Entada spiralis

Entada spiralis, commonly known as the sea bean or spiral climber, is a robust woody vine native to tropical regions. Renowned for its massive, coiled pods, this medicinal plant is utilized in traditional healing practices to treat various ailments, including skin conditions, inflammation, and digestive issues through its bioactive properties.

  • Scientific name: Entada spiralis
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Tropical

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, situated within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Entada, which includes the species Entada spiralis.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Fabales WCVP
Family Fabaceae WCVP
Genus Entada WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Entada spiralis, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic context. In English, it is commonly referred to as the spiralous entada, while in French, it is called l'entada spiralée. Within local contexts in different regions, it is also identified as espina de monte in Spanish and as spirale entada in Portuguese.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several key regions in Southeast Asia. Within the Indo-China region, its presence is noted in Thailand. Moving toward the Malesia zone, it can be found throughout Malaya. Additionally, the species extends its range to include the island of Sumatera. These locations define the primary natural habitats where the species is currently distributed.

Region Area Source
Indo-China Thailand WCVP
Malesia Malaya WCVP
Malesia Sumatera WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Entada spiralis, is a woody climber known for its various therapeutic applications, particularly when utilizing its stem bark. The stem bark is the primary part harvested for medicinal purposes, as it is believed to contain bioactive compounds that contribute to its healing properties. In traditional medicine, this specific part of the plant is often processed or decocted to treat various ailments, serving as a vital component in the botanical repertoire for its pharmacological potential.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
Stem Bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Entada spiralis has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, 5,4'-dihydroxy-3,7,3'-trimethoxyflavone, gallic acid, kaempferol.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
(+)-catechin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
(-)-epicatechin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
5,4'-dihydroxy-3,7,3'-trimethoxyflavone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gallic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
kaempferol 1 ★☆☆☆☆