Introduction

The name Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth is derived from its sweet, spirally twisted pods, which resemble a monkey's earring. Its generic name, Pithecellobium, is derived from the Greek words ‘pithecos’ and ‘ellobium’, which mean ‘monkey’ and ‘earring’, respectively. The species name “dulce” is a feminine word in Latin, meaning “sweet” in allusion to the edible pulp of the pod. Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth is a tree native to Mesoamerica and the Aztecs. It is also known by its local name “Quamachil” - a hardy tree that grows even in waste and denuded lands, pure sandy soil, and on the sea coast with its roots in brackish or salt water. It can withstand shade and is resistant to drought. It reproduces easily by seeds or cuttings. Quamachil is mostly grown in India for hedges and for fuel. Commonly, it is known as Manila tamarind or Jangle jalebi in India, because of the resemblance of the fruits to the Indian sweet “Jalebi”, the plant is also given the name “Jangle Jalebi‟. Its fruits are eaten locally for their high nutritional value.^[1]

The knowledge about medicinally useful plants in the early age was scientifically documented and organized in systematic Ayurvedic Samhita, Nighantus, and other texts. Codified information regarding plants of folklore origin is not documented in the classical texts of Ayurveda. Multiple exotic plants exist in India that are not referred to in either classical literature of Ayurveda and are commonly referred to as Anukta Dravya in Ayurveda. In Ayurveda, P. dulce is considered an Anukta Dravya because no reference is found in any classical Ayurveda texts like Samhitas, Nighnatus. This article highlights the botanical, nutritional, pharmacological, and traditional significance of P. dulce, underlining the need for further exploration and validation to integrate it into mainstream therapeutic applications.

Different vernacular names and taxonomical classification have been listed in Tables no 1,2, respectively. Whole plant parts of P. dulce, like Bark, leaves, seeds, flowers, pulp, and root, are being used medicinally.

Synonyms: There are many synonyms of the P. dulce, which are listed below^[2]

• Acacia obliquifolia M.Martens & Galeotti
• Albizia dulcis (Roxb.) F.Muell.

The part-wise characteristic features of the P. dulce are listed in Table No.3

Table 3: Partwise characteristics features of the P. dulce:

Figure 1: Whole plant

Figure 5: Matured Flower

Figure 6: Inflorescence

Figure 7: Immature Fruit

Table 4: Nutritional Value of P. dulce

Table 5 summarizes the concentrations (mg/kg) of essential and toxic elements, which were observed in different concentrations - Ar, Cu, Cd, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Pb, and Zn have been analyzed for P. dulce.

Table 5: Elemental composition^[9]

Therapeutic and Biological Values of P. Dulce^[10]

Hypolipidemic activity

In an anti-hyperlipidemic activity of Pithecellobium dulce aqueous extract of leaves was isolated against triton-induced hyperlipidemia in rats. The dose of PD was 200μg/kg (p.o) to the triton induced hyperlipidemic rats.

Pithecellobium dulce has shown a significant decrease in the levels of serum cholesterol, phospholipids, triglyceride, LDL, VLDL and significant increase in the level of serum HDL. Aqueous extract fraction decreased serum level of total cholesterol, LDL and increased the serum HDL cholesterol level.

The extract also inhibited 90% of acetylcholine esterase activity as it contains higher tannin concentration or combined hydrolyzable tannin concentration. α-cobra toxin protein was docked with four different tannin compounds using Autodock 3 and tannic acid, Digallic acid has −14.7 kcal/mol, −10.38 kcal/ mol binding energies were studied. The plant extract selectively blocks nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and non-selectively precipitate the venom protein.

Anthelmintic activity

Study evaluated leaf extracts of P. dulce in three different concentrations for anthelmintic activity against Pheretima posthuma. The aqueous extract was more potent than alcoholic extract, with activity comparable to reference drug piperazine citrate.

Antiulcer Activity

Peptic ulcer disease refers to pathological damage that causes ulcers in gastrointestinal tract exposed to acid-activated pepsin. There are three common forms of peptic ulcers: gastric ulcers (inside stomach), esophageal ulcers (inside esophagus) duodenal ulcers (inside duodenum). Treatment of ulcers with ranitidine, alcoholic, and aqueous extract significantly prevents number of ulcers induced by pylorus ligation. Results indicated that 66.6% gastro-protection with ranitidine, 55.56% gastro-protection with alcoholic extract of P. dulce at 100 mg/kg, and 61.11% with aqueous extract of P. dulce at a dose of 100 mg/kg as compared with ulcerated control. The antiulcer activity is probably due to presence of bioactive compounds like flavonoids- quercetin, rutin, kaempferol, naringin, and daidzein. Cell proliferation was found to be enhanced in drug-receiving animals. The total protein-bound carbohydrate to total protein ratio was found to be significantly maintained by hydroalcoholic fruit extract of P. dulce (HAEPD). Ulcer score was significantly minimized in HAEPD-administered animals at dose of 200 mg/kg body weight for 30 days.

Anti-diarrheal effect

The ethanolic extract of P. dulce showed an anti-diarrheal effect in the castor oil-induced mice. Loperamide is the standard anti-diarrheal drug used to compare the results. The phytochemicals of P. dulce have the ability to increase the latent period, delay, and decrease the frequency of defecation.

Extracts from various parts of the plant—including leaves, bark, seeds, and fruit pulp—have demonstrated anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, CNS depressant, and even antivenom properties in experimental models. The presence of bioactive compounds like flavonoids, tannins, and polyols underlies these effects. In traditional medicine, the plant has been employed to treat a variety of conditions such as diarrhea, ulcers, fever, and chest congestion, with practices observed across cultures in India, Mexico, and other countries.

Despite these promising uses, P. dulce remains underrepresented in classical Ayurvedic literature and is categorized as an Anukta Dravya, suggesting that its traditional uses, although widespread, are not canonically documented. Pithecellobium dulce has potential for pharmaceutical development due to its diverse bioactive compounds. Further research can validate its traditional uses and explore its role in managing lifestyle diseases. Additionally, it holds commercial value in the nutraceutical and herbal product industries.

Conclusion

Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth stands out as a highly valuable plant with multifaceted benefits ranging from nutritional richness to diverse medicinal properties. Its adaptability to extreme environmental conditions adds to its ecological significance. Although it is not mentioned in any classical Ayurvedic texts, its traditional uses and scientific validation highlight its therapeutic promise. Continued research and clinical studies could further unlock its potential in modern medicine and sustainable development.

References