A Comprehensive Review on Derris trifoliata Lour.: Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities, Toxicological Concerns, and Future Prospects

International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Health Care Volume 15, Number 5, 2025 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijphc/index.html ISSN 2249 – 5738 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17449920 Original Article 174 "A Comprehensive Review on Derris trifoliata Lour.: Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities, Toxicological Concerns, and Future Prospects" Pokala Priyanka*, Dr. A. Srivani Centre for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University College of Engineering, Science and Technology, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kukatpally, Hyderabad– 500085, Telangana state, India. ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT ©2025 RS Publication Paper ID: IJPHC68FD08E678C85 Received: 2025-09-26 Published: 2025-10-26 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/ 10.5281/zenodo.1744 9920 Page No: 174-184 The leguminous climber Derris trifoliata Lour., which is associated with mangroves and is widely distributed throughout tropical coastal Asia, contains bioactive rotenoids and flavonoids with various pharmacological activities. It has been historically used as a natural piscicide and insecticide, and recent studies have enhanced our understanding of its antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Green nanotechnology approaches have used their extracts for the synthesis of nanoparticles and topical formulations. Despite its potential, rotenoid toxicity remains a significant concern that necessitates careful evaluation for safe use in medicinal, agricultural, and industrial applications. This review summarizes recent phytochemical discoveries, pharmacological studies, ecological and conservation considerations, and future research prospects, providing a thorough basis for the continued development of D. trifoliata as a bioactive and sustainable resource. Key Words: Derris trifoliata, mangroves, bioactive rotenoids, rotenoid toxicity, biopesticides, nanotechnology drug delivery. *Corresponding Author: Pokala Priyanka 1. Introduction Mostly made up of plants and shrubs that can withstand salt and grow well in soft, marshy muck. Mangroves have dense, evergreen leaves. Particular species even develop aerial roots that grow vertically from their primary stems and branches. Similar to stilts, they offer more stability and support [1]. Withstanding high salinity, tidal variations, strong winds, muddy soils, high temperatures, and anaerobic conditions, mangroves are woody plants that flourish along International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Health Care Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijphc/index.html ISSN 2249 – 5738 Cite This Paper: Pokala Priyanka and Dr.A.Srivani (2025). "A Comprehensive Review on Derris trifoliata Lour.: Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities, Toxicological Concerns, and Future Prospects". INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH CARE (IJPHC), vol. 15, no. 5, 2025, pp. 174 - 184. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17449920 International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Health Care Volume 15, Number 5, 2025 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijphc/index.html ISSN 2249 – 5738 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17449920 Original Article 175 the land-sea interface in tropical and subtropical locations. Despite high osmotic pressure, they have strong morphological and physiological adaptations to these hostile environments, including systems for water absorption and salt tolerance. Mangroves have massive networks of aerial roots for gas exchange, viviparous water-dispersed propagules, and lateral roots that support trees in shallow sediments. In addition to sustaining fisheries and offering protection from storms, hurricanes, coastal erosion, and increasing sea levels, they are essential for the lives and nourishment of millions of people living along the coast [2]. 1.1 Plant introduction: D. trifoliata Lour. (Family Fabaceae) It is a woody perennial climber that grows only in lowsalinity areas close to mangrove forests or at the farthest point of mangrove swamps[3]. D. trifoliata is an insecticide that is used extensively. Insects, fish, and earthworms are among the many creatures that are poisoned by the chemical component rotenone found in leaves. D. trifoliata leaves have been shown to provide several therapeutic benefits, such as rheumatism, antispasmodic, stimulant, counterirritant, long-term paralysis, and dysmenorrhea. The decoction of roots is used to treat internal lesions and fever. You can use the stem or root as a laxative, carminative, and anti-arthritic agent[4]. 1.2 Botanical Description : Taxonomical classification [5]  Kingdom: Plantae  Subkingdom: Viridiplantae  Super Division: Embryophytes  Division: Tracheophytes  Class: Eudicots  Subclass: Rosids  Order: Fabales  Family: Fabaceae  Genus: Derris  Species: trifoliata Vernacular names[6]:  Telugu: Angarvalli, Nalla Tiga  Hindi: Panlata  English: Common Derris  Sanskrit: Angaar Valli  Bengali: Kaliya lata or Kalilata and Panlata  Malayalam: Kammattivalli, Ponumvalli Botanical name: Derris trifoliata Lour Common name [7]: Tagalog, Akar Ketuil, Ketui, Setui, Salang, Tuba International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Health Care Volume 15, Number 5, 2025 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijphc/index.html ISSN 2249 – 5738 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17449920 Original Article 176 1.3 Morphology: • Stem and vines: Vine stem sizes up to 4 cm are noted. Blaze has a scent similar to freshly sliced green beans [7]. • D. trifoliata has a fibrous and broad root system that anchors the plant and absorbs water and nutrients from the soil. The roots may also include adaptations for survival in damp or saline settings, which add to the plant's robustness in coastal areas [8]. • D. trifoliata flowers are small and clustered in racemes. These inflorescences range in color from white to pale pink or lavender, adding a delicate charm to the plant during bloom [9]. • The plant has 7.5-15 cm white flowers in axillary racemes and odd-pinnate compound leaves with 3-7 leaflets (12.5-20 cm long, 5.7-10 cm by 3.2-5 cm) [10]. • D. trifoliata produces pods that contain one or two seeds [11]. Fruits are flat, averaging around 3.5-5 × 2.2-2.8 cm, and usually contain one seed. The fruit wing is about 1 mm broad, fragile, and poorly defined. The seed is reniform, measuring around 25 × 18 mm, and is extremely fat. Radicle length is around 2 mm [9]. Synonyms[12]:  Deguelia trifoliata (Lour.) Taub.  Derris uliginosa var. loureiroi Benth.  Pterocarpus trifoliatus (Lour.) Kuntze  Brachypterum floribundum Miq.  Dalbergia acuminata Hassk.  Dalbergia heterophylla Willd.  Dalbergia radicans Zipp. ex Miq.  Dalbergia repens Span.  Deguelia floribunda (Miq.) Taub. 1.5 Biogeographical Distribution: In accordance with the Australian Systematic Botany overview: "D. trifoliata occurs from eastern Africa (South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, and Somalia) to Madagascar, Mascarene Is., India, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, Guam, East Timor, New Guinea, and Australia (Northern Territory & Queensland)" [13]. 1.6 Uses D. trifoliata stem extracts demonstrated antibacterial and antioxidative activity, indicating their potential utility in the treatment of infections and oxidative stress-related diseases[14]. The pharmacological properties of Derris trifoliate extracts were revealed. Antimicrobial, antioxidant, stimulant, antispasmodic, and counterirritant properties, as well as International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Health Care Volume 15, Number 5, 2025 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijphc/index.html ISSN 2249 – 5738 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17449920 Original Article 177 wound treatment. Rheumatism, Asthma, and Dysmenorrhea: Cytotoxic, analgesic. Antidiarrheal, Antimalarial, larvicidal[15]. 1.7 Phytochemical Properties [16-19]: Table 1: Phytochemical review of Derris trifoliata S.No Plant Part with Extract Isolated Compounds Title Of the Work Author and journal 1 Aerial parts (methanol /EtOAc) New prenylated flavanone plus 11 known chemicals (rotenone, tephrosin, 12a-hydroxyrotenone, deguelin, and so on) A New Prenylated Flavanone from Derris trifoliata Lour. Jiang, C., Liu, S., He, W., Luo, X., Zhang, S., Xiao, Z., Qiu, X., & Yin, H. (2012). A New Prenylated Flavanone from Derris trifoliata Lour. Molecules, 17(1), 657-663 2 Stems (hexane + dichlorom ethane extracts) Nine rotenoids (e.g. 12a-hydroxyrotenone, deguelin, etc.) Nitric oxide inhibitory principles from Derris trifoliata stems Tewtrakul, S., Cheenpracha, S., & Karalai, C. (2009). Nitric oxide inhibitory principles from Derris trifoliata stems. Phytomedicine, 16(6–7), 568– 572. 3 Seeds (methanol extract) 7a-O-methy-12ahydroxydeguelol; spiro13-homo-13oxaelliptone + known rotenoids(rotenone,teph rosin, dehydrodeguelin) Two unusual rotenoid derivatives, 7a-O-methyl-12ahydroxydeguelol and spiro-13-homo13-oxaelliptone, from the seeds of Derris trifoliata Yenesew A., Kiplagat J.T., Derese S., Midiwo J.O., Kabaru J.M., Heydenreich M., Peter M.G.Phytochemistry 67(10): 988-991 (2006) 4 Methanol extract of leaves Alkaloids, Phenolics, Terpenoids Isolation and Characterization of Leaf Extract of D. trifoliata Preetha JP, Karthika K. International Journal of Chemtech Research. coden (USA): ijcrgg issn.:09744290.Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Silpa Korn University, Sanam Chandra Palace Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73000, Thailand, 24/04/2023. https://doi.org/10.3897/arphap reprints.e105209 International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Health Care Volume 15, Number 5, 2025 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijphc/index.html ISSN 2249 – 5738 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17449920 Original Article 178 1.8 Chemical structures [20-23]: Table -2: Chemical structures of Derris trifoliata Lour Compounds structures Triterpenoid taraxerol-3-b-O-tridecyl ether Aromatic compounds Rotenone Isolated Rotenoids 12a-hydroxyrotenone tephrosin 6a,12a-dehydrorotenone Elliptone International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Health Care Volume 15, Number 5, 2025 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijphc/index.html ISSN 2249 – 5738 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17449920 Original Article 179 Flavonoids 4',5,7-trihydroxy-6,8-di-(2-hydroxy-3-methylbut-3-enyl)- flavanone 1.9 Chemical structures Triterpenoid - taraxerol-3-b-O-tridecyl ether [20]; Aromatic compounds – Rotenone and deguelin [21]; Isolated Rotenoids -12a-hydroxyrotenone (1), 6a, 12a-dehydrorotenone (2), tephrosin (3), elliptone (4) [22]; flavonoids 4',5,7-trihydroxy-6,8di-(2-hydroxy-3-methylbut3-enyl)-flavanone [23]. 2. Pharmacological Properties: CNS-depressant/Sedative Activity: Ethanol extracts of the aerial portions of the plant extend pentobarbital-induced sleep and diminish exploratory activity in rats, demonstrating CNSdepressant and sedative effects consistent with its traditional usage [24]. 2.1 Antibacterial Activity: Extracts from the stem, leaf, and aerial parts of D. trifoliata have been shown to exhibit substantial antibacterial activity against bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as fungi like Candida albicans. These actions are mostly related to the presence of rotenoids and flavonoids [15]. 2.2 Antioxidant Activity: In DPPH and ABTS tests, extracts from the stem and aerial portions demonstrate vigorous free radical scavenging activity, indicating their ability to reduce oxidative stress and shield cells from reactive oxygen species [16]. 2.3 Larvicidal and Antiplasmodial Activity: D. Trifoliata root, seed, and leaf extracts have been shown to have larvicidal effects on mosquito larvae and to inhibit Plasmodium falciparum in vitro. The main active ingredients thought to be responsible for these actions are rotenoids, such as deguelin and rotenone [25]. 2.4 Anti-inflammatory Activity: Hexane and dichloromethane stem extracts inhibit the production of nitric oxide (NO) by macrophages activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), suggesting that rotenoids may possess anti-inflammatory properties [26]. 2.5 Antidiarrheal Activity: Aerial component extracts help traditional ethnomedical usage for gastrointestinal illnesses by reducing castor oil-induced diarrhoea in rats [24]. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Health Care Volume 15, Number 5, 2025 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijphc/index.html ISSN 2249 – 5738 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17449920 Original Article 180 2.6 Insecticide and fish poisoning: Rotenone, primarily found in species of D. trifoliata, is a toxic substance employed commercially as an insecticide and historically as a fish poison [27]. 3. Toxicological and Environmental Aspects Rotenoids, mainly rotenone, deguelin, and tephrosin, are produced by Derris trifoliata and are well recognized for their biological activity and toxicity. Despite their contribution to the plant's medicinal and cultural significance, these chemicals also pose serious ecological and toxicological issues. 3.1 Toxicity of Mammals As a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor, rotenone, the main bioactive component, interferes with electron transport and ATP generation in cells. Mammals have neurotoxic, hepatotoxic, and respiratory consequences with prolonged exposure or ingestion. Due to dopaminergic neuron loss, chronic exposure has been experimentally linked to symptoms resembling Parkinson's disease. High amounts of rotenone can be lethal if consumed or inhaled, despite its low skin absorption [28]. 3.2 Ecological and Aquatic Effects Because rotenone has strong ichthyotoxic properties, the roots and stems of D. trifoliata have long been used as a fish poison in Southeast Asia. Rotenone causes fast asphyxiation by preventing fish gills from using oxygen. Rotenone residues are shown to remain in sediments and have the potential to impact non-target aquatic animals, such as plankton and invertebrate populations, according to environmental studies. As a result, several areas now strictly limit or outright forbid its usage in piscicidal or pest management products [29]. 3.3 Degradation and Persistence of the Environment Rotenone breaks down into less harmful chemicals in 1-2 weeks when exposed to natural light, making it comparatively unstable in alkaline and sunny environments. However, rotenoid residues may last longer in mud or silt in shady mangrove habitats where D. trifoliata thrives, posing a risk of localized toxicity. It has been demonstrated that environmental persistence is decreased by soil microbial biodegradation [30]. 3.4 Mangrove Ecosystems Affected According to ecology, D. trifoliata is an invasive climber associated with mangroves that forms dense thickets, competing with native mangrove vegetation. Although its leguminous roots help fix nitrogen in the soil, its rapid spread can inhibit the establishment of native seedlings and alter the composition of communities. It is both environmentally adapted and potentially disruptive due to these traits and its chemical defense [31]. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Health Care Volume 15, Number 5, 2025 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijphc/index.html ISSN 2249 – 5738 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17449920 Original Article 181 3.5 Security and Management Extracts from D. trifoliata should be handled with care due to their toxicity. Protective gloves, masks, and fume hoods are essential for laboratory handling to prevent skin contact or inhalation of rotenone-containing products. Before being used therapeutically, pharmacological formulations made from this plant should go through standardized toxicity profiles (LD₅₀, NOAEL, cytotoxic tests) [32]. 3.6 Future Prospects 3.6.1 Pharmacological Exploration D. trifoliata has a variety of bioactive chemicals, including flavonoids and rotenoids, which may be used to create new medicinal medicines. New compounds with intriguing cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory properties have been discovered in recent investigations, opening up potential therapeutic development pathways [33]. 3.6.2 Drug delivery and nanotechnology D. trifoliata extract nanoformulations have demonstrated improved topical anti-inflammatory properties. The optimization of these formulations for enhanced bioavailability and targeted distribution may be the primary focus of future studies [1]. 3.6.3 Biopesticides and Sustainable Agriculture D. trifoliata is a potential alternative for environmentally friendly biopesticides due to its pesticidal properties. Sustainable pest control methods may result from research into their safety and effectiveness in agricultural contexts [34]. 3.6.4 Ecological and Conservation Research It is essential to understand D. trifoliata's ecological function in mangrove habitats. Research on its management and conservation techniques is necessary because studies have shown its invasive nature [35]. 3.6.5 Environmental Toxicology To determine how rotenoids from D. trifoliata affect non-target animals and ecosystems and to inform safe usage practices, research into their ecological destiny is crucial [34]. 4. Conclusion Derris trifoliata is a mangrove plant of substantial ethnobotanical, ecological, and economic significance, rich in chemicals and showing promise in pharmacology. Its rotenoids and flavonoids exhibit strong bioactivities, including antibacterial, cytotoxic, and antiinflammatory properties. The extracts can be utilized in formulations based on nanotechnology and environmentally friendly biopesticides. However, because rotenoids are naturally International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Health Care Volume 15, Number 5, 2025 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijphc/index.html ISSN 2249 – 5738 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17449920 Original Article 182 poisonous, some issues require careful toxicological analysis and safe handling procedures. Sustainable harvesting, conservation tactics, bioactive chemical structure-activity optimization, and novel delivery technologies should be the primary areas of future study to optimize agricultural and medicinal benefits while minimizing environmental and public health risks. D. trifoliata is an all-around valuable natural resource with a variety of uses that call for more research. 5. Bibliography 1. Kathiresan, K., & Bingham, B. L. (2001). Biology of mangroves and mangrove ecosystems. Advances in Marine Biology, 40, 81–251. 2. Kauffman, J.B. and Donato, D.C. Protocols for the measurement, monitoring and reporting of structure, biomass and carbon stocks in mangrove forests. Working Paper 86. CIFOR, Bogor, Indonesia, 2012. 3. Scholander, P. F., Van Dam, L., & Scholander, S. I. (1955). Gas exchange in the roots of mangroves. American Journal of Botany, 42(1), 92–98. 4.Banerjee, A. K., Feng, H., Qiu, W., Harms, N. E., Xie, H., Liang, X., Xing, F., Lin, Y., Shao, H., Guo, Z., & Ng, W. L. (2022). Glacial vicariance and oceanic circulation shape the structure of the coastal legume Derris trifoliata in the Indo–West Pacific. American Journal of Botany, 109(6), e1851. 5. "Derris trifoliata Lour". Plants of the World Online. The Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. n.d. Retrieved July 10, 2025. 6. Suganya R. Thangaraj MMangrove plant Derris of antibacterial property. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research. 2014; 7. B RUMMITT , R.K. TDWG – World Geographical Scheme for Recording Plant Distributions, 2 nd Edition, 2001. 8. Phairoh K. Pharmacognostic specification and rotenone content in derris elliptica stems, macroscopic, microscopic, and molecular identification of selected derris species in Thailand. 9. Clough B. International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME), Okinawa, Japan, and International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), Yokohama, Continuing the Journey amongst Mangroves. ISME Mangrove Educational Book Series No. 1., Japan; 2013. 10. A.J. Solomon Raju & Rajendra Kumar; Pollination ecology of Derris trifoliate (Fabaceae), a mangrove associate in Coringa Mangrove Forest, Andhra Pradesh, India; Journal of Threatened Taxa; 8(5): 8788–8796, May 26 2016. 11. Sarkar MR, Hasan M, Howlader MS, Rahman MS, Dey SK. Antioxidant & analgesic activities of leaves of Panlata (Derris trifoliate): In vitro investigation. International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences. 14;1(2), 2012 Dec. 12. Zhang Y, Xin K, Liao B, Sheng N, Ai X. The characteristics of pods and seeds of liana species, Derris trifoliata and their relationship with environmental factors in Guangdong.