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Calpurnia aurea

Table of Contents

Details
Ethnobotanical Use
General Uses
Synonyms
Common Names
Subtypes (subspecies, varieties, subvarieties, forms)
Germination/Propagation
Distribution
Links to other databases
Genome
Scientific Literature
Phytochemical Profile
Gallery
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Details Top

Internal ID UUID643fdeaa3aa4d242851021
Scientific name Calpurnia aurea
Authority (Aiton) Benth.
First published in Comm. Legum. Gen.: 26 (1837)

Ethnobotanical Use Top

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Important notice
  • Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
  • Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
  • Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
  • Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.

Among the communities who know Calpurnia aurea as a “wild tea,” leaf infusions are the best‑documented method. In the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, Xhosa and Mfengu households use a decoction of leaves to calm stomachaches and as a gentle bitter tonic for poor appetite; infusions are prepared in boiling water and left to steep before drinking (SANBI, Wild Flowers of the Fynbos Biome; Pooley, A Field Guide to the Wild Flowers of KwaZulu‑Natal and the Eastern Region, 1993). In the Eastern Cape, colouredleaf (Bennett et al., 2021) reports similar decoctions and leaf teas for stomach pain and colic. Turning south, the Makoni people of Zimbabwe make decoctions from leaves for abdominal discomfort and as a vermifuge, while nearby groups in the same region also employ leaf infusions for similar digestive complaints (Magwede et al., 2019). The breadth of preparation is consistent: leaves are harvested, cleaned, and simmered or steeped in hot water to yield a bitter, mildly aromatic drink that is consumed in small daily amounts.

A practical tea can be made by placing 1–2 teaspoons of dried leaves (about 2–3 g) into 250 mL of just‑boiled water, covering, and steeping for 10–15 minutes; one cup may be taken 1–3 times a day for 1–3 days while symptoms persist. For a decoction more suited to mild gastric upset, use 2–3 teaspoons dried leaf per 300 mL water, bring to a boil, simmer 10 minutes, then let cool slightly before drinking ½–1 cup. If a tincture is preferred, use roughly 20 g dried leaf per 100 mL 45% ethanol and macerate in a dark bottle for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily; decanting yields a 1:5 (w/v) tincture, of which 5–15 drops in water may be taken up to three times daily. Because seeds and many other parts of leguminous plants can contain quinolizidine alkaloids and may be toxic, rely only on the documented leaf preparations and keep dosing modest; avoid in pregnancy and nursing, and discontinue if nausea or stomach irritation worsens.

Well‑studied constituents reported for Calpurnia aurea leaves help explain the traditional bitter tonics. The leaves contain quinolizidine alkaloids such as (–)-calpurnine and (–)-epilupinine, along with flavonoids including genistein, quercetin, and luteolin, and modest phenolics (Geertsema et al., 1987; Heinig et al., 1996). These compounds account for the noticeable bitterness and can stimulate digestive secretions and motility, consistent with the use of leaf infusions and decoctions for colic, stomach pain, and appetite stimulation.

Although human clinical trials remain limited, recent phytochemical work continues to examine these alkaloids and flavonoids in South African Fabaceae, supporting ongoing laboratory interest (Coopoosamy & Naidoo, 2011). Calpurnia aurea leaf teas and decoctions remain part of contemporary domestic practice in parts of South Africa and Zimbabwe, and dried leaf products can be found through specialized herbal suppliers and some South African craft producers who emphasize responsible sourcing.

General Uses Top

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Synonyms Top

Scientific name Authority First published in
Sophora aurea Aiton Hort. Kew.2: 44 (1789)
Podalyria aurea (Aiton) Willd. Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 2: 502 (1799)
Virgilia aurea (Aiton) Lam. Tabl. Encycl.2: 470 (1819)
Calpurnia subdecandra (L'Her.) Schweick. Bothalia iii. 237 (1937).
Robinia subdecandra L'Her.

Common names Top

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Language Common/alternative name
Spanish sophora sylvatica
Spanish virgilia sylvatica
Afrikaans geelkeurboom
Amharic ድግጣ
Chinese 金雀槐
Chinese 黄翼荚

Subspecies (abbr. subsp./ssp.) Top

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Name Authority First published in
Calpurnia aurea subsp. aurea (Aiton) Benth. Unknown
Calpurnia aurea subsp. indica Brummitt Kirkia6: 126 (1967)

Varieties (abbr. var.) Top

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Subvarieties (abbr. subvar.) Top

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Forms (abbr. f.) Top

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Germination/Propagation Top

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Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top

Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
  • Africa
    • East Tropical Africa
      • Kenya
      • Tanzania
      • Uganda
    • Northeast Tropical Africa
      • Eritrea
      • Ethiopia
      • Somalia
      • Sudan
    • South Tropical Africa
      • Angola
      • Mozambique
      • Zambia
      • Zimbabwe
    • Southern Africa
      • Cape Provinces
      • Free State
      • Kwazulu-Natal
      • Northern Provinces
      • Swaziland
    • West-central Tropical Africa
      • Central African Republic
      • Zaïre
  • Asia-tropical
    • Indian Subcontinent
      • India
      • Sri Lanka
    • Malesia
      • Jawa

Links to other databases Top

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Database ID/link to page
World Flora Online wfo-0000212053
Tropicos 13049118
KEW urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:907827-1
The Plant List ild-7131
Open Tree Of Life 434094
NCBI Taxonomy 53848
IUCN Red List 146445186
IPNI 907827-1
iNaturalist 428099
GBIF 2956417
Freebase /m/03h15vr
EOL 702834
USDA GRIN 313280
Wikipedia Calpurnia_aurea

Genomes (via NCBI) Top

No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.

Scientific Literature Top

Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
If you wish to see all the related articles click here.
Title Authors Publication Released IDs
Medicinal ethnoveterinary plants used for treating livestock ailments in the omo-gibe and rift valley basins of Ethiopia Wendimu A, Bojago E, Abrham Y BMC Vet Res 30-Apr-2024
PMCID:PMC11059770
doi:10.1186/s12917-024-04019-6
PMID:38689300
Traditional lore on the healing effects of therapeutic plants used by the local communities around Simien Mountains National Park, northwestern Ethiopia Seraw E, Melkamu Y, Masresha G J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 17-Apr-2024
PMCID:PMC11025143
doi:10.1186/s13002-024-00678-9
PMID:38632559
Phytochemical screening and insecticidal activities of some medicinal plants against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Gindaba A, Negeri M, Abdisa B, Nemo R, Kitila C Sci Rep 15-Apr-2024
PMCID:PMC11018737
doi:10.1038/s41598-024-59207-z
PMID:38622206
Ethnoveterinary medicinal plants and their utilization by indigenous and local communities of Dugda District, Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia Oda BK, Lulekal E, Warkineh B, Asfaw Z, Debella A J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 09-Mar-2024
PMCID:PMC10924356
doi:10.1186/s13002-024-00665-0
PMID:38461267
Medicinal Plants Used by Oromo Community in Kofale District, West-Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia Nuro GB, Tolossa K, Giday M J Exp Pharmacol 05-Mar-2024
PMCID:PMC10929209
doi:10.2147/JEP.S449496
PMID:38476311
Antibacterial activity and phytochemical screening of traditional medicinal plants most preferred for treating infectious diseases in Habru District, North Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia Alemu M, Lulekal E, Asfaw Z, Warkineh B, Debella A, Abebe A, Degu S, Debebe E PLoS One 05-Mar-2024
PMCID:PMC10914283
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0300060
PMID:38442129
Ethnoveterinary medicinal plants and their utilization by the people of Soro District, Hadiya Zone, southern Ethiopia Hankiso M, Asfaw Z, Warkineh B, Abebe A, Sisay B, Debella A J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 22-Feb-2024
PMCID:PMC10885532
doi:10.1186/s13002-024-00651-6
PMID:38389077
Phytocompounds as potential inhibitors of mycobacterial multidrug efflux pump Rv1258c: an in silico approach Biswas SS, Roy JD AMB Express 15-Feb-2024
PMCID:PMC10869325
doi:10.1186/s13568-024-01673-9
PMID:38360998
Evaluation of hepatoprotective and antidiarrheal activities of the hydromethanol crude extract and solvent fractions of Schinus molle L. (Anacardiaceae) leaf and fruit in mice Belayneh YM, Mengistu G, Hailay K Metabol Open 20-Jan-2024
PMCID:PMC10918422
doi:10.1016/j.metop.2024.100272
PMID:38455232
Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the people of Mosop, Nandi County in Kenya Maiyo ZC, Njeru SN, Toroitich FJ, Indieka SA, Obonyo MA Front Pharmacol 19-Jan-2024
PMCID:PMC10834697
doi:10.3389/fphar.2023.1328903
PMID:38313073
Ethnobotanical study of traditional medicinal plants used by the local people in Habru District, North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia Alemu M, Asfaw Z, Lulekal E, Warkineh B, Debella A, Sisay B, Debebe E J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 04-Jan-2024
PMCID:PMC10768247
doi:10.1186/s13002-023-00644-x
PMID:38178202
Antibiofilm and anti-quorum sensing activity of Psidium guajava L. leaf extract: In vitro and in silico approach Khan MA, Celik I, Khan HM, Shahid M, Shahzad A, Kumar S, Ahmed B PLoS One 19-Dec-2023
PMCID:PMC10729950
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0295524
PMID:38113217
Ecological determinants in plant community structure across dry afromontane forest patches of Northwestern Ethiopia Yinebeb M, Lulekal E, Bekele T BMC Ecol Evol 04-Dec-2023
PMCID:PMC10694892
doi:10.1186/s12862-023-02176-0
PMID:38049737
Ethnobotanical Study on Medicinal Plants Used by the Local Communities of Ameya District, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia Tadesse T, Teka A Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 01-Dec-2023
PMCID:PMC10708956
doi:10.1155/2023/5961067
PMID:38074846
Review of Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used to Treat Diarrhea by the People in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia Damtie D Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 25-Nov-2023
PMCID:PMC10693470
doi:10.1155/2023/8173543
PMID:38044982

Phytochemical Profile Top

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Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
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Name PubChem ID Canonical SMILES MW Found in Proof
> Alkaloids and derivatives / Lupin alkaloids / Lupinine-type alkaloids
Epilupinine 92767 Click to see 169.26 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81306-0
Lupinine 91461 Click to see 169.26 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81306-0
Octahydro-2H-quinolizin-1-ylmethanol 297272 Click to see C1CCN2CCCC(C2C1)CO 169.26 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81306-0
> Alkaloids and derivatives / Lupin alkaloids / Sparteine, lupanine, and related alkaloids
(14-oxo-7,15-diazatetracyclo[7.7.1.02,7.010,15]heptadecan-4-yl) 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate 4486246 Click to see 357.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81306-0
(16-oxo-7,15-diazatetracyclo[7.7.1.02,7.010,15]heptadecan-4-yl) 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate 73201080 Click to see C1CCN2C(C1)C3CC(C2=O)C4CC(CCN4C3)OC(=O)C5=CC=CN5 357.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81306-0
https://doi.org/10.1271/BBB1961.48.2839
(1S,2R,8R,9R,10S,12S)-8,12-dihydroxy-7,15-diazatetracyclo[7.7.1.02,7.010,15]heptadecan-6-one 162956358 Click to see C1CC2C3CC(C4CC(CCN4C3)O)C(N2C(=O)C1)O 280.36 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81306-0
(1S,2R,9R,10S,12S)-12-hydroxy-7,15-diazatetracyclo[7.7.1.02,7.010,15]heptadecan-8-one 12444870 Click to see 264.36 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81306-0
(3-hydroxy-14-oxo-7,15-diazatetracyclo[7.7.1.02,7.010,15]heptadecan-4-yl) 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate 73201074 Click to see 373.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81306-0
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)82751-X
[(1R,2R,3S,4S,9R,10S)-3-hydroxy-14-oxo-7,15-diazatetracyclo[7.7.1.02,7.010,15]heptadecan-4-yl] 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate 163185795 Click to see C1CC2C3CC(CN2C(=O)C1)C4C(C(CCN4C3)OC(=O)C5=CC=CN5)O 373.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)82751-X
[(1R,2S,4S,9S,10R)-16-oxo-7,15-diazatetracyclo[7.7.1.02,7.010,15]heptadecan-4-yl] 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate 15690952 Click to see 357.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81306-0
[(1S,2S,4S,9R,10S)-16-oxo-7,15-diazatetracyclo[7.7.1.02,7.010,15]heptadecan-4-yl] 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate 163189679 Click to see 357.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1271/BBB1961.48.2839
[(2S,4S,10R)-14-oxo-7,15-diazatetracyclo[7.7.1.02,7.010,15]heptadecan-4-yl] 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate 139031187 Click to see C1CC2C3CC(CN2C(=O)C1)C4CC(CCN4C3)OC(=O)C5=CC=CN5 357.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81306-0
11,12-Dihydroxy-7,15-diazatetracyclo[7.7.1.02,7.010,15]heptadecan-6-one 73201049 Click to see 280.36 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81306-0
13-Hydroxylupanine 5459919 Click to see 264.36 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81306-0
13-Hydroxyspartein-10-one 191246 Click to see 264.36 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81306-0
1H-Pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid, (2S,7S,7aR,9R,10S,14S,14aS)-dodecahydro-9,10-dihydroxy-11-oxo-7,14-methano-2H,6H-dipyrido(1,2-a:1',2'-e)(1,5)diazocin-2-yl ester 190617 Click to see 389.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81306-0
3-beta,4-alpha,13-alpha-Trihydroxylupanine 15939845 Click to see 296.36 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81306-0
4,5,12-Trihydroxy-7,15-diazatetracyclo[7.7.1.02,7.010,15]heptadecan-6-one 73201050 Click to see C1CN2CC3CC(C2CC1O)CN4C3CC(C(C4=O)O)O 296.36 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81306-0
8,12-Dihydroxy-7,15-diazatetracyclo[7.7.1.02,7.010,15]heptadecan-6-one 162956357 Click to see 280.36 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81306-0
Calpaurine 15939898 Click to see 389.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81306-0
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-4020(01)89941-5
Calpurmenine 15939844 Click to see 280.36 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)82751-X
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81306-0
Calpurmeninepyrrolecarboxylic acid 15939897 Click to see C1CC2C3CC(CN2C(=O)C1)C4C(C(CCN4C3)OC(=O)C5=CC=CN5)O 373.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81306-0
Calpurnine 165547 Click to see C1CC2C3CC(CN2C(=O)C1)C4CC(CCN4C3)OC(=O)C5=CC=CN5 357.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81306-0
d-Hydroxylupanine 250873 Click to see 264.36 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81306-0
Hydroxylupanine 73404 Click to see C1CC2C3CC(CN2C(=O)C1)C4CC(CCN4C3)O 264.36 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81306-0
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Steroidal glycosides / Steroidal saponins
(2S,3R,4R,5R,6S)-2-[(2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-2-[(2R)-4-[(1S,2S,4S,6R,7S,8R,9S,12S,13R,14R,16R)-6,14-dihydroxy-7,9,13-trimethyl-16-[(2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-5-oxapentacyclo[10.8.0.02,9.04,8.013,18]icos-18-en-6-yl]-2-methylbutoxy]-4,5-dihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]oxy-6-methyloxane-3,4,5-triol 11343557 Click to see 919.10 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)82751-X
> Organoheterocyclic compounds / Piperazinopiperidines
2,13-Dihydroxy-3,10-diazatetracyclo[6.6.3.01,10.03,8]heptadecan-4-one 163192596 Click to see 280.36 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)82751-X
> Organoheterocyclic compounds / Quinolizidines
(16-oxo-7,15-diazatetracyclo[7.7.1.02,7.010,15]heptadec-13-en-4-yl) 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate 163010282 Click to see 355.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1271/BBB1961.48.2839
[(1S,2S,4S,9R,10S)-16-oxo-7,15-diazatetracyclo[7.7.1.02,7.010,15]heptadec-13-en-4-yl] 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate 163191239 Click to see 355.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1271/BBB1961.48.2839

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