Pongamiopsis pervilleana
Pongamiopsis pervilleana, commonly known as mahuta, is a rare and distinctive tree endemic to the island of Réunion. Valued in traditional medicine, this resilient species offers unique biochemical properties. Research into its bioactive compounds continues to explore its potential therapeutic applications, highlighting its significance in both ecology and ethnobotany.
- Scientific name: Pongamiopsis pervilleana
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It falls under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales, specifically within the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is identified by its genus, Pongamiopsis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Pongamiopsis | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Pongamiopsis pervilleana, is known by various names depending on the region and language. In English, it is commonly referred to as the Mauritius tamarind, while in French, it is called tamarind de Maurice. Locally in its native Mauritius, it is known as tamarind de Maurice or simply tamarind, and in Mauritian Creole, it is called tamarin de Maurice.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant is a species specifically adapted to the unique environments of the Western Indian Ocean. Its natural geographical distribution is highly localized and restricted to a specific region. Currently, the documented range of this medicinal plant is found exclusively within Madagascar. This limited presence highlights the importance of protecting the island's unique biodiversity. Consequently, the survival of this species is closely tied to the ecological stability of its Malagasy habitat.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Western Indian Ocean | Madagascar | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Pongamiopsis pervilleana, possesses various anatomical components, though specific medicinal applications are often tied to its different structures. Among its biological features, the roots serve as a vital part of the plant's foundation, anchoring it within its native habitat and facilitating the uptake of essential nutrients and water. While much of the botanical interest in such species focuses on leaves or bark, the roots play a fundamental role in the overall health and survival of the organism.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Pongamiopsis pervilleana has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (2'R)-4'-hydroxyemoroidocarpan, emoroidocarpan, epipervilline, pongavilleanine, rotenolone.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| (2'R)-4'-hydroxyemoroidocarpan | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| emoroidocarpan | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| epipervilline | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pongavilleanine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rotenolone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Pongamiopsis pervilleana has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include breast cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| breast cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| colon cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ovarian cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| prostate cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |