Piliostigma malabaricum
Piliostigma malabaricum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (13 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Piliostigma malabaricum is a versatile medicinal plant that offers significant therapeutic potential through its leaves, stems, roots, and seeds. Research indicates that various preparations, such as MeOH extracts and aqueous extracts, possess potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial activities against pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. The plant's chemical profile is rich in bioactive compounds, including saponins, flavonoids, 5,6-dihydroxy-7-methoxyflavone 6-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside, and 6,8-C-dimethyl kaempferol-3-O-rhamnopyranoside. Furthermore, its antioxidant properties contribute to its effectiveness in treating conditions such as arthritis and providing antimalarial benefits. These diverse pharmacological activities highlight the importance of studying its complex chemical constituents for modern medicine.
- Synonyms
- Bauhinia Castrata · Piliostigma Malabaricum Var. Acidum · 9 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Tropical
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Stem
Classification
Common Names
Piliostigma malabaricum is a botanical species known by a diverse array of regional and linguistic monikers. In certain areas, it is commonly referred to as Aarampuli or Amli, reflecting its local significance. It is also frequently called Alibangbang or Amil Tanki, names that highlight its presence in various cultural landscapes. Furthermore, the plant is identified in French-speaking regions as Arbre aux orchidées. This variety of common names underscores the widespread recognition and geographic reach of the species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Piliostigma malabaricum is a plant species known to exist under several different botanical names within scientific literature. Throughout various taxonomic studies, it has been identified by the synonym Bauhinia acida. The plant is also frequently associated with the name Bauhinia baueriana in different botanical records. Furthermore, researchers have historically referred to this species as Bauhinia castrata or Bauhinia coromandeliana. Finally, the nomenclature includes the synonym Bauhinia hawkesiana, reflecting the complex history of its classification.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Piliostigma malabaricum is a fascinating specimen belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological world, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is a distinguished member of the Fabaceae family, showcasing unique botanical characteristics. Taxonomically, it is situated within the genus Piliostigma, which defines its specific evolutionary lineage. Interestingly, its classification also shares close relationships with the genus Bauhinia, highlighting its complex botanical connections.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Piliostigma |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Piliostigma malabaricum is a versatile plant species characterized by a remarkably wide geographical distribution across two major continents. In Africa, its presence is notably established within the West Tropical region, specifically extending into Sierra Leone. The species also maintains a significant footprint throughout the tropical regions of Asia, particularly within the Indian Subcontinent. This Asian distribution encompasses diverse locales such as India, Bangladesh, and the Assam region. Furthermore, its reach extends into the unique ecological landscapes of the East Himalaya.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Piliostigma malabaricum is a distinct tree species characterized by its robust, self-supporting structure. This plant exhibits a versatile growth form that allows it to establish a strong presence in its natural habitat. While its size can vary significantly, it typically maintains a height ranging from a minimum of 2 meters up to a maximum of 10 meters. Interestingly, certain specimens may reach even greater heights, with documented minimums starting at 15 meters in specific environments. Understanding these diverse dimensions is essential for identifying the species within its ecological landscape.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Piliostigma malabaricum is a plant of significant pharmacological interest due to its diverse range of biological activities. Research indicates that this species possesses potent antimicrobial properties, which include both antibacterial and antifungal capabilities. Furthermore, the plant demonstrates strong antioxidant potential, contributing to its value in medicinal applications. Studies also highlight its promising anticancer activity, marking it as a candidate for further therapeutic development. These combined characteristics underscore the multifaceted medicinal importance of Piliostigma malabaricum in modern science.
Compounds
Piliostigma malabaricum is a plant characterized by a diverse profile of essential phytochemicals and minerals. It is known to contain saponins, which often contribute to significant biological activities in medicinal species. The plant also possesses important secondary metabolites such as flavonoids and demethoxycurcumin. Furthermore, its nutritional and chemical makeup includes vital elements like calcium and iron. These combined constituents highlight the complex chemical composition inherent to this species.
Conditions
Piliostigma malabaricum is not mentioned in the provided abstracts, which instead focus on the medicinal properties of Bauhinia purpurea and other plants. Consequently, the abstracts do not support the claims that Piliostigma malabaricum treats Staphylococcus aureus, diabetes, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, or Escherichia coli. While the text discusses the antimicrobial and antidiabetic potential of Bauhinia purpurea against several of these specific pathogens and conditions, no data is provided regarding Piliostigma malabaricum. Therefore, the requested relationships cannot be verified through the given research summaries.
Preparations
Piliostigma malabaricum is prepared as an MeOH extract to facilitate chemical analysis. It is also prepared as an aqueous extract for various pharmacological studies. In specific research contexts, it is prepared as an aqueous leaf extract to utilize the properties of its foliage. Furthermore, the plant is prepared as extracted with aqueous methanol and dichloromethane:methanol mixture to assess its phytochemical content. Finally, Piliostigma malabaricum is prepared as its roots for the isolation of bioactive compounds.
Parts used
Piliostigma malabaricum is a botanical species characterized by several distinct morphological components. The plant features leaves that serve as a primary site for various biological studies. Additionally, the stem provides a structural foundation and is often utilized in the extraction of chemical compounds. The root system is also a vital part of the organism's anatomy. Finally, the plant produces seeds which contain significant nutritional profiles and protein fractions.