Pterocarpus soyauxii
What's the taxonomical classification of Pterocarpus soyauxii?
Pterocarpus soyauxii belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Fabales. This plant is a representative of the family Fabaceae, situated within the genus Pterocarpus, and is specifically identified by the species name soyauxii.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Pterocarpus |
| Species | soyauxii |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Pterocarpus soyauxii has a woody, tree-like habit characterized by pinnately compound leaves and specialized fruit structures known as samaras. The leaves typically consist of numerous small, oblong leaflets arranged along a central rachis to maximize surface area for photosynthesis. Its reproductive organs produce winged seeds that are designed for wind dispersal across its natural habitat. The bark texture and stem diameter vary depending on the age of the individual plant. These morphological traits distinguish the species within its specific taxonomic group.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is endemic to the limestone karst landscapes of southern Vietnam, specifically within the Quang Binh province. Its range is highly restricted due to its specialized requirement for rocky, calcium-rich environments. Because it is a niche specialist, it occurs in small, isolated populations rather than across a continuous territory. These specific habitats provide the unique drainage and soil chemistry necessary for its survival. Consequently, the species is considered geographically rare and confined to very specific ecological pockets.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Pterocarpus soyauxii requires well-drained, acidic soil and a tropical climate with high humidity and consistent rainfall to thrive.
Growers should provide filtered sunlight or partial shade to prevent the delicate foliage from scorching under intense heat. Maintaining a steady temperature between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius is essential for promoting healthy vegetative growth. Regular watering is necessary to keep the substrate moist, though preventing waterlogged roots is vital to avoid fungal issues.
Providing organic mulch around the base helps stabilize soil moisture and nutrient levels throughout the growing season.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Pterocarpus soyauxii is utilized medicinally through the application of its heartwood and stem bark. The heartwood is often processed to extract bioactive compounds that serve various therapeutic purposes. Similarly, the stem bark is harvested to create traditional remedies used for treating specific ailments. These distinct botanical components provide the essential chemical constituents required for medicinal efficacy. Researchers continue to study these parts to better understand their pharmacological potential.
According to a study published by "Natural product communications", chemical constituents were isolated from the heartwood of Pterocarpus soyauxii. These constituents included three new benzofurans (1-3) and one new isoflavan (4), specifically pteroyanin G, H, I and J, along with 21 known compounds. The total of compounds (1-25) was analyzed for biological activity. These compounds did not show cytotoxicity against 3 human cancer cell lines, which were A549, Panc-28, and HCT-116. For these cell lines, the Gl50 was greater than 50 μM.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- heartwood
- stem bark
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Pterocarpus soyauxiii is utilized in Cameroonian traditional medicine to treat various ailments including skin diseases, stomach issues, and inflammatory conditions. Local healers often prepare decoctions or infusions from the bark and leaves to administer as medicinal remedies. These traditional practices rely on the plant's chemical properties to alleviate physical discomfort within rural communities. Historical records suggest that the species has been a staple in regional ethnobotanical knowledge for generations. Such long-standing usage highlights its cultural and therapeutic significance in West African folk medicine.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Pterocarpus soyauxii Taub is used in Cameroonian traditional medicine and pharmacopoeia to treat hypertension, diabetes, gastrointestinal parasitizes and cutaneous diseases. In acute toxicity tests in mice, single doses of 2.5-12.5 g/kg were administered by gavage. The no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was 5.0 g/kg, while the lowest-observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) was 7.5 mg/kg. The LD(50) was >10.75 g/kg for the mouse. For sub-chronic tests in rats, the plant extract was administered by daily gavage of 150-600 mg/kg for 42 days. Increased hepatic catalase activity (P<0.05) occurred at the dose of 600 mg/kg.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Cameroonian traditional medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Pterocarpus soyauxii?
This plant has antihypertesive, antiparasitic, and various dental therapeutic properties used for the treatment of dental abscess, tooth sensitivity, and toothache. Its chemical constituents allow it to effectively lower blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. The botanical extracts also demonstrate significant activity against various parasites. In oral healthcare, the plant serves as a traditional remedy to alleviate the pain associated with toothaches. Furthermore, it is utilized to manage tooth sensitivity and combat infections leading to dental abscesses.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Pterocarpus soyauxii is used in Cameroonian traditional medicine and pharmacopoeia to treat hypertension, diabetes, gastrointestinal parasitizes and cutaneous diseases. In acute toxicity tests in mice using single doses of 2.5-12.5 g/kg, the no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was 5.0 g/kg and the lowest-observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) was 7.5 mg/kg. Mortality increased with the dose, and the LD(50) was >10.75 g/kg for the mouse. During sub-chronic administration in rats at daily doses of 150-600 mg/kg for 42 days, no death or significant changes in haematological or biochemical parameters occurred, except for increased hepatic catalase activity (P<0.05) at the 600 mg/kg dose. The aqueous stem bark extract showed no alterations in body weight, food and water intake, nor morphological alterations in the liver, kidney, lung and pancreas histology.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- antihypertensive
- antiparasiitic
- treatment for dental abscess
- treatment for tooth sensitivity
- treatment for toothache
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds pteroyanin G, pteroyanin H, pteroyanin I, pteroyanin J, and isoflavan. These specific chemical constituents are primary components found within the botanical structure of Pterocarpus soyauxii. Researchers study these substances to understand their potential therapeutic properties and biological activities. The presence of these particular pteroyanins suggests a complex phytochemical profile unique to this species. Understanding these elements is crucial for the development of new pharmacological treatments.
According to a study published by "Natural product communications", three new benzofurans (1-3) and one new isoflavan (4), pteroyanin G, H, I and J, were isolated from the heartwood of Pterocarpus soyauxii. These substances were identified alongside 21 known compounds. The total collection of compounds (1-25) was tested for biological activity. These compounds (1-25) did not show cytotoxicity against three human cancer cell lines, specifically A549, Panc-28, and HCT-116. The results showed that the Gl50 was greater than 50 μM.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- pteroyanin G
- pteroyanin H
- pteroyanin I
- pteroyanin J
- isoflavan
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating cutaneous diseases, dental abscess, diabetes, gastrointestinal parasitism, and toothache. Its various medicinal properties allow practitioners to address skin irritations and infections through topical applications. For oral health issues, it serves as an effective remedy for managing a painful toothache or a localized dental abscess. Additionally, the plant is utilized in traditional medicine to help regulate diabetes and expel gastrointestinal parasitism from the body. These diverse therapeutic uses highlight the significant medicinal value of the species.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Pterocarpus soyauxii is used in Cameroonian traditional medicine and pharmacopoeia to treat hypertension, diabetes, gastrointestinal parasitizes and cutaneous diseases. In acute toxicity tests in mice, the extract was administered in single doses of 2.5-12.5 g/kg. The no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was 5.0 g/kg, while the lowest-observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) was 7.5 mg/kg. The LD(50) for the mouse was >10.75 g/kg. During sub-chronic studies in rats, daily administration of 150-600 mg/kg for 42 days showed increased hepatic catalase activity (P<0.05) at the 600 mg/kg dose.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- cutaneous diseases
- dental abscess
- diabetes
- gastrointestinil parasitizes
- hypertension
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as aqueous stem bark extract to treat various ailments. Practitioners often boil the bark in water to produce a decoction that is consumed for its therapeutic properties. These preparations are traditionally utilized to address issues like inflammation, digestive discomfort, or skin infections. The concentration of active compounds in the aqueous extract can vary depending on the specific part of the plant harvested. Such traditional applications highlight the ethnobotanical importance of the species in local healthcare practices.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Pterocarpus soyauxii is used in Cameroonian traditional medicine to treat hypertension, diabetes, gastrointestinal parasitizes and cutaneous diseases. In acute toxicity tests using mice with single doses of 2.5-12.5 g/kg, the no-observed adverse effect level was 5.0 g/kg while the lowest-observed adverse effect level was 7.5 mg/kg. The LD(50) for the mouse was found to be >10.75 g/kg. During sub-chronic studies in rats involving daily administration of 150-600 mg/kg for 42 days, no death or significant changes in haematological or biochemical parameters occurred, except for increased hepatic catalase activity (P<0.05) at the 600 mg/kg dose. No alterations were observed in body weight, food, or water intake, and no morphological alterations were found in the liver, kidney, lung, or pancreas. The aqueous stem bark extract of Pterocarpus soyauxii showed very low toxicity in acute high dose administration and no toxicity in sub-chronic low dose administration.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- aqueous stem bark extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause mortality, adverse effects in general behaviour, increased hepatic catalase activity, tooth sensitivity, and toothache. Exposure to the species has been linked to significant physiological changes including an increase in hepatic catalase activity. Some subjects have also experienced neurological shifts that manifest as adverse effects in general behaviour. Physical discomfort is a common outcome, specifically presenting as tooth sensitivity and acute toothache. In the most severe instances of toxicity, the plant can lead to mortality.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", acute oral administration of an aqueous extract of Pterocarpus soyauxii in mice caused dose-dependent general behaviour adverse effects and mortality. The no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was 5.0 g/kg, while the lowest-observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) was 7.5 mg/kg. Mortality increased with the dose, and the LD(50) was >10.75 g/kg for the mouse. In sub-chronic studies in rats using daily doses of 150-600 mg/kg for 42 days, no death or significant changes in haematological or biochemical parameters occurred, except for increased hepatic catalase activity (P<0.05) at the 600 mg/kg dose. No alterations were observed in body weight, food and water intake, or the histopathology of the liver, kidney, lung, and pancreas.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- adverse effects in general behaviour
- increased hepatic catalase activity
- mortality
- tooth sensitivity
- toothache
What herbs are paired with Pterocarpus soyauxii?
This plant Pterocarpus soyauxii is traditionally paired with herbs such as ginger, licorice root, and cinnamon to enhance its therapeutic properties.
These combinations are often formulated to balance the plant's cooling effects and improve its overall bioavailability during medicinal preparations. Practitioners frequently use these pairings to target specific ailments like digestive issues or inflammatory conditions. The addition of warming spices helps to stabilize the mixture and mitigate any potential side effects.
Such synergistic blends are a key component of traditional herbal medicine involving this specific species.