Spatholobus suberectus
Spatholobus suberectus · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Spatholobus suberectus is a botanical species utilized in various medicinal preparations, including oral herbal extracts and methanol extracts derived from the dried stem. The plant's therapeutic potential is driven by its rich chemical profile, which contains key bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, catechin, daucosterol, and epicatechin. Research highlights its significant antioxidant activities, making it a subject of interest for managing complex health conditions. Specifically, various parts of the plant, including the stem, flower, fruit, and leaf, are studied for their effects on cancer, breast cancer, anemia, and antidiabetic conditions. This versatile plant continues to be explored for its multifaceted role in traditional and modern pharmacology.
- Synonyms
- Spatholobus Laoticus · Butea Laotica · 2 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Africa
- Plant Parts
- Stem · Flower
Classification
Common Names
Spatholobus suberectus is a botanical species recognized by several distinct common names across different linguistic traditions. In some regions, it is widely known as mi hua dou, a name that reflects its unique identity. It is also frequently referred to by its Chinese characters, 密花豆, providing a direct way to identify the plant in formal contexts. Furthermore, the name 鸡血藤 is commonly used to describe this plant, often highlighting its traditional significance. Understanding these various designations helps enthusiasts and researchers navigate its diverse cultural and scientific profiles.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Spatholobus suberectus is a botanical species that is frequently identified by several different scientific names within taxonomic literature. Because of historical classification shifts, it is recognized by the synonyms Butea laotica and Butea suberecta. Researchers also commonly encounter this plant under the names Spatholobus floribundus and Spatholobus laoticus. These various designations highlight the complex linguistic history associated with the plant's formal naming conventions. Understanding these relationships is essential for ensuring accuracy when documenting the species in diverse scientific databases.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Spatholobus suberectus is a distinguished member of the kingdom Plantae. This botanical species is classified under the class Equisetopsida and belongs to the order Fabales. Within this taxonomic hierarchy, it is specifically categorized under the family Fabaceae. Furthermore, the plant is identified by its unique genus, Spatholobus. Understanding these biological relationships provides essential insight into its evolutionary placement.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Spatholobus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Spatholobus suberectus is a versatile plant found across a diverse range of Asian landscapes. Its distribution spans the temperate regions of China, specifically throughout the South-Central and Southeast territories. Moving into tropical climates, the species flourishes within the Indian Subcontinent, notably in Assam and the East Himalaya. The plant's reach also extends into the Indo-China region, where it is documented in Laos. This widespread geographic presence highlights the adaptability of the species across varied Asian ecosystems.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Spatholobus suberectus is characterized by an obligatory climbing habit, meaning it relies entirely on external structures to ascend and support its growth.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Spatholobus suberectus has emerged as a significant subject of study due to its notable antioxidant activity. Research indicates that this medicinal plant contains high levels of total flavonoids, which contribute to its biological effectiveness. These phytochemical properties correlate strongly with its ability to scavenge free radicals and combat oxidative stress. Furthermore, extracts from the plant have demonstrated potential neuroprotective effects against cell death induced by hydrogen peroxide. Such findings highlight the importance of Spatholobus suberectus as a promising source for developing new antioxidant-based therapeutic compounds.
Compounds
Spatholobus suberectus is a medicinal herb highly valued for its rich concentration of bioactive flavonoids. Detailed phytochemical analyses have identified several key compounds within the plant, including the significant presence of catechin and its analogues. Specifically, research has isolated gallocatechin and epicatechin, which serve as important components of its chemical profile. In addition to these polyphenols, daucosterol has also been identified as an active constituent in the vine stem. Together, these diverse compounds contribute to the various pharmacological activities associated with this traditional medicinal species.
Conditions
Spatholobus suberectus serves as a traditional medicinal agent that treats breast cancer and other forms of cancer by inducing apoptosis and arresting the cell cycle. Research demonstrates that this plant treats tumor growth effectively, specifically by inhibiting lactate dehydrogenase A activity. In studies assessing antioxidant potential, Spatholobus suberectus treats 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) through potent free radical scavenging activities. Additionally, the plant's physiological responses are evaluated under varying environmental conditions, including how it reacts when subjected to 10% light intensity.
Preparations
Spatholobus suberectus is prepared as a dried stem to utilize its rich flavonoid content for various pharmacological activities. It is also prepared as methanol extracts, which have demonstrated significant inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 protease. The plant is prepared as Spatholobus suberectus Composita, a formulation used in clinical observations to treat aplastic anemia by improving bone marrow hematopoiesis. Additionally, it is prepared as oral herbal extracts that can attenuate tumor growth and LDH-A expression in breast cancer xenografts. Finally, the plant is prepared as SS extract, which has been shown to yield high total flavonoid content and provides neuroprotective effects against cell death.
Parts used
Spatholobus suberectus is a plant species characterized by several distinct morphological components. Scientific research has focused on the various organs of the plant, specifically examining its roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. Through transcriptome sequencing, researchers have analyzed how different parts like the stem and leaf differ in gene expression. Studies have also isolated unique chemical constituents from the vine stem, providing insight into the plant's complex biology. Understanding these relationships between the different organs of Spatholobus suberectus is essential for advancing molecular breeding and varietal improvement.