Siamese, Indian, and Brazilian Rosewoods: A Review on Phytochemistry, Applications, and Pharmacology

Abstract

For the first time, the current review fully provides information on the phytochemicals, applications, and pharmacological aspects relating to 3 Dalbergia species, Siamese Rosewood ( Dalbergia cochinchinensis Pierre ex Laness.), Indian Rosewood ( D sissoo Roxb.), and Brazilian Rosewood ( D nigra (Vell.) Benth.). Based on chromatographic separation, phytochemical studies on these plants have, to date, resulted in the isolation and structural elucidation of 136 secondary metabolites. Among them, flavonoids and simple phenols are major components, whereas terpenoids, quinones, benzofurans, benzophenols, phytosterols, stilbenes, phthalates, xanthones, and lignans have been also detected. Dalbergia rosewoods are heavy and strong, taking an outstanding polish, and are very suitable for furniture. They are also used as natural dyes, raw materials for removing contaminants from water, and might be a rich resource of essential oils, polysaccharides, and active glycosidase enzymes. Dalbergia crude extracts and their secondary metabolites have a wide range of pharmacological actions, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-aging, anti-bacterial, anti-nociceptive, anti-diarrheal, anti-pyretic, gastrointestinal, biocontrol activities, but sexual and anti-osteoporosis activities are the most valuable.