Erythrophleum suaveolens
Erythrophleum suaveolens · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Erythrophleum suaveolens is a notable botanical species recognized for its diverse range of medicinal properties. Extracts derived from the plant's leaves are frequently utilized to harness its potent biological activities. These preparations serve various therapeutic roles, functioning as an analgesic, anesthetic, and antifungal agent. Furthermore, the plant has been studied for its specific applications in managing conditions such as cancer. However, it is important to note that its chemical composition also imparts abortifacient qualities.
- Synonyms
- Mavia Judicialis · Afzelia Grandis · 4 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Erythrophleum suaveolens is a remarkable species known by several distinct names across different regions. It is widely recognized by its common moniker, the Forest ordeal tree, reflecting its significant botanical identity. Many people also refer to this plant simply as the Ordeal Tree or by the name Tali. In certain areas, it is locally known as bois rouge, highlighting its unique physical characteristics. Additionally, the name erun is used to identify this versatile and culturally important tree.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Erythrophleum suaveolens is a botanical species known to be associated with a diverse array of scientific synonyms. In various taxonomic records, it is frequently identified by the names Afzelia grandis and Erythrophleum guineense. Researchers also encounter this plant under the alternative designations of Erythrophleum judiciale and Erythrophleum ordale. Furthermore, the nomenclature includes the name Fillaea suaveolens, reflecting the complexity of its classification. Understanding these overlapping relationships is essential for accurate identification in botanical studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Erythrophleum suaveolens is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, the species belongs to the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the order Fabales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. This plant is a prominent representative of the genus Erythrophleum. Finally, it finds its botanical home within the diverse family Fabaceae.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Erythrophleum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Erythrophleum suaveolens is a notable species widely distributed throughout the African continent. Its presence is particularly strong in East Tropical Africa, where it can be found across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The plant also extends its reach into Northeast Tropical Africa, establishing itself in the landscapes of Chad. Furthermore, its range continues through the regions of Sudan and South Sudan. This broad geographic footprint highlights the ecological adaptability of the species across diverse African territories.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Erythrophleum suaveolens is a self-supporting tree that establishes a robust presence within its natural habitat. This species typically exhibits a tree growth form, contributing to the structural complexity of the forest canopy. While it may reach a maximum height of approximately 17.5 meters, some specimens can grow even larger. Ultimately, the tree can attain a substantial stature of up to 30.48 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Erythrophleum suaveolens has demonstrated notable antifungal activity in recent preliminary studies involving medicinal plants from south-eastern Nigeria. During testing against various pathogenic fungi, extracts of this specific plant successfully inhibited the growth of Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes. This effectiveness was observed at a 1:10 dilution, distinguishing it from several other tested species that failed to show similar results. Such findings highlight the plant's potential role in addressing dermatophyte infections. Ultimately, these results suggest that Erythrophleum suaveolens could be a valuable resource in the development of treatments for fungal diseases.
Compounds
Conditions
Erythrophleum suaveolens demonstrates significant medicinal potential through its ability to inhibit various pathogenic fungi. Specifically, extracts of this plant effectively inhibit the growth of Basidiobolus haptosporus and B. ranarum at a 1:10 dilution. It also proves successful in treating dermatophyte infections by inhibiting Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes. Furthermore, the plant is implicated in the management of cancer, although research indicates its components may be cytotoxic and mutagenic. These combined antifungal and anticancer properties highlight its complex biological impact on various pathogens and disease states.
Preparations
Erythrophleum suaveolens is prepared as extracts to investigate its potential medicinal properties. In recent preliminary studies, these specific extracts were tested for their antifungal activities against various pathogenic fungi. The research demonstrated that the extracts from this plant successfully inhibited the growth of Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes. This particular preparation was evaluated alongside several other medicinal plants collected from south-eastern Nigeria. Such findings suggest that the plant extracts could play a role in treating certain fungal infections.
Parts used
Erythrophleum suaveolens leaves were identified as one of the specific botanical components evaluated for their biological effects in a study on Nigerian plants. During the investigation, the ethanolic extracts of these leaves were tested against brine shrimp and rat lymphocytes to determine their physiological impact. The results demonstrated that this particular plant part is toxic to brine shrimp and possesses the capacity to cause chromosomal damage. Such findings contribute to a broader understanding of the mutagenic and cytotoxic potential inherent in various African medicinal species. Ultimately, these observations help justify the use of the plant in cancer management, despite the risks associated with its non-selective mode of action.