Pterocarpus indicus

Burmese rosewood

Pterocarpus indicus, commonly known as Indian Rosewood, is a majestic tropical tree valued for its dense, durable timber. Beyond its forestry importance, it holds significant medicinal value in traditional practices. Its bark and various parts are utilized for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and healing properties in diverse herbal formulations.

  • Scientific name: Pterocarpus indicus
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically classified within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Following the order Fabales, it is a member of the Fabaceae family. Taxonomically, it is identified under the genus Pterocarpus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Fabales WCVP
Family Fabaceae WCVP
Genus Pterocarpus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Pterocarpus indicus, is recognized by various common names across different languages and regions. In German, it is referred to as the Narrabaum, while in Acehnese, it is called Asan. It is identified in Persian as پتروکارپوس ایندیکوس, and in Indonesian, it goes by the name Angsana. Furthermore, in Japanese, the species is known as カリン.
Language Common Name Source
de Narrabaum Wikidata
ace Asan Wikidata
fa پتروکارپوس ایندیکوس Wikidata
id Angsana Wikidata
ja カリン Wikidata
lo ດູ່ Wikidata
ms Angsana Wikidata
pam Apalit Wikidata
su Angsana Wikidata
th ประดู่บ้าน Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several key regions of the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, its presence can be documented in Sierra Leone. Moving into West-Central Tropical Africa, it is found around the Gulf of Guinea Islands as well as within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The species also extends into East Tropical Africa, where it inhabits the landscapes of Kenya. Finally, its range continues through the neighboring territory of Tanzania.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Sierra Leone WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Gulf of Guinea Is. WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa DR Congo WCVP
East Tropical Africa Kenya WCVP
East Tropical Africa Tanzania WCVP
South Tropical Africa Mozambique WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Comoros WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Mauritius WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Seychelles WCVP
China China South-Central WCVP

Chemicals

Pterocarpus indicus has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Angolensin, angolensin, maackiain.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Angolensin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
angolensin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
maackiain 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Pterocarpus indicus has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Astringent.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Astringent 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Pterocarpus indicus has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Benign prostatic hyperplasia, bladder stones, boils, coughs, diuresis.

Total uses
8
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Benign prostatic hyperplasia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bladder stones 1 ★☆☆☆☆
boils 1 ★☆☆☆☆
coughs 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diuresis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
infection 1 ★☆☆☆☆
mouth ulcers 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pain 1 ★☆☆☆☆