Leucaena leucocephala
Jumbay
Leucaena leucocephalha, commonly known as lead tree or river tamarind, is a versatile multipurpose legume. Renowned for its rapid growth, it serves as vital forage, soil improver, and fuelwood. Medicinally, various parts are utilized in traditional practices to treat ailments ranging from inflammation to digestive issues and skin infections.
- Scientific name: Leucaena leucocephala
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Following the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. It is scientifically identified by the genus Leucaena and the species leucocephala.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Leucaena | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Leucaena leucocephala, is recognized by various local names across different linguistic traditions. In Chinese, it is referred to as 銀合歡 (yínhéhuān), while in Javanese, it is called pethèt. The Nahuatl language uses the name Huāxcuahuitl, and in Quechua, it is known as Yarawisqu. Additionally, in Malay, the plant is commonly called Petai belalang.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 銀合歡 | Wikidata |
| jv | pethèt | Wikidata |
| nah | Huāxcuahuitl | Wikidata |
| qu | Yarawisqu | Wikidata |
| ms | Petai belalang | Wikidata |
| de | Weißkopfmimose | Wikidata |
| de-ch | Weisskopfmimose | Wikidata |
| id | lamtoro | Wikidata |
| ja | ギンネム | Wikidata |
| ml | സുബാബുൽ | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific presence across several regions within the European continent. In Southwestern Europe, its distribution includes the Baleares, Portugal, and Spain. Moving toward the eastern part of the continent, it can also be found in Southeastern Europe. Specifically, its range extends to Italy within this southeastern territory. Finally, its geographical footprint includes the island of Sicilia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Sicilia | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Tunisia | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Canary Is. | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Cape Verde | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as leucaena or river tamarind, possesses various components that are utilized for their medicinal properties. The leaves are frequently studied for their bioactive compounds, often being processed into leaf extracts to harness their therapeutic potential. The nutrient-rich pod serves as a significant source of sustenance and medicine, while the seed gum can be utilized for its thickening and medicinal qualities. Additionally, the roots are sometimes employed in traditional practices to address specific health concerns.- Total parts
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 9
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaf extracts | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seed gum | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pod | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf meal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Seedpods | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Leucaena leucocephala has 26 reported phytochemicals identified across 30 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include mimosine, 3-hydroxy-4(1H)-pyridone, flavonoids, 2,3-DHP, 3,4-dihydroxypyridine.
- Total chemicals
- 26
- Scientific sources
- 30
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| mimosine | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| 3-hydroxy-4(1H)-pyridone | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 2,3-DHP | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 3,4-dihydroxypyridine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Caffeic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Chrysoeriol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Epigallocatechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Isorhamnetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Leucaena leucocephala has 4 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antidiabetic.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Leucaena leucocephala has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Hair-loss, antidiabetic, antioxidant, cancer, infectious diseases.
- Total uses
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Hair-loss | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| infectious diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| poisoning | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |