Entada phaseoloides
Entada phaseoloides · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Entada phaseoloides is a remarkable plant species that contains various bioactive components within its seeds, stems, leaves, and roots. Research has highlighted its significant therapeutic potential, demonstrating powerful antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. These medicinal properties are driven by specialized chemicals such as Entadamide A, Clinacoside C, Entadamide B, and ENTADAMIDE-A-BETA-D-GLUCOPYRANOSIDE. Scientists utilize diverse preparations, including ethanol extracts, methanolic pod extracts, and hexane-extracted oils of ripe seeds, to study these compounds. Such studies aim to address serious medical conditions ranging from bruises and hematochezia to cancer and endoplasmic reticulum stress.
- Synonyms
- Mimosa Blancoana · Mimosa Scandens · 15 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Seed · Stem
Classification
Common Names
Entada phaseoloides is a fascinating plant known by a diverse array of names across different regions and cultures. Locally, it is frequently referred to as Bàm bàm or Kesebekuu, reflecting its deep roots in specific linguistic traditions. In more global or descriptive contexts, it is commonly called the Matchbox Bean due to the unique appearance of its seeds. Travelers and botanists often identify it as the Sea Bean, highlighting its ability to drift across oceans. Additionally, it is widely recognized by the name St. Thomas Bean, adding another layer to its multifaceted identity.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Entada phaseoloides is a complex botanical subject that is frequently identified by various alternative names in scientific literature. Due to its diverse classifications, it is often listed under synonyms such as Acacia scandens and Adenanthera gago. Researchers may also encounter this species documented as Adenanthera scandens depending on the taxonomic framework being used. Furthermore, the plant is recognized through the names Entada adenanthera and Entada gandu in different historical records. Understanding these overlapping relationships is essential for accurate identification and study within the field of botany.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Entada phaseoloides belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a significant part of the world's botanical diversity. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It falls under the order Fabales, a group known for its unique structural characteristics. Further taxonomic refinement places the plant in the family Fabaceae, which is commonly known for its legumes. Finally, it is distinguished by its specific genus, Entada, which defines its unique biological identity.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Entada |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Entada phaseoloides exhibits a wide distribution throughout the temperate regions of Asia. Within China, this species can be found across diverse locales including the South-Central and Southeast regions, as well as the island of Hainan. Its range further extends into the high-altitude areas of Tibet. Additionally, the plant is documented to grow within Eastern Asia, specifically in Japan. This widespread presence highlights the plant's ability to adapt to various environments across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Entada phaseoloides is a shrubby species characterized by its obligatory climbing habit. As it ascends toward the sunlight, this vigorous climber can reach a maximum height of 30 meters. This impressive growth allows the plant to dominate its structural environment through rapid vertical expansion.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Entada phaseoloides is a medicinal plant that possesses a diverse range of significant pharmacological properties. Research into its methanolic pod extracts has demonstrated potent anticancer activity, particularly through cytotoxicity against HeLa cells. Furthermore, the plant exhibits notable antibacterial and antioxidant capabilities, making it a promising candidate for drug discovery. The seeds of the species also yield unique compounds like entadamides A and B, which show promise for antiinflammatory applications by inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase. Collectively, these findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Entada phaseoloides in treating various complex ailments.
Compounds
Entada phaseoloides is a medicinal plant that serves as a rich source of diverse chemical constituents, including various sulfur-containing amides. Research has identified specific compounds within its seeds, such as Entadamide A, Entadamide B, and Clinacoside C. Additionally, the plant contains specialized derivatives like ENTADAMIDE-A-BETA-D-GLUCOPYRANOSIDE. Beyond these amides, transcriptomic and metabolomic studies have also confirmed the presence of flavonoids within its secondary metabolite pathways. These unique chemical properties underscore the plant's significant potential for developing new therapeutic applications, particularly in anti-inflammatory medicine.
Conditions
Entada phaseoloides exhibits diverse therapeutic properties, including the ability to treat bruises as part of its traditional medicinal uses. Research shows that its isolated compounds, such as entadamides A and B, can treat 5-lipoxygenase activity in RBL-1 cells to act as potential anti-inflammatory agents. The plant also demonstrates potent anticancer activity, specifically through its cytotoxic effects against HeLa cells. Furthermore, methanolic extracts of the seeds have been shown to treat chronic restrain stress in mice by reducing despair behavior. This stress-relief effect is achieved as the plant effectively treats endoplasmic reticulum stress by down-regulating specific genes like GRP 78 and CHOP.
Preparations
Entada phaseoloides is prepared as various extracts to investigate its diverse medicinal and biochemical properties. Specifically, the plant is prepared as an ethanol extract, which can further be processed into an n-butanol fraction to inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation. Researchers also utilize methanolic pod extracts of the species to evaluate antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer potential through in vitro and in silico methods. Additionally, the plant is prepared as hexane-extracted oils of ripe seeds for the analysis of bioactive lipophilic compounds such as fatty acids and sterols. These various preparation methods highlight the plant's versatility in pharmaceutical and nutritional research.
Parts used
Entada phaseoloides is a significant medicinal plant characterized by its diverse anatomical structures, including the seed, stem, leaf, and root. Research highlights that the seeds of this species are rich in bioactive compounds like saponins and sulfur-containing amides, which offer potential anti-inflammatory benefits. The stem serves as a primary source of flavonoids and triterpenoid saponins, making it highly valued in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Comparative transcriptome analyses have also explored the metabolic differences found across the leaf and root tissues to better understand the plant's biosynthetic pathways. Together, these various parts contribute to the complex phytochemical profile that makes the species a subject of intense scientific interest.