Peltophorum pterocarpum
What's the taxonomical classification of Peltophorum pterocarpum?
Peltophorum pterocarpum belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is situated in the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. The plant follows the taxonomic order Fabales and is a member of the family Fabaceae. Specifically, it is categorized under the genus Peltophorum, with its unique biological identity defined by the species name pterocarpum.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Peltophorum |
| Species | pterocarpum |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Peltophorum pterocarpum has a large spreading canopy supported by a trunk with greyish-brown bark and bipinnate leaves composed of numerous small, oblong leaflets. The tree produces large, bright yellow flowers that grow in dense terminal panicles. Its distinctive seed pods are woody, oblong, and turn a dark reddish-brown color as they mature. The foliage typically remains evergreen or semi-deciduous depending on the local climate and water availability. These morphological features collectively allow the species to thrive in tropical environments.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical regions of South America, specifically spanning from Brazil through the Caribbean and into Central America. It has since been widely introduced and naturalized across various tropical and subtropical zones globally. Significant populations are now found throughout Southeast Asia, including countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. It also thrives in parts of Australia and several island nations in the Pacific. Because of its adaptability, it is frequently planted in urban landscapes across many different continents.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires full sunlight, well-drained soil, and a tropical or subtropical climate to thrive during its cultivation.
It is most effectively propagated through the sowing of seeds, which should be scarified to encourage faster germination. Once established, the tree is remarkably drought-tolerant and can adapt to various soil types as long as moisture does not stagnate. Regular pruning helps manage its rapid growth and maintains a healthy canopy for ornamental purposes.
Providing adequate space is essential because the mature specimen can develop a very large and spreading crown.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant utilizes its leaves, flowers, stem bark, pods, and seeds for various medicinal purposes. The leaves are often prepared as decoctions to treat skin ailments and fever. Its yellow flowers can be used to alleviate inflammation and digestive issues. The stem bark provides essential compounds for treating wounds and managing certain internal infections. Additionally, the pods and seeds are frequently employed in traditional remedies to address respiratory conditions and other systemic ailments.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", 70% ethanolic extracts of Peltophorum pterocarpum leaves (LPP) and stem bark (SPP) were evaluated for their antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. Both LPP and SPP inhibited Cu2+-mediated LDL by increasing the lag time of conjugated diene formation and inhibiting the generation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in a dose-dependent manner. In human leukemia cells, CRF-SBAs and HL-60, LPP and SPP showed IC50 values ranging from 118.5 to 157.2 µg/mL. SPP exhibited significant cytotoxicity against MIA PACA2, A549, and KG cell lines with IC50 values of 167.5, 244.1, and 255.0 µg/mL, respectively. Additionally, LPP showed cytotoxic activity against KG with an IC50 value of 228.1 µg/mL.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- leaves
- flowers
- stem bark
- pods
- seed
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Peltophorum pterocarpum has been utilized throughout various traditional medicine systems in Southeast Asia to treat ailments such as inflammation, skin diseases, and digestive issues. In the traditional medicine system of Vietnam, different parts of the tree are prepared to manage specific health conditions through decoctions or topical applications. Historical records indicate that practitioners in other tropical regions have also employed its bark and leaves for their perceived antiseptic properties. The long-standing reliance on this species reflects its deep integration into regional folk healing practices. These diverse uses highlight the cultural importance of the plant in managing community health historically.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", Peltophorum pterocarpum is regarded as one of the most important medicinal plants in the traditional medicine system of Vietnam. The study evaluated 70% ethanolic extracts of leaves (LPP) and stem bark (SPP) to determine their properties. LPP and SPP triggered potent cytotoxic effects against human leukemia cells, CRF-SBA and HL-60, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 118.5 to 157.2 µg/mL. SPP exhibited significant cytotoxicity against MIA PACA2, A549, and KG cell lines with IC50 values of 167.5, 244.1 and 255.0 µg/mL, respectively. Additionally, LPP showed cytotoxic activity against KG with an IC50 value of 228.1 µg/mL.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional medicine system of Vietnam
What are the pharmacological activities of Peltophorum pterocarpum?
This plant has anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiulcer pharmacological activities. Its antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals, which protects cells from oxidative stress and damage. The antibacterial effects allow it to inhibit the growth of various pathogenic microorganisms. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory and antiulcer capabilities suggest potential for treating gastric issues and reducing systemic swelling. Finally, the anti-proliferative activity indicates a possible role in inhibiting the uncontrolled cell growth associated with certain tumors.
According to a study published by "Cureus", the plant Peltophorum pterocarpum has well recognised anti-inflamatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant qualities. These properties may be applied to treat several diseases. The phytochemicals found in the plant, such as quercetin, rhamnetin, hirsutidin, and (+)-leucocyanidin, target key genes. Specifically, 5 genes were shown to be key targets because they are directly engaged in the relaxin signalling pathway. These targets include epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and various matrix metalloproteinases (MMP1, MMP2, MMP9, and MMP13).
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatoy
- anti-proliferative
- antibacterial
- antioxidant
- antiulcer
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains medicinal compounds such as flavonoids, including hirsuitidin, quercetin, and rhamnetin, as well as tannins. These specific bioactive molecules contribute to the diverse pharmacological activities observed in the species. The presence of various flavonoids provides significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the tannins within the plant are known for their astringent and antimicrobial characteristics. Together, these chemical constituents support the traditional use of the plant in various therapeutic applications.
According to a study published by "Journal of clinical and diagnostic research : JCDR", Peltophorum pterocarpum is a rich source for phenols, flavonoids, and tannins which have potential antioxidant and cytoprotective activity. The wood, leaves, and flowers of the plant are used as medicinal agents in traditional medicine. To evaluate the antiulcer activity of the methanolic extract of the leaves of Peltophorum pterocarpum (MEPP), rats were divided into four groups of six rats each. These groups included a control, a standard, test 1 with an extract dose of 100 mg/kg, and test 2 with an extract dose of 200 mg/kg. The study showed that the ulcer index, free acidity, and total acidity were significantly decreased at p<0.01 in the MEPP treated groups compared to the control group. The results revealed that MEPP exhibited potential antiulcer activity and showed a dose dependent antiulcer effect.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- flavonoids
- hirsutidin
- quercetin
- rhamnetin
- tannins
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating acne vulgaris, cancer, diarrhea, gastric lesions, and peptic ulcers. Its medicinal properties are often derived from extracts that exhibit significant antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. These biological activities help in soothing digestive issues such as diarrhea and protecting the stomach lining from lesions or ulcers. Furthermore, research suggests that certain compounds within the plant may possess cytotoxic properties useful in cancer studies. Applying its derivatives can also assist in managing skin inflammation related to acne.
According to a study published by "Cureus", the plant Peltophorum pterocarpum has been investigated for its potential medical uses in treating acne vulgaris. This skin problem is caused by the inflammation of sebaceous glands and hair follicles due to factors such as bacteria and hormonal fluctuations. The plant possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant qualities that may be applied to several diseases. Through the use of tools like Venny 2.1.0 and Cytoscape 3.10.2, researchers identified 5 key genes as targets for acne management. These 5 genes include epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and 4 various matrix metalloproteinases, specifically MMP1, MMP2, MMP9, and MMP13. The phytochemicals in Peltophorum pterocarpum target these genes within the relaxin signalling pathway to provide a therapeutic approach for acne.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- cancer
- diarrhea
- gastrointestinial infections
- peptic ulcer
- wound infections
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations including 70% ethanolic extracts of leaves, aqueous extracts, and various oils. The 70% ethanolic extracts of the leaves are often studied for their specific phytochemical properties and biological activities. Aqueous extracts are frequently prepared by boiling the plant parts in water to derive traditional therapeutic solutions. Additionally, oils derived from the plant serve as topical applications for various healing purposes. These different preparation methods allow for the targeted extraction of diverse bioactive compounds found within the species.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Peltophorum pterocarpum is one of 8 species out of 38 medicinal plant species tested that exhibited antimicrobial activity against Eschericnia coli O157:H7. This plant was among 58 preparations of aqueous and ethanolic extracts used to find bioactive medicine. Peltophorum pterocarpum demonstrated antibacterial activity with inhibition zones ranging from 7 to 17 mm. These findings suggest that this species may provide alternative but bioactive medicines for the treatment of Eschericnia coli O157:H7 infection.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 70% ethanolic extracts of leaves
- aqueous extract
- oils
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause adverse health effects such as skin irritation, allergic reactions, and potential gastrointestinal distress when ingested. While some traditional practices utilize its components, the chemical compounds within the bark and leaves can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses may manifest as rashes or swelling upon direct contact with the plant's tissues. Furthermore, consuming preparations made from this species without proper dosage may lead to nausea or stomach discomfort. Users should exercise extreme caution to avoid these physiological complications.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Peltophorum pterocarpum?
This plant Peltophorum pterocarpum is most effectively paired with ginger, turmeric, and lemongrass to enhance its medicinal and aromatic properties.
When used in traditional infusions, the addition of ginger helps to mitigate the bitter undertones of the bark and leaves. Turmeric complements the plant by providing additional anti-inflammatory synergy during decoction processes. Lemongrass is frequently added to provide a bright citrus scent that masks the earthy aroma of the foliage.
These specific herbal combinations are often studied to improve the palatability and efficacy of botanical extracts.