Sapindus rarak
Sapindu rarak, commonly known as the soapberry tree, is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its bioactive compounds, it is traditionally used to treat skin ailments, respiratory issues, and digestive disorders. Its unique properties offer significant therapeutic potential in both traditional healing and modern pharmacology.
- Scientific name: Sapindus rarak
- Family: Sapindaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Sapindales, it is classified under the family Sapindaceae. Finally, it is identified by 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 rarak, is recognized by various regional names across the globe. In Indonesia, it is commonly referred to as Lerak (id), while in Thailand, it is known as ประคำดีควาย (th). Its names in Chinese dialects include 毛瓣无患子 (zh) and 毛瓣無患子 (zh-tw), and in Arabic, it is called صابونية راراك (ar).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| id | Lerak | Wikidata |
| th | ประคำดีควาย | Wikidata |
| zh | 毛瓣无患子 | Wikidata |
| ar | صابونية راراك | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 毛瓣無患子 | Wikidata |
| fa | فندوق صابونی هندی | Wikidata |
| ban | Rerek | Wikidata |
| su | Rerek | Wikidata |
| ms | Lerak | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 毛瓣无患子 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several distinct regions across Asia and Africa. In the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found growing in the regions of Assam and Bangladesh. Furthermore, its range extends into the East Himalaya area within the same subcontinent. Moving toward Eastern Asia, the species is also documented in Taiwan. Finally, its reach continues into Northeast Tropical Africa, specifically within the country of Chad.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Chad | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | East Himalaya | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Sri Lanka | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Cambodia | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Laos | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Myanmar | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as Sapindus rarak, is valued for its unique chemical properties derived from specific botanical components. The most significant parts used for medicinal and practical applications are the pericarps, which are the fleshy outer layers of the fruit. From these layers, a potent seed extract can be processed to harness active compounds used in various traditional treatments and natural cleansing formulations.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seed extract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pericarps | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Sapindus rarak has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include raraoside A, rarasaponin II, saponins.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| raraoside A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rarasaponin II | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Sapindus rarak has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Sapindus rarak has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include malaria.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| malaria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |