Erythrina subumbrans
Erythrina subumbrans · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Erythrina subumbrans is a plant species that has gained significant scientific interest due to its diverse therapeutic potential. Research indicates that the stem bark is a primary source of bioactive compounds used in medicinal preparations. Within this plant, specific chemicals such as 5-Hydroxysophoranone, Abyssinone V, Erybraedin A, and Erycristagallin have been identified. These constituents are being studied for their promising anticancer activities and their ability to address various physiological conditions. Consequently, the plant shows great promise in developing treatments for both cancer and antidiabetic needs.
- Synonyms
- Corallodendron Sumatranum · Hypaphorus Subumbrans · 11 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Stem
Classification
Common Names
Erythrina subumbrans is a versatile plant known by several distinct regional and descriptive names. It is commonly referred to as the December-tree, a moniker likely inspired by its blooming patterns. In various local contexts, the species is also identified as Rarang or simply as dadap. Some enthusiasts and botanists may also use the name Dadap Serep to specify the plant. Ultimately, it is frequently recognized under the broader name erythrina, reflecting its place within its genus.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Erythrina subumbrans is a species characterized by a complex taxonomic history involving several important synonyms. This plant has been previously identified in botanical literature under the names Corallodendron holosericeum, Corallodendron lithospermum, and Corallodendron sumatranum. Furthermore, researchers have historically categorized it as Erythrina holosericea in various studies. The name Erythrina hypaphorus also serves as a recognized synonym within its botanical classification. Understanding these overlapping designations is essential for maintaining accuracy in botanical research and documentation.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Erythrina subumbrans is a remarkable specimen belonging to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this biological realm, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further belongs to the order Fabales, which highlights its specific evolutionary lineage. Moving down the taxonomic hierarchy, it is a member of the diverse family Fabaceae. Finally, this species is defined by its placement within the genus Erythrina.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Erythrina |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Erythrina subumbrans exhibits a diverse geographic range that spans multiple climatic zones across Asia. This species is found within the temperate regions of China, specifically throughout South-Central areas. Its tropical footprint is equally extensive, stretching across the Indian Subcontinent to include India, Sri Lanka, and Assam. Furthermore, the plant thrives within the Indo-China region, notably inhabiting the Andaman Islands. This widespread distribution highlights the remarkable adaptability of the species across varying Asian landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Erythrina subumbrans is a self-supporting plant that takes the form of a tree. This species can reach a maximum height of 15 meters in certain environments. However, under optimal conditions, it is capable of growing up to 20 meters tall. Its sturdy structure allows it to stand independently within its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Erythrina subumbrans, a medicinal plant native to sub-Saharan Africa and the Western Ghats of India, is emerging as a promising source of bioactive compounds for cancer treatment. Recent research focused on its stem bark led to the isolation of a specific flavonoid compound known as isolupalbigenin. This compound demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity against both breast cancer and cervical cancer cell lines in laboratory evaluations. Furthermore, in silico studies and molecular dynamics simulations confirmed that isolupalbigenin can effectively bind to the estrogen receptor alpha. These findings suggest that Erythrina subumbrans holds substantial potential for the development of alternative anticancer therapies.
Compounds
Erythrina subumbrans serves as a rich source of various bioactive secondary metabolites found within its bark. Chemical analysis has successfully identified several specific compounds, including the flavanones 5-hydroxysophoranone and abyssinone V. Furthermore, the plant contains a diverse array of pterocarpans such as erybraedin A. Researchers also isolated the distinct compounds erycristagallin and erystagallin A from the species. These findings highlight the complex chemical profile of the plant and its potential for further pharmacological study.
Conditions
Erythrina subumbrans possesses significant medicinal potential through its various bioactive compounds. The plant's extracts have been shown to treat antidiabetic conditions by inhibiting enzymes like α-glucosidase and α-amylase. It also demonstrates effective antimicrobial properties, specifically showing activity against fungi and Gram-positive bacteria. Furthermore, certain isolates from the plant have been tested for their ability to treat antimycobacterial and antiplasmodial infections. Finally, the phytochemicals found within the species also serve to treat anti-inflammatory issues by inhibiting nitric oxide production.
Preparations
Erythrina subumbrans is utilized as stem bark for the isolation of bioactive compounds like isolupalbigenin to evaluate anticancer efficacy. The stem bark of this medicinal plant serves as a primary source for secondary metabolites that demonstrate cytotoxic activity against breast and cervical cancer cell lines. Furthermore, the bark of Erythrina subumbrans is processed to extract various chemical constituents, including new erythrina alkaloids and pterocarpans. These specific plant parts are essential for discovering compounds that exhibit antiplasmodial, antimycobacterial, and cytotoxic properties. Consequently, the preparation of Erythrina subumbrans as bark or stem bark is a critical step in studying its potential as an alternative medical therapy.
Parts used
Erythrina subumbrans is a significant medicinal plant native to sub-Saharan Africa and the Western Ghats of India. Recent scientific investigations have focused on the plant's stem, specifically targeting the bioactive compounds found within its bark. Researchers successfully isolated the flavonoid compound isolupalbigenin from this stem bark to evaluate its therapeutic potential. This specific component has demonstrated notable cytotoxic activity against certain breast and cervical cancer cell lines. Ultimately, the study of the Erythrina subumbrans stem supports the continued development of this species as a source for alternative cancer therapies.