Sapindus mukorossi
Indian soapberry
Sapinduus mukorossi, commonly known as Soapberry, is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its saponin-rich fruits, it serves various traditional uses, ranging from skin ailments to digestive support. This botanical treasure offers significant pharmacological potential, making it a subject of interest in modern ethnobotanical research.
- Scientific name: Sapindus mukorossi
- Family: Sapindaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Sapindales and the family Sapindaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is established within the genus Sapindus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Sapindales | WCVP |
| Family | Sapindaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Sapindus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Sapindus mukorossi, is referred to by various names across different languages and cultures. In German, it is called the Waschnussbaum, while in Japanese, it is known as ムクロジ. In Korean, the plant is called 무환자나무, and in Marathi, it is referred to as रीठा. Furthermore, in Arabic, it is commonly known as صابونية موكوروسية.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Waschnussbaum | Wikidata |
| ja | ムクロジ | Wikidata |
| ko | 무환자나무 | Wikidata |
| mr | रीठा | Wikidata |
| ar | صابونية موكوروسية | Wikidata |
| fi | kiinansaippuamarja | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 無患子 | Wikidata |
| bn | রিটা | Wikidata |
| hu | Mosódiófa | Wikidata |
| fa | فندوق چینی | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical range across several key regions of East Asia. In China, it is widely distributed throughout the south-central provinces and the southeast coastal areas. Its presence is also noted on the tropical island of Hainan. Moving further north and east, the species can be found naturally occurring in Japan. Finally, its distribution extends into the Korean Peninsula, completing its regional footprint.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Japan | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Korea | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Kazan-retto | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Nansei-shoto | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Ogasawara-shoto | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Sapindus mukorossi, offers various components that are utilized for their medicinal and bioactive properties. The seed is encased within a fleshy, somewhat toxic fruit pulp, but it is the internal components that hold significant interest for research. Within the seed, the seed kernel contains concentrated bioactive compounds that are often studied for their pharmacological potential. Furthermore, the defatted seed, which is the material remaining after the lipids have been extracted, is frequently used in studies to isolate specific non-fatty constituents, such as saponins, which are characteristic of this species.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seed kernel | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seed | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| deffated seed | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Sapindus mukorossi has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include abscisic acid (ABA), alpha-tocopherol quinone, furamizole, luteolin, oleic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| abscisic acid (ABA) | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| alpha-tocopherol quinone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| furamizole | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| luteolin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oleic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sucrose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| troxipide | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Sapindus mukorossi has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Contraceptive, Emetic, Hepatoprotective.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Contraceptive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Emetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Sapindus mukorossi has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include contraceptive, dandruff, liver diseases.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| contraceptive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dandruff | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| liver diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |