Entada rheedei
Entada rheedei · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Entada rheedei is a unique botanical species known for its significant pharmacological potential. Recent investigations into its seeds have revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as Corchoionoside C, Entadamide A, and Homogentisic acid. These specific chemical constituents are of particular interest due to their potential biological activities. Scientific studies have focused on evaluating how these substances influence cell viability within various experimental models. Understanding these interactions provides crucial insights into the therapeutic possibilities of this plant.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Seed
Classification
Common Names
Entada rheedei is a remarkable plant known by a diverse array of names across different cultures and regions. It is frequently referred to as the African Dream Herb, a title that highlights its unique reputation. In some linguistic circles, it is also recognized by the German name Afrikanisches Traumkraut. Many people simply call it the Garbee Bean or the Giant Sea Bean when identifying its massive, floating seeds. Finally, it is often described as the Giantpod Seabean, reflecting its impressive physical scale.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Taxonomy
Entada rheedei is a remarkable organism belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. This species is further organized into the order Fabales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. As a member of the family Fabaceae, it shares important botanical traits with other legumes. Finally, its taxonomic identity is solidified by its placement within the genus Entada.
| 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 rheedei is a widespread species with a significant presence across several regions of the African continent. Its distribution is particularly notable throughout East Tropical Africa, where it can be found in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Moving toward the northeast, the plant also thrives within the territories of Sudan and South Sudan. Additionally, its range extends into the southern reaches of the continent, specifically inhabiting parts of Malawi. This broad geographic spread highlights the plant's adaptability to various tropical environments across Africa.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Entada rheedei is a remarkable plant characterized by its distinct growth form and specialized lifestyle. It possesses an obligatory climbing habit, which allows it to scale surrounding structures to reach the sunlight. Depending on the environment, its stature can vary significantly, starting from a minimum height of 2 meters. In many instances, these vines reach impressive heights of at least 60 meters. Ultimately, this vigorous climber can achieve a maximum height of up to 75 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Entada rheedei is a medicinal plant utilized in Thailand that contains several noteworthy chemical compounds within its seed kernels. Detailed chemical investigations have successfully isolated entadamide A from the plant's methanolic extract. Additionally, the research identified the presence of corchoionoside C among the various constituents found in the seeds. The analysis also confirmed that Entada rheedei contains homogentisic acid. These specific phytochemical relationships highlight the complex chemical profile that may contribute to the plant's medicinal and neuropsychiatric effects.
Conditions
Entada rheedei seed kernels contain specific tryptophan derivatives that influence both cell viability and HIV infectivity. Research shows that the compounds tryptorheedei A and tryptorheedei B exhibit no toxicity to TZM and Human PBMC cells, thereby maintaining cell viability. These derivatives impact HIV infectivity by inhibiting the enzyme indolamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) to prevent tryptophan depletion. This enzymatic inhibition is significant because it can acutely inhibit viral replication during HIV infection. Consequently, the chemical properties of Entada rheedei provide a biological mechanism for managing these specific physiological processes.
Preparations
Parts used
Entada rheedei is a plant species that holds significant pharmacological interest, particularly due to the chemical properties found within its seeds. Researchers have focused extensively on the seed kernels of this plant to isolate various unique compounds, including new tryptophan derivatives. These studies reveal that the seed extracts contain bioactive molecules like entadamide A and several glycosides. Such findings are crucial because the components within the seeds may influence complex biological processes, including HIV infectivity and kynurenine metabolism. Ultimately, the chemical investigation of these seeds highlights the potential medicinal value of Entada rheedei in treating various ailments.