Pterolobium macropterum
Pterolobium macropterum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Pterolobium macropterum is a distinctive botanical species known for its unique structural characteristics. This plant is particularly noted for producing specific fruit and developing a robust root system. In various traditional practices, the roots are harvested and utilized as a key medicinal preparation. Understanding the biological makeup of this species is essential for studying its potential applications. By exploring its parts, researchers can gain deeper insights into the plant's overall utility and growth patterns.
- Synonyms
- Pterolobium Sinense · Pterolobium Indicum Var. Macropterum
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Africa
- Plant Parts
- Fruit · Root
Classification
Common Names
Pterolobium macropterum is a distinctive plant known by various local names depending on the region. In Thailand, it is affectionately referred to by the common name แก้วตาไว. Meanwhile, in Chinese-speaking areas, it is recognized as 大翅老虎刺. These diverse naming conventions highlight the plant's widespread presence across different botanical landscapes. Understanding these common names is essential for anyone studying the regional identity of this species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Pterolobium macropterum is a botanical species that is frequently identified by several different scientific names in various literature. One notable synonym for this plant is Pterolobium indicum var. macropterum, which reflects its classification within a specific variety. Additionally, the name Pterolobium sinense has been used as an alternative synonym to describe the same organism. These overlapping designations often arise from historical shifts in taxonomic classifications and regional naming conventions. Understanding these relationships is essential for researchers seeking to maintain consistency when studying this particular plant.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Pterolobium macropterum is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. This specific plant belongs to the order Fabales, showcasing its evolutionary lineage. It is further nested within the diverse family Fabaceae, which is known for its complex floral structures. Finally, its unique characteristics are defined by its placement within the genus Pterolobium.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Pterolobium |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Pterolobium macropterum exhibits a wide and diverse geographical range across various Asian regions. Within the temperate zones of China, this species is found in South-Central and Southeast areas, as well as on the island of Hainan. Its presence extends into tropical climates, specifically spanning the Indian Subcontinent and the East Himalaya. Additionally, the plant is distributed throughout the Indo-China region, including the Andaman Islands. This broad distribution highlights the plant's ability to thrive in both temperate and tropical ecosystems.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Pterolobium macropterum exhibits a growth form that is distinct from many of its relatives. This species is characterized by an obligatory climbing habit, relying on other plants for structural support as it ascends.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Pterolobium macropterum contains cassane-type diterpenes that demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced nitric oxide (NO) production in J774.A1 macrophage cells, specifically through compounds like pterolobirin E and sucutinirane C. Additionally, the plant's fruits yield cassane diterpenoids that serve as effective $\alpha$-glucosidase inhibitors. Specifically, compounds identified as 14$\beta$-hydroxycassa-11(12),13(15)-dien-12,16-olide and 6'-acetoxypterolobirin B exhibit notable inhibitory effects on this enzyme. These diverse chemical properties allow the plant to interact with both inflammatory pathways and glucose-regulating enzymes.
Preparations
Pterolobium macropterum roots serve as the primary source for isolating several unique cassane-type diterpenes. Researchers identified eight previously undescribed compounds, known as pterolobirins C-J, specifically from these root structures. Through extensive spectroscopic techniques, the chemical configurations of these root-derived substances were precisely characterized. These extracted compounds, such as pterolobirin E, were further evaluated for their potential anti-inflammatory properties. The study demonstrates that the medicinal components of the plant are effectively prepared and isolated from its roots.
Parts used
Pterolobium macropterum is a plant species that serves as a rich source of bioactive cassane-type diterpenoids. Scientific research has successfully isolated several unique chemical compounds from the fruits of this plant, including 6'-acetoxypterolobirin B. These fruit-derived compounds have demonstrated significant potential for their $\alpha$-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Additionally, the roots of Pterolobium macropterum contain various undescribed diterpenes known as pterolobirins C-J. Studies on these root extracts have highlighted their promising anti-inflammatory properties through the inhibition of nitric oxide production.