Bougainvillea spectabilis (Nyctaginaceae)

Bougainvillea spectabilis (Great Bougainvillea)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Bougainvillea spectabilis

Family: Nyctaginaceae

Genus: Bougainvillea

Related Herbs from the same family:

· Mirabilis jalapa (Four O'Clock Plant): Used in traditional medicine for its purgative and anti-inflammatory properties.

· Boerhavia diffusa (Punarnava): A premier Ayurvedic herb for kidney health, edema, and as a Rasayana.

This family includes several important medicinal plants, with Punarnava being a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Bougainvillea spectabilis | English: Great Bougainvillea, Paper Flower | Sanskrit: Not classically documented. | Hindi: Baganvilas, Booganbel | Tamil: Kagithala Poo | Telugu: Kagithala Puvvu | Kannada: Bougainvillea, Kaggadasappu | Malayalam: Boganvil | Marathi: Boganvel | Bengali: Baganbilas | Spanish: Buganvilla | French: Bougainvillier |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Antidiabetic,Antioxidant, Antifungal, Antitussive (cough suppressant), Antihyperlipidemic (lowers cholesterol), Hepatoprotective.

Medicinal Parts:

The flowers(the colored bracts), leaves, and stems are used.

· Bracts and Flowers: The primary part used in teas and decoctions.

· Leaves: Used in poultices.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Bougainvinones: Pigments specific to the bracts that have shown Antioxidant and potential Anticancer activities in studies.

Pinitol: A cyclitol that has demonstrated Antidiabetic properties by improving insulin sensitivity.

Flavonoids and Tannins: Contribute to the overall Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Antihyperlipidemic effects.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Madhumeha (Diabetes)

Formulation: Flower (bract) tea.

Preparation & Use: In folk medicine across Latin America and South Asia, a tea made from the bracts is consumed to help lower blood sugar levels.

Reasoning: The presence of Pinitol and other flavonoids is believed to improve glucose metabolism.

Kasa (Cough) & Shwasa (Asthma)

Formulation: Flower decoction with honey.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the flowers is prepared and mixed with honey to soothe coughs and as an adjunct in asthma.

Reasoning: The extracts have shown antitussive and anti-asthmatic activity in animal studies, likely due to bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects.

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

It is not a culinary plant. Its use is primarily ornamental and medicinal.

Antidiabetic Bougainvillea Tea

Purpose: As a supportive therapy for blood sugar management.

Preparation & Use:

· Take 3-4 fresh, clean bracts (colored parts) of Bougainvillea.

· Steep in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes.

· Strain and drink once a day. This should not replace prescribed medication.

Cough Syrup

Purpose: To soothe a sore throat and cough.

Preparation & Use:

· Boil a handful of bracts in 2 cups of water until it reduces to half.

· Strain, and to the warm liquid, add 1-2 tablespoons of honey.

· Take 1 teaspoon of this syrup as needed.

7. Disclaimer:

Bougainvillea spectabilisis not a well-documented herb in classical Ayurvedic texts. Its uses are based on folk medicine and modern research, which is still preliminary. It should not be used as a primary treatment for diabetes or any other serious condition. The plant is not known to be highly toxic, but caution is advised. Consult a doctor before use, especially if you are on medication for diabetes. This information is for educational purposes.

---- End of the blog -x-x

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

· Scientific journals on ethnopharmacology.

· Wealth of India by CSIR

· Indian Medicinal Plants by K.S. Manilal

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

1. Boerhavia diffusa (Punarnava)

· Species: Boerhavia diffusa | Family: Nyctaginaceae | Genus: Boerhavia

· Similarities: As a member of the same family, Punarnava is a well-researched and classic Ayurvedic herb with diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties, offering a validated look into the medicinal potential of the Nyctaginaceae family.

2. Gymnema sylvestre (Meshashringi)

· Species: Gymnema sylvestre | Family: Apocynaceae | Genus: Gymnema

· Similarities: Both are studied for their antidiabetic properties. Gymnema is a well-established Ayurvedic herb for diabetes, known as the "sugar destroyer," with a more robust traditional and scientific backing.