FAMILY SAPINDACEAE WLLM WEP wllmweps47@gmail.com The family Sapindaceae is a diverse group of flowering plants that includes trees, shrubs, and climbers. TAXONOMIC FEATURES OF FAMILY SAPINDACE Leaves: The leaves of most species in the Sapindaceae family are compound, meaning they are made up of several leaflets. The leaflets are usually arranged in an alternate pattern along the stem. Flowers: The flowers of Sapindaceae plants are usually small and have five sepals and five petals. They are usually arranged in clusters or panicles. Fruit: The fruit of Sapindaceae plants is usually a capsule or a berry. Some species have fleshy arils that cover the seed. Seed: The seeds of Sapindaceae plants are usually large and have a fleshy or leathery outer coat. Venation: The venation of the leaves in this family is pinnate, meaning the veins branch out from a central axis. Stamens: The stamens in Sapindaceae plants are usually 8 or 10 in number. Resin canals: Many species in the family Sapindaceae have resin canals in the bark, leaves, and fruit. LEAVES Acer (maple) TREES includes species such as the sugar maple, silver maple, and red maple. Litchi (lychee) - a tropical tree that produces small, sweet fruits with a rough, spiky exterior. Dimocarpus longan (longan) - a tropical tree that produces small, sweet fruits with a thin, brown shell and translucent white flesh. Soapberry (Sapindus spp.) - a genus of trees and shrubs known for their soap-like fruit that can be used as a natural detergent. Paullinia (guarana) - a tropical vine whose seeds are used to produce a popular energy drink. Blighia sapida (ackee) - a tropical tree whose fruit is the national fruit of Jamaica. PHYTOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF FAMILY SAPINDACEAE The family Sapindaceae is known to contain a variety of phytochemicals, which are natural compounds produced by plants that have various biological activities. Some of the phytochemical properties of the family Sapindaceae include: SAPONINS: Many species in the family Sapindaceae contain saponins, which are natural compounds that can form a lather when mixed with water. Saponins have a wide range of biological activities, including antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral effects. TRITERPENOIDS: Several species in the family Sapindaceae contain triterpenoids, which are natural compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor properties. Triterpenoids are also known to have beneficial effects on the immune system. FLAVONOIDS: Many species in the family Sapindaceae contain flavonoids, which are natural compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Flavonoids are also known to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. ALKALOIDs: Some species in the family Sapindaceae contain alkaloids, which are natural compounds that can have psychoactive effects. Alkaloids can also have a range of other biological activities, including antimicrobial and antitumor effects. C oumarins: Several species in the family Sapindaceae contain coumarins, which are natural compounds that have anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory effects. Coumarins are also known to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. MEDINICAL USES OF FAMILY SAPINDACEAE Treatment of inflammation and pain: Many species in the family Sapindaceae contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. For example, the bark of the horse chestnut tree (Aesculus hippocastanum) has been traditionally used to treat varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and other conditions associated with inflammation and pain. Management of diabetes: Several plants in the family Sapindaceae have been traditionally used to manage diabetes. For example, the fruit of the soapberry tree (Sapindus mukorossi) contains saponins and other compounds that have been shown to lower blood glucose levels in animal studies. Treatment of respiratory infections: Some species in the family Sapindaceae have been traditionally used to treat respiratory infections such Management of skin conditions: Plants in the family Sapindaceae have been used traditionally to manage various skin conditions. For example, the fruit of the soapberry tree (Sapindus mukorossi) has been used in traditional Indian medicine to treat eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. Treatment of parasitic infections: Some plants in the family Sapindaceae have been traditionally used to treat parasitic infections. For example, the seeds of the soapberry tree (Sapindus saponaria) contain saponins that have been shown to have antiparasitic activity against certain types of parasites. NON MEDICINAL USES OF FAMILY SAPINDACEAE Timber: Several species in the family Sapindaceae are used for their timber, which is valued for its strength and durability. For example, the wood of the maple tree (Acer spp.) is used to make furniture, flooring, and musical instruments. Ornamental plants: Many species in the family Sapindaceae are cultivated as ornamental plants for their attractive foliage, flowers, and fruits. For example, the Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) is a popular ornamental tree known for its colorful leaves. Soap-making: The fruit of some species in the family Sapindaceae, such as the soapberry tree (Sapindus spp.), contain saponins that can be used to make soap. The saponins act as a natural detergent and can be used to clean clothes, dishes, and even hair. Food: Some species in the family Sapindaceae produce edible fruits. For example, the lychee (Litchi chinensis) and longan (Dimocarpus longan) are both tropical fruit trees in the family Sapindaceae. Energy drinks: The seeds of the guarana plant (Paullinia cupana), which is in the family Sapindaceae, contain caffeine and are used to make energy drinks and dietary supplements DRUGS DERIVED FROM FAMILY SAPINDACEAE 1.Aescin: It is a triterpene saponin obtained from the seeds of Aesculus hippocastanum, commonly known as horse chestnut. It is used as an anti-inflammatory agent and is often used to treat chronic venous insufficiency. 2.Sapindosides: They are a group of triterpene saponins found in the fruits and seeds of Sapindus mukorossi, commonly known as soapnut. They are used as a natural detergent and for their medicinal properties, such as antimicrobial, insecticidal, and anti-inflammatory activities. 3. Qualia bark: It is the dried inner bark of Quillaja saponaria, commonly known as soapbark tree. It contains saponins, which are used as a natural emulsifying agent in the food industry and as a foaming agent in the cosmetics industry. 4. Blighia sapida: The fruit of Blighia sapida, commonly known as akee, contains hypoglycin, a toxic compound that can cause severe illness or even death if consumed in large quantities. However, the arils of the fruit are consumed in the Caribbean and West Africa and are said to have medicinal properties. 5. Litchi seeds: Litchi chinensis, commonly known as litchi, is a fruit tree whose seeds contain methylenecyclopropylglycine, a toxin that can cause hypoglycemia and encephalopathy in humans if consumed in large quantities. However, the seeds are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat coughs, stomach ailments, and other conditions. NISHOSHO
