Phytochemistry of Pterocarpus marsupium
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Several flavonoids and their derivatives have
been isolated from various parts of the plant.
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In
general flavonoids or "bioflavonoids" are valued for their diverse health
benefits including antioxidant / anti-inflammatory action, beneficial cardiovascular
effects and antimicrobial properties.
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Pterocarpus
marsupium is a rich source of polyphenolic compounds. The key compounds include
the diaryl propane derivative, propterol; the stilbene, pterostilbene; the
hydrochalcone, pterosupin; the benzofuranone, marsupsin; the flavanoid,
liquiritigenin and the catechin, (-)-epicatechin.
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Key
Chemical Constituents of Pterocarpus marsupium
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The first four are the main components of the
heartwood, while (-)-epicatechin is found in the bark .
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The
phenolics, marsupsin, pterosupin, and, pterostilbene have been identified as the blood
sugar lowering components of the heartwood, while (-)-epicatechin has been
identified as the blood sugar lowering compound in the bark. |
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