This specific distribution pattern reflects its dependence on stable tropical moisture and warm temperatures.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Entada phaseoloides is a woody climbing vine that thrives in tropical environments when planted in deep, well-drained soils with consistent moisture and partial shade.
Cultivators must provide sturdy support structures such as fences or large trees to accommodate its vigorous twining growth habit. Successful production requires a warm climate with high humidity levels and protection from frost to ensure healthy development. Regular watering and organic fertilization help promote the growth of its large, distinctive pods.
Once established, the vine can quickly cover significant areas if given enough space and sunlight.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Entada phaseoloides utilizes its kernels, leaves, pods, roots, and stems for various medicinal applications in traditional practices. The seeds or kernels are often processed to treat specific ailments or used in dietary supplements. Leaves can be crushed or decocted to address skin conditions or inflammatory issues. The large pods are frequently utilized in topical preparations or infusions. Both the root and the stem provide essential components used to formulate remedies for internal wellness.
According to a study published by "Molecular ecology resources", Entada phaseoloides is a medicinal herbal plant that possesses high levels of secondary metabolites, particularly triterpenoid saponins. These metabolites are important resources for medical applications and scientific research. The kernel of the plant shows a distinct gene expression pattern and metabolic profile compared to other tissues. The genome assembly for this plant is 456.18 Mb, with a scaffold N50 of 30.9 Mb and a contig N50 of 6.34 Mb. Within this genome, 95.71% of the sequences are anchored onto 14 pseudochromosomes. Researchers identified four CYP genes and one UGT gene that contribute to the regulation of triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- kernel
- leaf
- pod
- root
- stem
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Entada phaseoloides, has been utilized for centuries in traditional medicinal systems such as Ayurveda and Chinese Dai medicine to treat various ailments. In the Ayurvedic tradition, different parts of the vine are often employed to manage inflammatory conditions and digestive issues. Practitioners of Chinese Dai medicine also rely on the plant's properties to address specific local health concerns and systemic imbalances. Historical applications frequently involve using the seeds or the woody vines to create decoctions or topical treatments. These diverse cultural uses demonstrate the long-standing recognition of the species' therapeutic potential across different regions.
According to a study published by "Journal of AOAC International", Entada phaseoloides (Linn.) Merr. (Family: Fabaceae) is a well-known, traditional, medicinal plant. This plant has been extensively used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for centuries to combat a wide range of ailments. The phytochemical study of Entada phaseoloides resulted in the isolation and identification of 3 bio-active constituents. This research also involved the rapid analysis and characterization of 3 new saponins from Entada phaseoloides. During the study, common fragments m/z 648, 630, 498, 366, and 204 were used for the screening of saponin components.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Ayurveda
- Chinese Dai medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Entada phaseoloides?
This plant has antibacterial, anticancer, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and antidepressant pharmacological activities. Its chemical constituents work to neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress within cellular environments. These properties allow the plant to inhibit the growth of various pathogenic bacteria and mitigate systemic inflammation. Furthermore, its bioactive compounds demonstrate potential in suppressing tumor cell proliferation and regulating neurological pathways to alleviate depressive symptoms. These diverse therapeutic effects highlight the significant medicinal potential of Entada phaseoloides in modern pharmacology.
According to a study published by "Scientific reports", Entada phaseoloides methanolic pod extracts possess various pharmacological activities including antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer potential. The plant has a total phenolic content of 42.30 ± 0.13 GAE/g and a total flavonoid content of 72.90 ± 0.42 QE/g. Antioxidant activity through DPPH and ABTS assays showed IC50 values of 73.29 ± 0.48 and 64.63 ± 0.29 µg/mL. Cytotoxicity assays against HeLa cells demonstrated anticancer activity with an IC50 value of 4.71 ± 0.06 µg/mL. Additionally, in silico studies identified bioactive compounds within the plant that have strong binding affinities toward Topoisomerase II, DNA gyrase, and AKT1.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- antibacterial
- anticancer
- antiinflammatory
- antioxidant
- antidepressant
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds Entadamide A, Entadamide B, Entadamide A-beta-D-glucopyranoside, Entadamide A-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and Clinacoside C. These specific chemical constituents are identified within the seeds of Entada phaseoloides. The entadamides represent a unique class of bioactive molecules found in this species. Some of these molecules exist as glycosylated derivatives, which can alter their biological activity and solubility. Clinacoside C further contributes to the diverse chemical profile of the plant's medicinal properties.
According to a study published by "Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine", the isolation of active components from the seeds of Entada phaseoloides revealed the presence of Oleic acid (1), Entadamide A (2), Entadamide A-beta-d-glucopyranoside (3) and 1-O-protocatechuoyl-β-d-glucose. A methanolic extract of E. phaseoloides (MEEP) was administered at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o. to evaluate its effects. The study showed that MEEP significantly reduced immobility time in the FST with a P < 0.001. It also caused a significant reduction of LPO levels at P < 0.05 and restored antioxidant enzymes GSH at P < 0.001 and SOD. Furthermore, MEEP led to the down-regulation of genes GRP 78, GRP 94, CHOP and Caspase-12 at P < 0.001.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Entadamide A
- Entadamide B
- Entadamide A-beta-d-glucopyranoside
- Oleanolic acid
- Triterpenoid saponins
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating inflammation, infectious diseases, and cancer through its potent medicinal properties. Its extracts demonstrate significant anticancer activity that helps inhibit the growth of various malignant cells. Researchers have also identified its strong antibacterial capabilities which allow it to combat many harmful pathogens. These multifaceted biological effects make it a valuable resource in managing diverse health conditions.
According to a study published by "Scientific reports", Entada phaseoloides has long been used in traditional medicine for conditions including cancer and infectious diseases. The methanolic pod extracts of this species showed a total phenolic content of 42.30 ± 0.13 GAE/g and a total flavonoid content of 72.90 ± 0.42 QE/g. Antioxidant activity through DPPH and ABTS assays showed radical scavenging with IC50 values of 73.29 ± 0.48 and 64.63 ± 0.29 µg/mL. The plant demonstrated potent anticancer activity against HeLa cells with an IC50 value of 4.71 ± 0.06 µg/mL. These findings suggest the plant is a promising candidate for antibacterial and anticancer drug discovery.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- cancer
- inflammation
- infectious diseases
- antibacterial
- anticancer
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations including methanolic extracts, crude extracts, n-butanol fractions, and oils. Researchers utilize these various forms to isolate specific bioactive compounds responsible for the species' therapeutic properties. The crude extracts provide a broad spectrum of phytochemicals, while methanolic extracts offer a more concentrated chemical profile. Through further refinement, the n-butanol fraction allows for the separation of specific polar constituents. Additionally, the oils extracted from the plant are studied for their potential applications in traditional and modern medicine.
According to a study published by "Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine", the methanolic extract of Entada phaseoloides (MEEP) was administered at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg p.o. to mice (n = 6/group). These mice were restrained for 6 h daily in 50 ml polystyrene tubes for 28 days, with MEEP administered from day 22-28. MEEP significantly reduced immobility time in the forced swim test (P < 0.001) and reduced lipid peroxidation levels (P < 0.05). The extract restored antioxidant enzymes GSH (P < 0.001) and SOD, while also causing down-regulation of genes GRP 78, GRP 94, CHOP, and Caspase-12 (P < 0.001). Isolation of active components from the seeds of Entada phaseoloides revealed Oleic acid (1), Entadamide A (2), Entadamide A-beta-d-glucopyranoside (3), and 1-O-protocatechuoyl-beta-d-glucose.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Methanolic extract
- Crude extracts
- n-butanol fraction
- Oils
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause unknown adverse reactions because there is currently insufficient clinical data regarding its safety and toxicity in humans. While some traditional practices utilize its various parts for medicinal purposes, scientific studies have not adequately established safe dosage levels. The lack of rigorous human trials means that potential impacts on organ function or metabolic processes remain largely undocumented. Consequently, users risk experiencing unpredictable side effects due to this significant gap in pharmacological research. Avoiding consumption is advised until more comprehensive toxicological assessments are completed.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- Insufficient clinical data
What herbs are paired with Entada phaseoloides?
This plant Entada phaseoloides is commonly paired with herbs such as ginger, garlic, and various local aromatic leaves to enhance its medicinal properties in traditional remedies.
These combinations are often prepared as decoctions or poultices to target specific ailments like inflammation or digestive issues. Adding ginger can help mitigate the strong earthy taste of the legume while simultaneously boosting its warming effects on the body. Garlic is frequently integrated into these mixtures to provide additional antimicrobial benefits during the healing process.
Such specific botanical groupings are carefully selected based on regional ethnobotanical knowledge to maximize therapeutic efficacy.