From morphology to molecules: A comprehensive study of a novel Derris species (Fabaceae) with a rare flowering habit and reddish leaflet midribs, discovered in Peninsular Thailand

Derrisrubricosta Boonprajan & Sirich., sp. nov., a new species of the genus Derris Lour. (Fabaceae) was discovered in Peninsular Thailand. The overall morphology demonstrates that the species most resembles D.pubipetala. Nevertheless, the species has several autapomorphies differentiating it from other Derris species, e.g., the presence of reddish midribs of the mature leaflets, sparsely hairy stamen filaments, prominent hairs at the base of the anthers, and presence of glandular trichomes along the leaflet midrib. Additionally, HPLC fingerprints of this species showed a distinction from D.pubipetala by the absence of phytochemical compound peaks after 13 min. Retention Time (RT). Results from molecular phylogenetic analyses also strongly supported the taxonomic status as a new species.

Therapeutic Potential of Genus Pongamia and Derris: Phytochemical and Bioactivity

Genus Pongamia and Derris belong to the Leguminosae family and are reported synonymously in literature. Although many compounds have been isolated from different plant parts but seed oil is known to produce non-edible medicinally important furanoflavonoids. The seed oil, commonly known as Karanj oil in Ayurvedic and Siddha traditional systems of medicine, is reported for the treatment of various skin infections and psoriasis. Several phytopharmacological investigations have proved the medicinal potential of furanoflavonoids in the skin and other disorders. Not only furanoflavonoids but several other important phenolic constituents such as chalcones, dibenzoylmethanes, aurones, isoflavones, flavanone dihydroflavonol, flavans, pterocarpans, rotenoids, coumarins, coumestans, stilbenoids and peltygynoids and their glycosides have been reported for different biological activities including antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, insecticidal, anti-alzheimer's, gastro protective, antifungal, antibacterial, etc. In the present review, the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of the genera Pongamia and Derris have been summarized.