Family

Fabaceae

Genus

Gleditsia

Common Name

Chinese honey locust

Plant Figure

Description

Gleditsia is a genus from the legume family (Fabaceae) and grown worldwide, especially in Asia and America. Many species in the Gleditsia genus have been identifed, including G. sinensis, G. japonica, and G. triacanthos, and these species are used as traditional diuretics and expectorants. Recent phytochemical studies have revealed the presence of triterpenoid saponins, alkaloids, sterols, and favonoids in these species. The extracts of these compounds exhibit several important biological activities, including antitumor, anti-infammatory, and anti-HIV activities.