Botanical Overview
Pilang Bast (Acacia leucophloea) is a species in the Fabaceae family. The legume family (Fabaceae) includes trees, shrubs, and herbs that produce pods (legumes) and form nitrogen-fixing root nodules through symbiosis with bacteria. The flowers are typically pea-shaped with five petals. This large family provides food staples, timber, and numerous medicinal species. Although comprehensive ethnobotanical records are limited, phytochemical studies have identified 10 compounds in this species, suggesting potential medicinal value.
General Description
Vachellia leucophloea, also vernacularly as the White Bark Acacia or reonja, is a moderate-sized tree native to South and Southeast Asia.
Family Context
The Fabaceae family is large and globally distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Soybean — 76 documented uses
- Crab’s Eye — 73 documented uses
- Tamarind — 59 documented uses
- Common Indigo — 51 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Pilang Bast has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Indonesia, India, Laos, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and others.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 10 compounds in this species, including a diverse array of phytochemical classes (see the Complete Chemical Inventory below for the full list).
The identified compounds include the following categories:
- Flavonoid: antioxidant compounds that protect cells from oxidative damage
- Tannin: astringent compounds that tighten tissues and resist infection
Research Status
Although this species has documented phytochemical constituents, its ethnobotanical and clinical documentation remains incomplete. The limited documentation available for this species represents an opportunity for ethnobotanical research.