 Gen info
The genus Artabotrys of the family Annonaceae is a genus composed of about one hundred species.
Botany
Susong-kalabau is a large, rambling and woody climber with hooked shaped inflorescences. Leaves are simple, alternate, leathery, shining, smooth, oblong, 5 to 12 centimeters long, with very short petioles. Flowers are clustered at the forked ends of the main stalk, with a thick calyx which is united at the base, with oval-shaped segments. Petals are narrowly linear, 2 centimeters long. Fruit are glossy green, with carpels connected by short stalks to the center of the fruit. Each fruit (carpel) contains a single seed.
Distribution
- In dry thickets and second-growth forests at low altitudes in the Zambales, Bataan, Rizal, Laguna and Quezon provinces in Luzon; and in Polilo, Mindoro, Palawan, Mindanao, and Basilan.
- Also occurs in India through Malaya to the Moluccas.
Parts
utilized
Bark, roots, leaves.
Constituents
• Bark tests indicate strong alkaloid concentrations.
• Two alkaloids have been isolated from the bark of the stems and roots: a phenolic alkaloid, suaveoline and a non-phenolic bitter alkaloid, artabotrine.
• Study suggested the presence of a catecholic aporphine, a classs of alkaloid reported for the first time in the family Annonaceae.
- Yields a benzylisoquinoline alkaloids: isocorydine, C20H23NO4, with sedating and calcium channel blocking functions.
Properties
Considered emmenagogue.
Uses
Folkloric
• Decoction of bark and roots used as emmenagogue, and for women after parturition.
• Aromatic infusion of leaves used against cholera.
• Decoction of leaves also used for cholera.
• In Java decoction of leaves also used for cholera.
• Like A. odoratissimus, in large doses may cause hemorrhages and abortion.
Availability
Wild-crafted. |
