Peltophorum pterocarpum
Peltophorum pterocarpum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (8 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Peltophorum pterocarpum is a versatile medicinal plant whose therapeutic potential is derived from its leaves, flowers, seeds, and stems. Through various preparations, such as ethanolic extracts and hexane-extracted oils of ripe seeds, researchers have isolated potent bioactive compounds including flavonoids, phenols, and tannins. These chemical constituents provide significant antioxidant, antibacterial, and bacteriostatic activities. Consequently, the plant shows great promise in addressing diverse medical conditions such as acne vulgaris, atherosclerosis, diarrhea, and peptic ulcers. Studies involving methanolic extracts of the leaves further highlight the plant's profound pharmacological importance.
- Synonyms
- Inga Pterocarpa · Caesalpinia Macklottii · 12 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Flower
Classification
Common Names
Peltophorum pterocarpum is a vibrant tree known globally by a variety of diverse common names. In English-speaking regions, it is frequently referred to as the Flamboyant Jaune, while Spanish speakers call it the Flamboyán amarillo. Its striking golden blooms also earn it the German titles of Gelber Flammenbaum and Gult Flammetræ. In Vietnam, this beautiful species is locally recognized by the name Lim xẹt. These many names reflect the widespread beauty and cultural presence of this magnificent plant across different continents.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Peltophorum pterocarpum is a botanical subject characterized by a complex web of taxonomic synonyms. Throughout scientific literature, this species is frequently identified by the alternative names Baryxylum ferrugineum and Baryxylum inerme. It is also commonly referred to as Brasilettia ferruginea in various historical contexts. Furthermore, researchers may encounter it listed under the names Caesalpinia arborea or Caesalpinia ferruginea. Understanding these diverse nomenclatural relationships is essential for accurate identification and study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Peltophorum pterocarpum is a remarkable botanical specimen that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida, marking its fundamental biological grouping. The species is a member of the order Fabales, which connects it to a diverse array of related plant life. Further specialization places it within the well-known family Fabaceae, a group often celebrated for its nitrogen-fixing capabilities. Finally, this tree is identified by its specific genus, Peltophorum, which defines its unique characteristics and evolutionary lineage.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Peltophorum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Peltophorum pterocarpum is a widespread species found throughout various regions of the African continent. Its distribution spans across East Tropical Africa, including notable presence in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The plant also extends into Northeast Tropical Africa, where it can be found within Sudan and South Sudan. Furthermore, its range reaches into South Tropical Africa, specifically within the borders of Mozambique. This broad geographical spread highlights the plant's adaptability to diverse tropical environments across the region.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Peltophorum pterocarpum is a robust, self-supporting tree that establishes a commanding presence in its natural habitat. This species typically follows a tree growth form, reaching impressive heights as it matures. Depending on environmental conditions, its stature generally ranges from a minimum of 10 meters to a maximum of 20 meters. Many specimens frequently reach a significant height of at least 15 meters, showcasing its impressive scale. This combination of stability and size makes it a notable feature in diverse landscapes.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Peltophorum pterocarpum is a versatile medicinal plant recognized for its significant therapeutic properties across various biological activities. Research highlights its potent antioxidant potential, which stems from a rich concentration of phenols, flavonoids, and tannins. In addition to these scavenging capabilities, the plant exhibits notable antibacterial qualities that make it a candidate for treating skin conditions like acne. Studies also demonstrate its bacteriostatic effects, particularly when testing ethanolic extracts against harmful strains such as E. coli O157:H7. Together, these diverse pharmacological attributes underscore the plant's importance in traditional and modern medicine.
Compounds
Peltophorum pterocarpum is a medicinal plant recognized for its diverse array of bioactive secondary metabolites. Research indicates that the plant is a rich source of phenols and flavonoids, which contribute to its significant antioxidant and cytoprotective activities. Specifically, the phytochemical profile of the plant includes important compounds such as rhamnetin and hirsutidin. Furthermore, studies have quantified its medicinal strength by measuring a significant total phenolic content (TPC) within its extracts. These complex chemical relationships highlight the plant's potential as a multi-target therapeutic agent for various health conditions.
Conditions
Peltophorum pterocarpum exhibits significant therapeutic potential by demonstrating cytotoxicity against the A549 cancer cell line. Research also indicates that its phytochemicals serve as a multi-target agent for the management of acne vulgaris. The plant shows effectiveness against leukemia by treating CRF-SBA cells through the activation of apoptosis pathways. Furthermore, its extracts possess antibacterial properties capable of treating Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections. Finally, the methanolic extract of its leaves provides dose-dependent antiulcer activity to treat gastric lesions.
Preparations
Peltophorum pterocarpum is prepared as ethanolic extracts to examine its bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities against E. coli O157:H7. The plant is also extracted with an aqueous methanol and dichloromethane:methanol mixture to assess its antioxidant and antibacterial potential. Furthermore, hexane-extracted oils of its ripe seeds are utilized to investigate bioactive lipophilic compounds such as fatty acids and sterols. Additionally, the methanolic extract of the leaves of Peltophorum pterocarpum (MEPP) is specifically used to evaluate its dose-dependent antiulcer activity. These various preparation methods allow for the comprehensive study of the plant's diverse medicinal properties.
Parts used
Peltophorum pterocarpum is a versatile plant utilized extensively in traditional medicine due to the bioactive compounds found in its various parts. Research indicates that the leaves and flowers are rich in phenols and flavonoids, which contribute to the plant's significant antioxidant and antiulcer properties. Additionally, the stem bark has demonstrated potent cytotoxic effects against certain cancer cell lines and can help inhibit lipid oxidation. The seeds of this species also hold potential interest as a source of bioactive lipophilic compounds, such as fatty acids and sterols. By leveraging the unique chemical profiles of its leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds, scientists continue to explore the therapeutic potential of this important legume.