Spatholobus suberectus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Butea suberecta
• Spatholobus laoticus
• Spatholobus floribundus
• Butea laotica

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales. Finally, it is a member of the Fabaceae family, falling under the genus Spatholobus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several key regions in Asia. Within China, it can be found specifically in the South-Central and Southeast territories. Its range extends into the Indian Subcontinent, where it is documented in Assam and the East Himalaya. Additionally, the species is present within the Indo-China region, specifically in Laos. Together, these areas define the diverse geographical footprint of Spatholobus suberectus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Spatholobus suberectus is characterized by its specific adaptation to montane environments, where it thrives within a defined altitudinal niche. This species is primarily found in high-elevation habitats, occupying a specialized ecological zone that begins at 1200 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum elevation of 1700 m AMSL. This elevational range suggests that the plant is adapted to the distinct climatic conditions found in mid-to-high altitude tropical or subtropical montane ecosystems, likely requiring specific temperature gradients, moisture levels, and atmospheric pressures unique to these altitudes. Its presence within this 500-meter vertical belt indicates a reliance on the particular soil compositions and light availability patterns typical of these mountain ranges to support its growth and medicinal properties.

Elevational range max:

1700 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1200 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Spatholobus suberectus is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a growth form where the perennating buds are located high above the ground on aerial stems. Within this life strategy, it specifically exhibits traits consistent with both phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte classifications, indicating a perennial existence where its vital structures are protected on woody or semi-woody stems that persist through varying environmental conditions. This life form allows the plant to maintain a stable presence in its natural habitat, utilizing its elevated buds to survive seasonal fluctuations and to facilitate continuous growth and reproductive cycles.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Spatholobus suberectus is characterized by its specialized growth habit and structural composition. It functions as an obligatory climber, relying on external supports to ascend and expand its reach within its habitat. The plant exhibits a distinctly woody nature, possessing durable, lignified stems that provide the necessary strength to support its climbing mechanism and long-term structural integrity.

Climber :

obligatory

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Spatholobus suberectus has 5 reported plant parts identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include stem, flower, fruit, leaf, root.

Stem

1. Frontiers in plant science
2. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
3. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Flower

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Fruit

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Leaf

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Root

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Chemicals

Spatholobus suberectus has 43 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, CATECHIN, formononetin, 1,3,5-benzenetriol, 2-methoxy-4-(2'-hydroxyethyl)-phenyl-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside.

Flavonoids

1. Frontiers in plant science
2. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
3. Journal of ethnopharmacology
4. International journal of molecular sciences
5. Archives of pharmacal research

CATECHIN

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica
2. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
3. BMC plant biology
4. Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB

formononetin

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica
2. Archives of pharmacal research
3. BMC plant biology

1,3,5-benzenetriol

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

2-methoxy-4-(2'-hydroxyethyl)-phenyl-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

ANTHOCYANIN

1. International journal of molecular sciences

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

CU

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Calycosin

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

DPPH

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Activities

Spatholobus suberectus has 5 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Antitumor, Antiviral.

Antibacterial

1. Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)

Antidiabetic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antioxidant

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Antitumor

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antiviral

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Spatholobus suberectus has 20 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include breast cancer, cancer, oxidative stress, COVID-19, H5N1.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations