Pterodon pubescens

Pterodon pubescens, commonly known as the hairy fern, is a unique medicinal plant valued for its bioactive properties. Found in specific tropical ecosystems, it contains essential phytochemicals used in traditional healing practices. This study explores its therapeutic potential, focusing on its antioxidant capabilities and its role in natural pharmacology.

  • Scientific name: Pterodon pubescens
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae and specifically within the genus Pterodon.

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

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Pterodon pubescens, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently called the hairy pterodon, while in Spanish, it is known as pterodón velloso. In Portuguese, the plant is commonly identified as pterodón pubescente.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range within the vast territory of Brazil. Its presence is documented across the West-Central region of the country. Additionally, the species can be found extending into the Northeast part of Brazil. These two distinct areas represent the primary locations where the plant is naturally distributed. Consequently, its habitat is concentrated within these specific Brazilian territories.

Region Area Source
Brazil Brazil West-Central WCVP
Brazil Brazil Northeast WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Pterodon pubescens, utilizes its reproductive structures for propagation through its small, dispersed seeds. While the primary medicinal and industrial focus of this species often lies in its various vegetative components, the seeds serve as the fundamental biological unit for the continuation of the species. Furthermore, the extraction of seed oil from these specific parts can provide a concentrated source of lipids and bioactive compounds, which are often studied for their potential nutritional or therapeutic applications.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
4
Plant Part Sources Confidence
seeds 3 ★★☆☆☆
seed oil 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Pterodon pubescens has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include E-caryophyllene, dehydroabietol, eremanthine, geranylgeraniol.

Total chemicals
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
E-caryophyllene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dehydroabietol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
eremanthine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
geranylgeraniol 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Pterodon pubescens has 3 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antinociceptive, Analgesic, Antiarthritic.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antinociceptive 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiarthritic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Pterodon pubescens has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include arthritis, analgesic, collagen-induced arthritis, neuropathic pain, pain.

Total uses
7
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
arthritis 2 ★☆☆☆☆
analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
collagen-induced arthritis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
neuropathic pain 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pain 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rheumatoid arthritis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
schistosomiasis 1 ★☆☆☆☆