Herb's Introduction
Pterospermum lanceifolium Roxb. ex DC. is a species of flowering tree belonging to the family Malvaceae (Mallow family), which was historically classified under the Sterculiaceae. It is a significant component of the wet tropical biomes of Southeast Asia and parts of the Indian Subcontinent, growing into a stately tree prized for its timber, ornamental features, and, most importantly, its use in traditional medicine. The tree is known for its narrow, distinctive leaves and its beautiful, often fragrant, white flowers. While the genus Pterospermum is home to several species with recognized medicinal value, P. lanceifolium itself holds specific ethnomedicinal relevance, particularly in treating musculoskeletal and nerve-related ailments, and has recently become a subject of scientific inquiry for its anti-cancer potential. Its robust nature and attractive appearance also make it valued in landscaping and urban forestry across its native range.
Name in Different Countries
Pterospermum lanceifolium is distributed across a wide geographical area, leading to several distinct local and common names, primarily rooted in the languages of India, Indochina, and China: Country/Region Local Name(s) Description China (Common Name) 窄叶半枫荷 (Zhăi Yè Bàn Fēng Hé) Meaning "Narrow Leaf Half Maple Lotus," referring to the leaf shape, which is notably narrower than some other species in the genus. Laos ກົກ ແສນ (kohk sen) or ໄມ້ ກະ ສີນ (mai ka seen) Names used traditionally by local communities where the plant is utilized medicinally. Southeast Asia (General) Bayur (Generic for Pterospermum species) This name is commonly applied to several Pterospermum species across Malaysia and Indonesia, often referring to its general appearance or timber quality. Export to Sheets It is important to note that many of the popular common names associated with the genus, such as "Dinner Plate Tree" or "Kanakchampa," generally refer to the more widely known species, Pterospermum acerifolium.
Terminology
The scientific nomenclature of Pterospermum lanceifolium provides insight into its botanical characteristics and history: Botanical Name: Pterospermum lanceifolium Roxb. ex DC. Family: Malvaceae Genus Definition: The genus name, Pterospermum, is derived from two Greek words: pteron, meaning 'wing,' and sperma, meaning 'seed.' This directly references the distinctive feature of all species in the genus—the woody capsule splits open to reveal seeds equipped with papery wings that aid in wind dispersal. Species Epithet: The specific epithet, lanceifolium, is Latin, meaning 'lance-shaped leaf,' directly describing the long, narrow, pointed form of its foliage. Synonyms: This species has been classified under several names over time, demonstrating the historical complexity of its taxonomy. Key synonyms include: Pterospermadendron lanceifolium (Roxb. ex DC.) Kuntze Pterospermum insulare Pierre Pterospermum jackianum Wall. Pterospermum pierrei Hance
Availability
Pterospermum lanceifolium is a tree native to a large stretch of tropical Asia. Native Range: It is naturally distributed from Northern India eastward and southward across mainland Southeast Asia and parts of Malesia. Specific Countries of Distribution: Its presence has been confirmed in regions including: India (e.g., Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh) Bangladesh Myanmar (Burma) China (South-Central and Southeast regions, including Guangdong, Guangxi, and Yunnan) Laos Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Peninsular Malaysia Habitat and Ecology: It thrives primarily in the wet tropical biome. It is typically found in dense or open forests, on slopes, and in valleys, often at moderate elevations ranging up to 800–900 meters above sea level. It is a robust tree that contributes significantly to the biodiversity and stability of its native forest ecosystems.
External Look
Pterospermum lanceifolium is a medium to large evergreen or deciduous tree with a distinctive physical appearance: Height and Trunk: The tree can reach impressive heights of up to 25 meters. The bark is generally yellow-brown or gray and exhibits a striate (lined) texture. Foliage: The leaves are the source of its name, described as lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate (long and narrow with tapering ends), typically measuring 5–9 cm long and 2–3 cm wide. Texture: A striking feature is the dramatic contrast between the leaf surfaces. The upper surface (adaxially) is smooth and glabrous (hairless) and green, while the underside (abaxially) is densely covered with yellow-brown or yellow-white velvety short hair (velutinous), giving the crown a light, shimmering appearance from below. Flowers: The flowers are typically solitary, borne on pedicels 3–5 cm long. They are a notable ornamental feature, possessing white petals that are lanceolate in shape and roughly the same length as the sepals (approximately 2 cm long). They flower primarily in the spring and summer. Fruit and Seed: The fruit is a woody, cylindrical-ovoid capsule (about 5 cm long and 2 cm wide) that is covered in yellow-brown tomentose (dense, woolly) hair. When the capsule matures and splits open, it releases winged seeds (2–4 per locule), the feature that defines the entire genus.
Healing Properties
While widely used throughout its native range, the specific healing properties of Pterospermum lanceifolium are gaining attention through scientific research: Anti-Cancer Potential (Hepatocellular Carcinoma): Recent phytochemical and pharmacological studies have focused on the leaves of P. lanceifolium. A phenolics-enriched fraction extracted from the leaves has been scientifically investigated and shown to effectively reverse Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC, or liver cancer) in chemically-induced rat models. This indicates that the plant contains powerful phenolic compounds with significant chemo-preventive or therapeutic anti-cancer activity. Musculoskeletal and Neural Relief: Traditional use in Laos has documented the use of the root and stem to treat conditions associated with muscle and nerve stiffness: Rigid Nerves and Rigid Tendons: The herb is traditionally used to restore flexibility and alleviate tension in these tissues. Rheumatism: The plant's stem (bark and wood) is applied in local remedies to treat rheumatism, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.
Advantages
The advantages of Pterospermum lanceifolium stem from its ornamental appeal, economic utility, and potent biological activities: Potent Anti-Tumor Research Candidate: The most significant advantage is its validated activity against liver cancer cells in preclinical models, positioning it as a promising source for developing novel, natural anti-cancer therapeutics. Anti-Inflammatory/Analgesic Action: Its traditional use in treating rheumatism and rigid nerves/tendons suggests the presence of compounds effective against inflammation and pain, offering a potential natural alternative for chronic pain management. Aesthetic and Fragrant Value: As an ornamental tree, it provides excellent shade and features attractive, contrasting foliage (dark green above, velvety white/yellow-brown below), coupled with fragrant white flowers that enhance urban and garden landscapes. Ecological and Timber Utility: The tree provides fair-quality wood used locally for fuelwood, while its extensive root system helps stabilize soil, preventing erosion in its native habitat.
Uses
The uses of Pterospermum lanceifolium fall into traditional medicinal application, modern scientific investigation, and material/environmental purposes: Medicinal Uses (Traditional): Relief from Neural and Muscular Rigidity: The roots and stems are utilized to soothe and treat conditions involving stiffening of nerves and tendons. Rheumatism and Joint Pain: Stem bark and wood preparations are used as a topical or internal remedy for rheumatic disorders. Medicinal Uses (Modern Research Focus): Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Liver Cancer) Treatment: Phytochemical fractions from the leaves are studied for their direct action in reversing cancer progression. Economic and Practical Uses: Fuelwood: The tree's timber is harvested and used locally as a source of fuel. Ornamental Planting: Widely planted in parks, gardens, and along roadsides due to its fast growth rate, ability to provide shade, and its large, fragrant flowers.
Using way
The application methods for Pterospermum lanceifolium vary significantly between traditional folk practice and modern scientific study: Traditional Laotian Method: Parts Used: Root and Stem/Stem Bark. Preparation: The specific preparation (e.g., decoction, infusion, or topical application of a paste) of the root and stem bark is employed to treat rigid nerves, tendons, and rheumatism. The preparation methods are localized and passed down through tradition. Modern Scientific Research Method: Part Used: Leaves. Preparation: Leaves are subjected to extraction processes to isolate specific compounds. For the highly promising anti-cancer study, a Phenolics-Enriched Fraction of the crude alcoholic or aqueous extract was prepared and tested in a controlled laboratory setting. This purified fraction is not a standard preparation for general use and should not be confused with traditional herbal remedies.
Conclusion
Pterospermum lanceifolium stands as a valuable tropical tree species, distinguished by its unique morphology and multifaceted utility. Its botanical attributes, such as its lanceolate, bi-colored leaves and winged seeds, classify it distinctly within the Malvaceae family. Geographically, it is cemented as a native component of the diverse ecosystems stretching across South and Southeast Asia, where it contributes environmentally through soil stabilization and ecologically as an ornamental feature. Most significantly, its traditional application in treating musculoskeletal and nervous rigidity—as documented in Laotian ethnomedicine—is now being paralleled by promising scientific discoveries. The recent evidence demonstrating that phenolics extracted from its leaves possess the ability to combat hepatocellular carcinoma highlights P. lanceifolium as a critical botanical resource with significant potential for the future development of powerful, naturally-derived anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory drugs. Further comprehensive research into its full phytochemical profile and clinical efficacy is highly warranted to unlock the complete therapeutic potential of this remarkable herb.
