Pharmacognostical and Biological Investigation of Pithecellobium dulce, family Fabaceae (Leguminosae) cultivated in Egypt

Abstract

Leguminosae (Fabaceae) is commonly known as the legume, pea, or bean family of cosmopolitan distribution, with approximately 730 genera and around 19,700 species. This high species richness is reflected in great morphological and chemical diversity, from which multiple uses are derived. It includes trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants perennials or annuals, which are easily recognized by their fruit (legume) and their compound, stipulated leaves. The genus Pithecellobium possesses many biological and pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, antifungal, and immunomodulatory activities. Despite, several studies carried out on many species of this genus and have generated enormous data about the chemical composition and corresponding biological activity of extracts and their isolated compounds; there are still a lot to be explored. Upon surveying the current literature, few reports could be traced regarding the phytochemical constituents and the pharmacological actions of genus Pithecellobium. P. dulce offers an opportunity for bioprospection and need to be explored for potential biological activities and characterization of its bioactive constituents. This initiated our interest to perform the present work which includes: Chapter (I): Part I: A macro- and micro morphological study of the stems, leaves, petiole, seeds, and fruits of P. dulce was done. Part II: A genetic study was done, in which the DNA of P. dulce was extracted from leaf samples and analysed using 13 decamer random primers which will help in further standardization and quality control studies.