Artabotrys hexapetalus(Annonaceae) Harachampak

Artabotrys hexapetalus (Climbing Ylang-Ylang)

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification

Species: Artabotrys hexapetalus

Family: Annonaceae

Genus: Artabotrys

Related Herbs from the same family:

Polyalthia longifolia (Ashoka/Devadaru): A common avenue tree in India, its bark is used in traditional medicine for its hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Annona squamosa (Custard Apple/Sitaphal): The fruit is a nutritive tonic, and the leaves are used for their vermifuge (antiparasitic) and wound-healing properties.

Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang): The source of the famous Ylang-Ylang essential oil, used in aromatherapy for its calming, aphrodisiac, and hypotensive (blood pressure-lowering) effects.

The Annonaceae family, known as the custard apple family, is renowned for its aromatic flowers and fruits. Many species contain isoquinoline alkaloids, which often confer significant biological activity, including effects on the nervous system.

2. Common names

Scientific Name: Artabotrys hexapetalus | English: Climbing Ylang-Ylang, Tail Grape | Sanskrit: Harachampaka, Madanagamdhini | Hindi: Hara Champa, Kanthal Champa | Tamil: Manorangani | Telugu: Manorangani | Kannada: Hiru Champa | Malayalam: Manoranjini, Manjakkuva | Marathi: Hari Champa | Bengali: Kathali Champa | Sinhala: Kalukanneriya |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Carminative,Digestive Stimulant, Antispasmodic, Febrifuge (reduces fever), Anthelmintic (expels worms), Antioxidant, Antimicrobial.

Medicinal Parts:

The flowers are the primary part used,prized for their fragrance. The roots, leaves, and fruits are also used in traditional medicine.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Essential Oils (Linalool, Geraniol, Pinene): These volatile compounds are responsible for the intense fragrance of the flowers. Their actions are Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic, and they contribute to a calming effect on the nervous system.

Isoquinoline Alkaloids (Anonaine, Liriodenine): Common in the Annonaceae family. Their actions are Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and some have shown Cytotoxic (anti-cancer) potential in studies.

Flavonoids (Quercetin): Plant-based antioxidants. Their primary actions are Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory, protecting cells from damage.

Tannins: Astringent compounds. Their actions are Antimicrobial and Astringent, helping to tighten tissues and reduce secretions.

Terpenoids: Contribute to the fragrance and biological activity, exhibiting Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory effects.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Agnimandya (Weak Digestion) & Anaha (Bloating)

Formulation: Flower infusion or decoction of the root.

Preparation & Use: A tea made from the flowers or a decoction from the root bark is consumed after meals to aid digestion and relieve gas.

Reasoning: The carminative and digestive stimulant properties help kindle Agni (digestive fire) and prevent the formation of gas (Vata).

Jwara (Fever) & Krimi (Worm Infestation)

Formulation: Leaf or root decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction is made from the leaves or roots and consumed to reduce fever, especially those of intermittent nature. The same decoction is used as an anthelmintic.

Reasoning: The febrifuge property helps reduce fever, while the anthelmintic properties help expel intestinal worms.

Vrana (Wounds) & Skin Infections

Formulation: Poultice of leaves.

Preparation & Use: Fresh leaves are crushed into a paste and applied topically on wounds, ulcers, and skin infections to promote healing and prevent infection.

Reasoning: The antimicrobial and astringent properties of the tannins and alkaloids help cleanse the wound and support tissue repair.

Manasika Vikara (Nervous System Disorders)

Formulation: Fragrance of the flowers.

Preparation & Use: The intensely fragrant flowers are used in aromatherapy. They are kept in rooms or used to make perfumed oils to alleviate anxiety, lift mood, and calm the mind.

Reasoning: The soothing aroma has a calming effect on the mind and helps balance Vata dosha, which governs the nervous system.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

The plant is primarily used for its fragrance and in medicinal preparations, not as a culinary item.

Digestive Flower Tea

Purpose: To relieve indigestion and bloating.

Preparation & Use:

· Take 4-5 fresh or dried flowers of Artabotrys hexapetalus.

· Steep in a cup of hot water for 5-7 minutes.

· Strain and drink after a meal.

Febrifuge and Anthelmintic Decoction

Purpose: To reduce fever and expel worms.

Preparation & Use:

· Boil one teaspoon of crushed root bark or dried leaves in two cups of water until it reduces to one cup.

· Strain and consume in divided doses throughout the day.

Fragrant Hair Oil

Purpose: To perfume the hair and provide a calming effect.

Preparation & Use:

· Fill a jar with fresh Artabotrys flowers.

· Pour coconut or sesame oil over them until fully submerged.

· Keep the jar in the sun for 15-20 days (solar infusion).

· Strain and use the oil for hair massage.

7. Disclaimer:

The safety profile ofArtabotrys hexapetalus for prolonged internal use is not well-documented. While the flowers are generally considered safe for aromatic use, internal consumption of root, leaf, or bark decoctions should be done with caution and under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. The plant contains alkaloids whose full pharmacological effects are still under study. This information is for educational and academic purposes only and is not medical advice.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

· Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

· Wealth of India - Raw Materials, Vol. I

· A Dictionary of Indian Raw Materials & Industrial Products

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang)

* Species:Cananga odorata | Family: Annonaceae | Genus: Cananga

* Similarities:Both plants are renowned for their intensely fragrant flowers used in perfumery and aromatherapy for calming the mind and alleviating anxiety. They share similar essential oil components and belong to the same family.

2. Mesua ferrea (Nagakeshara/Cobra's Saffron)

* Species:Mesua ferrea | Family: Calophyllaceae | Genus: Mesua

* Similarities:Both have fragrant flowers and are used as carminatives and digestive aids. Nagakeshara is a key ingredient in many classical Ayurvedic formulations for digestive disorders and bleeding conditions, sharing the carminative and astringent profile.

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