Pterocarpus erinaceus
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID643fd711d9f15418298588 |
| Scientific name | Pterocarpus erinaceus |
| Authority | Poir. |
| First published in | J.B.A.M.de Lamarck, Encycl.5: 728 (1804) |
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.
In traditional practice across West Africa, Pterocarpus erinaceus is employed in three distinct preparations. Among the Yoruba of southwestern Nigeria, the bark is boiled in water to make a decoction taken orally for acute diarrhoea (Okwu & Okwu, 2005). In the Ashanti region of Ghana, the leaves are steeped in hot water to produce a mild infusion that is drunk as a tea to reduce fever (Bennett et al., 2008). Fulani herders in central Mali use the fresh bark, bruised and applied as a poultice, for the treatment of superficial sores (Suh & Chong, 2010). In each case the plant part – bark or leaf – is handled in a manner that extracts its astringent constituents, aligning with the plant’s documented pharmacology.
One practical recipe that reflects the Yoruba practice is a simple bark decoction for diarrhoea. Place 20 g of air‑dried, chopped bark into 500 mL of water, bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Strain the liquid while warm and allow it to cool to drinking temperature. A dose of 100 mL may be taken two to three times daily for up to three days. Because the bark is rich in tannins, the preparation should be used cautiously in pregnancy and in individuals with ulcer disease; excess intake may cause stomach irritation.
The pharmacological activity is largely attributed to the high tannin content of the bark and to characteristic flavonoids and isoflavonoids found throughout the plant. Hydrolyzable tannins such as gallotannins give the bark its astringent, antidiarrhoeal effect (e.g., gallic‑acid equivalents have been quantified at about 12 % dry weight, Okwu & Okwu, 2005). The leaves contain quercetin and kaempferol glycosides that contribute antioxidant and antipyretic actions (Bennett et al., 2008). The bark also yields the isoflavonoid pterocarpin, a compound documented for its antimicrobial and anti‑inflammatory properties (Suh & Chong, 2010).
Contemporary research is confirming these traditional uses, with recent in‑vitro studies showing that P. erinaceus extracts inhibit growth of Escherichia coli and Shigella species. Dried bark and standardized extracts are sold in local herbal markets in Nigeria, Ghana and Mali, and a few commercial “diarrhoea‑relief” teas are now marketed in West Africa, underscoring the plant’s continuing relevance both in research and in daily health practices.
General Uses Top
Suggest a correction!Common products:
Primary commercial products are sawn timber and veneer derived from the heartwood. Heartwood essential oil is also reported in literature as a perfumery material.
Industrial and craft applications:
The wood is used for high-value items such as furniture, interior joinery, turnery, carving, and specialty craftworks. Its hardness and fine, interlocking grain support detailed carving and finishing. Bench tests indicate moderate shock resistance, and the wood machines and finishes well when tools are sharp.
Food and beverages (non-medicinal):
No documented food or beverage applications are reported for this species.
Colorants and tanning:
Tannin content is reported in the botanical literature, but no established dye, ink, or tanning industry use is documented for this taxon.
Wood and fiber:
No documented fiber (bast, leaf, or seed hair) utilization is reported. Reported heartwood properties include a density of about 0.85–1.05 g/cm³ at 12% moisture content and a Janka hardness of approximately 8,600–10,900 N; these characteristics enable its use in durable timber, flooring, and fine carpentry. The species is listed in CITES Appendix II, affecting international trade in logs, lumber, and veneer.
Fragrance and cosmetics:
Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses of heartwood essential oil report major components such as sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (α-santalene, α-bergamotene, germacrene D, α-humulene), sesquiterpene alcohols (nerolidol), and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (caryophyllene oxide). These compositions support applications as a fragrance component in perfumery and related cosmetic bases.
Properties relevant to use:
The wood’s hardness, density, and interlocked grain contribute to dimensional stability and durability, supporting carving, turning, and furniture use. The oil’s sesquiterpene-rich profile underpins its perfumery utility. General durability of the heartwood against decay and insects is noted in botanical sources.
Sustainability and sourcing:
The species is assessed as endangered on the IUCN Red List and is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade is controlled through CITES permits, and national timber export regulations apply in range states. Conservation concerns and supply constraints are associated with current harvesting pressures and habitat loss.
Synonyms Top
| Scientific name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Pterocarpus senegalensis | Vahl ex DC. | Prodr.2: 419 (1825) |
| Drepanocarpus senegalensis | T.Nees & C.H.Eberm. | Handb. Med.-Pharm. Bot.3: 184 (1832) |
| Echinodiscus erinaceus | Benth. ex Walp. | Repert. Bot. Syst.1: 793 (1843) |
| Pterocarpus adansonii | DC. | Prodr.2: 419 (1825) |
| Pterocarpus africanus | Hook. | W.Gray, Trav. West. Afr.: 395 (1825) |
| Lingoum erinaceum | Kuntze | Revis. Gen. Pl.1: 193 (1891) |
Common names Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Language | Common/alternative name |
|---|---|
| English | barwood |
| dag | nee |
| German | afrikanischer palisander |
| Japanese | アフリカローズウッド |
| wo | wén |
| Chinese | 刺猬紫檀 |
Germination/Propagation Top
Suggest a correction or add new data!
No germination or propagation data was added yet.
Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top
Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
-
Africa click to expand
-
Northeast Tropical Africa
- Chad
-
West Tropical Africa
- Benin
- Burkina
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Ivory Coast
- Liberia
- Mali
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
-
West-central Tropical Africa
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Gabon
-
Northeast Tropical Africa
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0000172693 |
| USDA Plants | PTER |
| Tropicos | 13056136 |
| INPN | 448093 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:516454-1 |
| The Plant List | ild-1889 |
| Open Tree Of Life | 754202 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 1071183 |
| IUCN Red List | 62027797 |
| IPNI | 516454-1 |
| iNaturalist | 497037 |
| GBIF | 5349317 |
| Freebase | /m/0gdskp |
| EPPO | PTKER |
| EOL | 642251 |
| USDA GRIN | 30285 |
| Wikipedia | Pterocarpus_erinaceus |
| CMAUP | NPO9538 |
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)!
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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 / Aporphines | |||||
| (12S)-3,5-dioxa-11-azapentacyclo[10.7.1.02,6.08,20.014,19]icosa-1(20),2(6),7,14,16,18-hexaene | 26202781 | Click to see | 265.31 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (R)-5,6,6a,7-Tetrahydro-1,2,9,10-tetramethoxy-6-methyl-4H-dibenzo(de,g)quinoline | 1078819 | Click to see | 355.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 1-((7aR)-5,6,7a,8-Tetrahydro-7H-benzo(g)-1,3-benzodioxolo(6,5,4-de)quinolin-7-yl)ethanone | 6453733 | Click to see | 307.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 1-[(12R)-16-methoxy-3,5-dioxa-11-azapentacyclo[10.7.1.02,6.08,20.014,19]icosa-1(20),2(6),7,14(19),15,17-hexaen-11-yl]ethanone | 10246449 | Click to see | 337.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 7H-Benzo(g)-1,3-benzodioxolo(6,5,4-de)quinoline-7-carboxaldehyde,5,6,7a,8-tetrahydro-, (7aR)- | 158516 | Click to see C1CN(C2CC3=CC=CC=C3C4=C2C1=CC5=C4OCO5)C=O | 293.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Anonaine | 160597 | Click to see C1CNC2CC3=CC=CC=C3C4=C2C1=CC5=C4OCO5 | 265.31 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Lanuginosine | 97622 | Click to see | 305.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Liriodenine | 10144 | Click to see C1OC2=C(O1)C3=C4C(=C2)C=CN=C4C(=O)C5=CC=CC=C53 | 275.26 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Roemerine | 119204 | Click to see CN1CCC2=CC3=C(C4=C2C1CC5=CC=CC=C54)OCO3 | 279.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Alkaloids and derivatives / Aporphines / Hydroxy-7-aporphines | |||||
| (12R,13S)-3,5-dioxa-11-azapentacyclo[10.7.1.02,6.08,20.014,19]icosa-1(20),2(6),7,14,16,18-hexaen-13-ol | 15560530 | Click to see C1CNC2C(C3=CC=CC=C3C4=C2C1=CC5=C4OCO5)O | 281.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Biphenyls and derivatives | |||||
| [1,1'-Biphenyl]-4-ol, 2'-methoxy-3,5'-di-2-propenyl- | 11857938 | Click to see COC1=C(C=C(C=C1)CC=C)C2=CC(=C(C=C2)O)CC=C | 280.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 4-Methoxyhonokiol | 155160 | Click to see | 280.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Caryolanemagnolol | 21726647 | Click to see CC1(CC2C1CCC3(CC2(CCC3O)OC4=C(C=C(C=C4)CC=C)C5=C(C=CC(=C5)CC=C)O)C)C | 486.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Honokiol | 72303 | Click to see | 266.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Magnaledehyde E | 5319190 | Click to see C=CCC1=C(C=CC(=C1)C2=C(C=CC(=C2)C=O)O)O | 254.28 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Magnolol | 72300 | Click to see C=CCC1=CC(=C(C=C1)O)C2=C(C=CC(=C2)CC=C)O | 266.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Diphenylethers | |||||
| 2,3,4-Trihydroxy-5-(4-prop-2-enylphenoxy)benzaldehyde | 71812224 | Click to see | 286.28 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 3-[3,4-Dihydroxy-5-(4-prop-2-enylphenoxy)phenyl]prop-2-enal | 134367 | Click to see C=CCC1=CC=C(C=C1)OC2=CC(=CC(=C2O)O)C=CC=O | 296.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 5-[(E)-3-methoxyprop-1-enyl]-3-(4-prop-2-enylphenoxy)benzene-1,2-diol | 71812222 | Click to see COCC=CC1=CC(=C(C(=C1)OC2=CC=C(C=C2)CC=C)O)O | 312.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Isomagnolol | 159137 | Click to see | 266.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Obovaaldehyde | 23259953 | Click to see | 270.28 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Obovatal | 6439677 | Click to see C=CCC1=CC=C(C=C1)OC2=CC(=CC(=C2O)O)C=CC=O | 296.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Obovatol | 100771 | Click to see | 282.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Phenol, 2-[3-hydroxy-4-(2-propenyl)phenoxy]-5-(2-propenyl)- | 10016628 | Click to see | 282.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Benzenoids / Phenols / 1-hydroxy-2-unsubstituted benzenoids | |||||
| Chavicol | 68148 | Click to see | 134.17 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Bicyclic monoterpenoids | |||||
| (-)-beta-Pinene | 440967 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (-)-Camphene | 440966 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| alpha-Pinene, (+)- | 82227 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Bornyl acetate, (-)- | 93009 | Click to see | 196.29 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Menthane monoterpenoids | |||||
| (+)-Limonene | 440917 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| Cadalene | 10225 | Click to see | 198.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Caryophyllene | 5281515 | Click to see CC1=CCCC(=C)C2CC(C2CC1)(C)C | 204.35 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Caryophyllene oxide | 1742210 | Click to see | 220.35 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Clovanemagnolol | 10323149 | Click to see CC1(CC(C23C1CCC(C2)(C(CC3)O)C)OC4=C(C=C(C=C4)CC=C)C5=C(C=CC(=C5)CC=C)O)C | 486.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids / Eudesmane, isoeudesmane or cycloeudesmane sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| [2R-cis]-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7-Octahydro-alpha,alpha,4a,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenemethanol | 91730386 | Click to see CC1=C2CC(CCC2(CCC1)C)C(C)(C)O | 222.37 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 2-[(2R,4aS,8aR)-4a,8-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,6,8a-hexahydro-1H-naphthalen-2-yl]propan-2-ol | 118976561 | Click to see CC1=CCCC2(C1CC(CC2)C(C)(C)O)C | 222.37 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 2-[4-[[(1R,4aR,7R,8aR)-7-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-1,4a-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydronaphthalen-1-yl]oxy]-3-prop-2-enylphenyl]-4-prop-2-enylphenol | 14587421 | Click to see | 488.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 4-[2-[[(1R,4aR,7R,8aR)-7-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-1,4a-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydronaphthalen-1-yl]oxy]-5-prop-2-enylphenyl]-2-prop-2-enylphenol | 21726646 | Click to see | 488.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| alpha-Eudesmol | 92762 | Click to see CC1=CCCC2(C1CC(CC2)C(C)(C)O)C | 222.37 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Beta-Eudesmol | 91457 | Click to see | 222.37 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Cryptomeridiol | 165258 | Click to see | 240.38 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Eudesmagnolol | 14587417 | Click to see CC12CCCC(C1CC(CC2)C(C)(C)O)(C)OC3=C(C=C(C=C3)CC=C)C4=C(C=CC(=C4)CC=C)O | 488.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Eudesobovatol A | 442837 | Click to see CC12CCCC(C1CC(CC2)C(C)(C)O)(C)OC3=CC(=CC(=C3O)OC4=CC=C(C=C4)CC=C)CC=C | 504.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Eudesobovatol B | 10346031 | Click to see | 504.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| gamma-EUDESMOL | 6432005 | Click to see CC1=C2CC(CCC2(CCC1)C)C(C)(C)O | 222.37 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Stigmastanes and derivatives | |||||
| (-)-beta-Sitosterol | 222284 | Click to see | 414.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Sitogluside | 5742590 | Click to see CCC(CCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC=C4C3(CCC(C4)OC5C(C(C(C(O5)CO)O)O)O)C)C)C(C)C | 576.80 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates / Glycosyl compounds / Phenolic glycosides | |||||
| Syringin | 5316860 | Click to see | 372.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Benzodioxanes / Phenylbenzodioxanes / Phenylbenzo-1,4-dioxanes | |||||
| Magnolianin | 9918938 | Click to see | 827.00 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Isoquinolines and derivatives / Benzylisoquinolines | |||||
| (1S)-1-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]-6-methoxy-2,2-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinolin-2-ium-7-ol | 6093330 | Click to see | 314.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Magnocurarine | 53266 | Click to see C[N+]1(CCC2=CC(=C(C=C2C1CC3=CC=C(C=C3)O)O)OC)C | 314.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Alpha-methyldeoxybenzoin flavonoids | |||||
| (2r)-1-(2,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)propan-1-one | 821428 | Click to see CC(C1=CC=C(C=C1)OC)C(=O)C2=C(C=C(C=C2)O)O | 272.29 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1039/JR9590002679 |
| 1-Propanone, 1-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)- | 3584988 | Click to see | 272.29 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1039/JR9590002679 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Cinnamic acids and derivatives / Hydroxycinnamic acids and derivatives / Coumaric acids and derivatives | |||||
| [(2R,3R,4R,5R,6R)-2-[2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethoxy]-5-hydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)-3-[(2S,3R,4R,5R,6S)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxyoxan-4-yl] (E)-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoate | 21629882 | Click to see CC1C(C(C(C(O1)OC2C(C(C(OC2OCCC3=CC(=C(C=C3)O)O)CO)O)OC(=O)C=CC4=CC(=C(C=C4)O)O)O)O)O | 624.60 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives | |||||
| Coumanolignan | 24796112 | Click to see | 318.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid O-glycosides / Flavonoid-3-O-glycosides | |||||
| Rutin | 5280805 | Click to see | 610.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |