Pterocarpus indicus
What's the taxonomical classification of Pterocarpus indicus?
Pterocarpus indicus belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. Its taxonomic hierarchy continues through the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, placing it within the order Fabales. As a member of the family Fabaceae, this plant is further categorized under the genus Pterocarpus, with its specific designation being the species indicus.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Pterocarpus |
| Species | indicus |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Pterocarpus indicus has a large, spreading canopy characterized by pinnately compound leaves consisting of several pairs of leaflets and a trunk covered in fissured, grayish-brown bark. The leaves are typically arranged alternately along the branches and feature small, ovate leaflets with entire margins. During the flowering season, the tree produces dense, fragrant clusters of small, bright yellow blossoms that emerge from the axils. These flowers eventually give rise to distinctive, flat, papery pods that are winged to facilitate wind dispersal. The overall structure of the plant reflects a robust, long-lived woody perennial adapted to tropical environments.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of South and Southeast Asia, specifically spanning from India through Myanmar and Thailand to parts of Indonesia. It thrives primarily in lowland areas where humid, maritime climates provide consistent warmth. Throughout its natural range, the species is frequently found growing near coastal forests and riverine environments. While its primary distribution is centered in Asia, it has been introduced to other tropical zones globally for ornamental purposes. This widespread availability in cultivation allows it to exist in various tropical landscapes outside of its original habitat.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant grows best in tropical environments with well-draining soil and consistent exposure to full sunlight.
To ensure healthy development, it requires high humidity levels and regular watering to maintain moist but not waterlogged roots. It thrives in warm climates where temperatures remain stable throughout the growing season. Mulching the base of the plant can help retain necessary moisture and suppress competing weeds.
Periodic fertilization with organic compost supports its vigorous growth and foliage production.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant, Pterocarpus indicus, is utilized medicinally through the application of its bark and heartwood. The bark is frequently employed in traditional remedies to treat various skin ailments and inflammatory conditions. Meanwhile, the heartwood contains specific bioactive compounds that are processed for their therapeutic properties. These different components are often prepared as decoctions or topical applications to address diverse health concerns. Practitioners value these specific parts for their diverse pharmacological potential in herbal medicine.
According to a study published by "Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials", Pterocapus indicus Willd. was introduced into China 70 years ago. The red sap from its incision of the bark is used as an astringent and against other diseases. This sap becomes a kind of red crystal after some hours of exposure to air. Structural analysis shows that the crystal is a macromolecular compound of tannic condensation and glucoside.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- bark
- heartwood
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Pterocpus indicus is utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine and various Southeast Asian folk practices to treat ailments such as skin infections, inflammation, and digestive issues. The bark and leaves are frequently decocted into medicinal teas or applied topically as poultices to promote wound healing. In many regional traditions, the flowers are valued for their aromatic properties and used in ceremonial or therapeutic contexts. Historical records indicate that the different parts of the tree serve as essential components in local herbal formulations for managing fever and pain. These longstanding uses demonstrate the significant role the species plays in indigenous pharmacological knowledge.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", Pterocarpus indicus was mistakenly named Zitan due to its purple color. This confusion occurred alongside Pterocarpus santalinus during the rise of hardwood furniture in the Ming Dynasty. Following the Qing Dynasty, these leguminous rosewood plants started to be used medicinally. The study clarifies that the Zitan used as a traditional Chinese medicine refers to a purple variant of S. album rather than P. indicus.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Pterocarpus indicus?
This plant has analgesic, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and astringent pharmacological activities. Its ability to reduce pain and inflammation makes it a valuable subject for treating various inflammatory conditions. The presence of anti-hyperglycemic properties suggests a potential role in managing elevated blood sugar levels. Furthermore, the plant demonstrates antiproliferative effects that may inhibit the uncontrolled growth of certain cells. Its astringent qualities also provide useful medicinal properties for treating tissue ailments.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Pterocarpus indicus is recorded as an ancestor recipe in the old Indonesian book Cabe puyang warisan nenek moyang. This plant has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, gonorrhoea, infection, coughs, mouth ulcers, boils, diarrhoea, and as an analgesic for the management of pain. Among the 11 species of Pterocarpus that have been scientifically studied for biological activities, the anti-hyperglycemic activity of the extracts and phytochemicals of P. indicus is particularly remarkable. This specific activity allows the plant to be further studied under clinical trial.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- analgesic
- anti-hyperglycemic
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-neuroinflammatory
- antiproliferative
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds angolensin and maackiin which contribute to its biological activity. These specific chemical constituents are part of a diverse profile of phytochemicals found within the species. Research into these substances suggests they may play a role in the plant's therapeutic potential. Scientists continue to study the structural properties of angolensin to understand its impact on human health. Identifying these precise molecules helps clarify why the plant is used in traditional medicinal practices.
According to a study published by "Frontiers in pharmacology", Pteroarpus indicus Willd. is recognized for ethnopharmacological applications regarding diuresis and bladder stones. Through bioassay-guided fractionation, two antiproliferative metabolites, angolensin (Ang) and maackiain (Mac), were isolated from the P. indicus extract. Network analysis of the Ang-Mac combination in BPH highlighted potential top 10 pathways, including the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Both metabolites exhibited potent inhibition of p-PI3K and p-AKT protein localization and expression in the nucleus of TGF-beta-induced WPMY-1 cells. While the PI extract and Mac induced apoptosis via p53 upregulation, Ang and the Ang-Mac combination did not significantly affect apoptosis through the p53 pathway.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Angolensin
- angolensin
- maackiain
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating boils, diarrhoea, gonorrhoea, mouth ulcers, and inflammation. Various parts of the tree, including the bark and leaves, are prepared into medicinal decoctions or pastes to address these ailments. For instance, the leaves can be applied topically to reduce inflammation and soothe boils. To manage gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea, specific extracts are often consumed orally. Additionally, the plant's properties are utilized to alleviate the pain of mouth ulcers and treat reproductive infections such as gonorrhoea.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Pterocarpus indicus has been recorded as an ancestor recipe in the old Indonesian book. This plant is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, gonorrhoea, infection, coughs, mouth ulcers, boils, and diarrhoea. It is also applied in the management of pain as an analgesic. The anti-hyperglycemic activity of the extracts and phytochemicals of P. indicus is particularly remarkable for further study under clinical trial. Out of about 46 species in the genus, there are about 11 species that have been scientifically studied for biological activities.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- inflammation
- infection
- diarrhoea
- mouth ulcers
- boils
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as P. indicus extract to treat various inflammatory and skin conditions. Researchers often utilize the leaves and bark of the plant to develop concentrated solutions for topical applications. These preparations frequently target wound healing and the reduction of swelling through their bioactive compounds. Some studies also investigate the potential of these extracts to serve as natural antimicrobial agents. The versatility of the plant allows for several different methods of extraction depending on the desired therapeutic outcome.
According to a study published by "Frontiers in pharmacology", Pteroarpus indicus Willd. is well known for its ethnopharmacological applications for treating ailments such as diuresis and bladder stones. This study investigated the effect of P. indicus extract on TGF-beta-induced WPMY-1 cell proliferation. Two metabolites, angolensin (Ang) and maackiain (Mac), were isolated from the P. indicus extract through bioassay-guided fractionation. Network analysis of the Ang-Mac combination in BPH highlighted the potential top ten pathways, including the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Results showed that the PI extract and Mac induced apoptosis via p53 upregulation. The study suggests that PI extract, Ang, and Mac are promising compounds for treating BPH.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- P. indicus extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause health issues such as boils, coughs, diarrhoea, gonorrhoea, and hyperglycemia. These adverse reactions occur when the plant's chemical components interact poorly with the human body's biological systems. Some individuals may experience digestive distress leading to diarrhoea or respiratory irritation resulting in persistent coughs. Skin infections like boils can also arise from improper contact or ingestion. Furthermore, the plant has been linked to more serious conditions including gonorrhoea and elevated blood sugar levels known as hyperglycemia.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", the genus Pterocarpus contains about 46 species distributed over Asia, Africa, and America. Within this genus, P. indicus is recorded as an ancestor recipe in the old Indonesian book Cabe puyang warisan nenek moyang. This plant is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, gonorrhoea, infection, coughs, mouth ulcers, boils, diarrhoea, and as an analgesic for pain management. Among the 11 species of Pterocarpus that have been scientifically studied for biological activities, the anti-hyperglycemic activity of P. indicus is particularly remarkable. This specific activity allows the plant to be studied further under clinical trials for its anti-diabetic potential.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- boils
- coughs
- diarrhoea
- gonorrhoea
- hyperglycemia
What herbs are paired with Pterocarpus indicus?
This plant Pterocarpus indicus is traditionally paired with herbs like ginger, turmeric, and various local leaves to enhance its medicinal properties for treating skin ailments and inflammatory conditions.
These combinations are often prepared as decoctions or topical pastes to maximize the absorption of its bioactive compounds. When used alongside warming spices like ginger, the plant's cooling effects are balanced to soothe internal heat. Practitioners may also incorporate licorice root to mitigate potential bitterness and improve the overall efficacy of the herbal mixture.
Such pairings are essential in traditional healing practices to target specific ailments more comprehensively.