Pterocarpus marsupium
Pterocarpus marsupium · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (11 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Pterocarpus marsupium is a remarkable medicinal plant that has garnered significant scientific interest due to its diverse therapeutic activities. The plant root serves as a primary source for various preparations, including plant extracts and specific 2.5% and 5% fractions. These preparations are rich in bioactive chemicals such as flavonoids, liquiritigenin, erucic acid, and 4-O-methylmannose. Extensive research highlights the plant's potential to combat critical conditions like diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, and oxidative stress through its antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, its ability to induce apoptotic processes suggests promising anticancer potential for managing complex diseases.
- Synonyms
- Pterocarpos Marsupius · Lingoum Marsupium
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Root
Classification
Common Names
Pterocarpus marsupium is a versatile species known by several distinct regional names. It is widely recognized by the common name East Indian kino, a term that highlights its geographic origins. Depending on the local area, it may also be referred to as Malabar kino or simply Indian kino. Some botanical records further specify the plant as the Indian kinotree to distinguish its form. Ultimately, whether called East Indian/Malabar kino or any of its other variations, the tree remains a significant specimen in its habitat.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Pterocarpus marsupium is a botanical species that is frequently identified through various scientific names. In many academic records, it is listed under the synonym Lingoum marsupium. Researchers may also encounter the plant referred to as Pterocarpos marsupius in older botanical texts. These synonymous designations can sometimes cause confusion during taxonomic classification. Understanding these various nomenclatures is essential for ensuring accuracy in botanical studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Pterocarpus marsupium belongs to the diverse kingdom Plantae, showcasing the vast complexity of the botanical world. Within this realm, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It falls specifically into the order Fabales, a group that highlights its evolutionary lineage. The plant is further nested within the well-known family Fabaceae, which is characterized by unique floral structures. Ultimately, it is a prominent member of the genus Pterocarpus, defining its specific botanical identity.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Pterocarpus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Pterocarpus marsupium exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans across several significant global regions. In Africa, this species is notably distributed throughout the Western Indian Ocean and Madagascar. Its presence is equally strong across the tropical landscapes of Asia, particularly within the Indian Subcontinent. Specifically, it can be found thriving in the diverse environments of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. This widespread distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to various tropical ecosystems.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Pterocarpus marsupium is a self-supporting tree that grows with a sturdy and reliable structure. This species typically reaches a maximum height of 25 meters as it matures. Its robust growth form makes it a prominent feature in its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Pterocarpus marsupium is a medicinal plant recognized for its diverse range of therapeutic properties and significant health benefits. Research demonstrates that its heartwood possesses potent antidiabetic activity, which can effectively reduce blood glucose levels in diabetic models. Beyond metabolic management, the plant exhibits promising anticancer effects by inducing apoptosis in specific cancer cell lines. It also serves as a valuable antimicrobial agent, showing efficacy against various bacteria and demonstrating antifungal capabilities, particularly when used in synergistic combinations. Additionally, the flavonoids found within the plant provide antihyperlipidemic benefits by significantly lowering serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Compounds
Pterocarpus marsupium is a medicinal plant known to possess a diverse range of bioactive phytochemicals within its heartwood and extracts. Scientific analysis has identified several key phenolic constituents, including marsupsin and pterosupin, which contribute to its antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic properties. Furthermore, the plant contains the flavonoid liquiritigenin, which plays a significant role in reducing serum cholesterol and lowering the atherogenic index. Beyond these flavonoids, GC-MS analysis has revealed the presence of other important compounds such as 4-O-Methylmannose and erucic acid. These combined chemical relationships underscore the plant's significant therapeutic potential in managing metabolic and anticancer activities.
Conditions
Pterocarpus marsupium serves as a significant medicinal plant used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes mellitus. Research indicates that the plant effectively treats hyperglycemia by inhibiting key enzymes like α-amylase and α-glucosidase and increasing plasma GLP-1 levels. Specifically, its phenolic constituents provide potent antihyperglycemic effects by significantly lowering blood glucose levels in experimental models. Beyond glucose regulation, Pterocarpus marsupium treats oxidative stress by reducing inflammatory cytokines and managing free radical damage in diabetic tissues. Consequently, these diverse biological actions make the plant a valuable tool for the comprehensive management of diabetes.
Preparations
Pterocarpus marsupium is prepared as extracts to investigate its therapeutic potential in managing hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. In specific studies, the plant is prepared as a 2.5% fraction of extract and a 5% fraction of extract to evaluate their dose-dependent molecular actions on inflammation. The plant is also prepared as a plant extract for testing hepatoprotective effects against induced hepatic injury. Additionally, Pterocarpus marsupium is prepared as a UAE aqueous extract to enhance its antidiabetic activity through non-conventional extraction methods. These various preparations, including general plant extracts, demonstrate the plant's diverse medicinal applications.
Parts used
Pterocarpus marsupium serves as a significant source of diverse phytochemical compounds found within its root system. Scientific investigations into these roots have led to the successful isolation of unique bioactive molecules. Specifically, researchers have identified two new flavanone glycosides through detailed structural studies. Among these discoveries are 7-Hydroxy-6, 8-dimethyl flavanone-7-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside and 7,8,4'-trihydroxy-3', 5'-dimethoxy flavanone-4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside. Elucidating these complex structures provides valuable insight into the chemical complexity of the species.