Libidibia ferrea
Pau ferro
Libidibia ferrea, commonly known as ironwood, is a resilient medicinal plant valued for its unique therapeutic properties. Renowned in traditional herbalism, it is frequently utilized to support vitality and address various physiological imbalances. This robust species offers a rich profile of bioactive compounds essential for holistic wellness and healing.
- Scientific name: Libidibia ferrea
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Asia-Tropical
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is ordered under Fabales and placed in the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Libidiibia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Libidibia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Libidiibia ferrea, is recognized by various common names across different languages and regions. In English, it is called pau ferro, a name that is also used in Swedish as Pau ferro. Its diverse nomenclature includes the Greek name Λιμπιντίμπια η σιδερένια, the Arabic name بقم فيرا, and the Chinese name 铁云实.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ar | بقم فيرا | Wikidata |
| sv | Pau ferro | Wikidata |
| el | Λιμπιντίμπια η σιδερένια | Wikidata |
| zh | 铁云实 | Wikidata |
| en | pau ferro | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide-ranging geographical distribution that spans several distinct tropical regions across the globe. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it is commonly found growing in both India and Pakistan. Its presence extends into the Malesia region, specifically documented in Malaya. Furthermore, the species inhabits parts of Papuasia, notably within New Guinea. Finally, its range reaches the Americas, where it can be located in the Northeast region of Brazil.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Pakistan | WCVP |
| Malesia | Malaya | WCVP |
| Papuasia | New Guinea | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Northeast | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Libidibia ferrea, commonly known as Pau Brasil, possesses various components that are utilized for their therapeutic properties. The medicinal value is frequently found within the stem bark, which is often harvested to prepare decoctions, though in some traditional practices, the larger stem barks are specifically processed for their tannins. The botanical structure also includes distinctive fruits that develop into elongated, woody pods. Contained within these structures are the seed units, which complete the plant's reproductive cycle and contribute to the overall botanical profile of this medicinal species.- Total parts
- 13
- Scientific sources
- 16
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| pods | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| fruits | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem barks | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seed | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| mature seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| legume leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaflets | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Pods with Seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Libidibia ferrea has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Libidibia ferrea has 6 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antinociceptive, Antioxidant, Antiulcer, Antiulcerogenic.
- Total activities
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antinociceptive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiulcer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiulcerogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Gastroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Libidibia ferrea has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Type 2 diabetes mellitus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |