Catunaregam spinosa (Rubiaceae) Mountain Pomegranate

Catunaregam spinosa (Mountain Pomegranate)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Catunaregam spinosa (Thunb.) Tirveng. (Syn. Xeromphis spinosa, Randia dumetorum)

Family: Rubiaceae

Genus: Catunaregam

Related Herbs from the same family:

· Cinchona officinalis (Cinchona): The classic source of quinine, used globally for malaria and fever.

· Coffea arabica (Coffee): The widely consumed stimulant and nervine.

· Mitragyna speciosa (Kratom): A traditional Southeast Asian herb for pain, energy, and opioid withdrawal (controversial and regulated).

· Morinda citrifolia (Noni): A Polynesian medicinal fruit used as a general tonic and for joint pain.

The Rubiaceae family is vast and economically critical, providing major medicinal alkaloids, stimulants, and numerous tropical medicinal plants.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Catunaregam spinosa | English: Mountain Pomegranate, False Guava, Emetic Nut | Sanskrit: माधवी (Madhavi), मृगेर्वारु (Mrigervaru), गिरिकर्णिका (Girikarnika) | Hindi: मैनफल (Mainphal), मैन (Main) | Tamil: மலைச்சீரகம் (Malaichirakam), காரகம் (Karagam) | Telugu: మాంగ (Manga), మల్లెరేగు (Malleregu) | Kannada: ಕಾರೆ (Kare), ಮಾಗಡೆ (Magade) | Malayalam: മലങ്കാര (Malankara), പാമ്പാട (Pampada) | Marathi: गेळ (Gel), माइनफल (Mainphal) | Bengali: মাইনফল (Mainphal) | Sinhala: කුකුල් මස් (Kukul mas) |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Anti-inflammatory, Astringent, Antiemetic (controls vomiting), Antidiarrheal, Anthelmintic (de-worming), Antispasmodic.

Medicinal Parts:

The fruit, root bark, and leaves are used medicinally.

· Fruit: The most commonly used part, especially when dry. Known for its astringent and febrifuge properties.

· Root Bark: Used for diarrhea, dysentery, and as an anthelmintic.

· Leaves: Applied externally for inflammation and headaches.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Iridoids (Catunaregin, Randioside): These bitter principles are likely responsible for the plant's Antipyretic and Anti-inflammatory actions.

Tannins (Ellagic acid, Gallic acid): Abundant in the fruit, providing a strong Astringent action that underlies its use in diarrhea and wound healing.

Triterpenoid Saponins: Contribute to the Anti-inflammatory and potential Anthelmintic properties.

Alkaloids (in seeds): The seeds contain traces of alkaloids that may contribute to its traditional emetic and anthelmintic use, but also indicate potential toxicity in high doses.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Jwara (Fever) & Atisara (Diarrhea)

Formulation: Dry fruit decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction made from the dry, astringent fruit is a classic folk remedy for intermittent fevers (like malaria) and for acute, watery diarrhea.

Reasoning: The astringent tannins help bind the stool and reduce intestinal inflammation, while the antipyretic iridoids help lower body temperature.

Grahami (Malabsorption Syndrome) & Krimi (Worms)

Formulation: Root bark decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the root bark is given in small doses to treat chronic digestive weakness with alternating diarrhea and constipation, and to expel intestinal worms.

Reasoning: The anthelmintic and astringent properties help cleanse the gut of parasites and reduce hypermotility and inflammation.

Shoola (Abdominal Colic) & Chardi (Vomiting)

Formulation: Ripe fruit pulp or juice.

Preparation & Use: Contrary to its common name "Emetic Nut," the ripe fruit pulp is used in small amounts to control vomiting and relieve abdominal spasms.

Reasoning: Its antispasmodic action soothes intestinal cramps, while its astringency may help settle the stomach in low doses. (High doses can be emetic).

Shotha (Inflammation) & Vrana (Wounds)

Formulation: Leaf paste or fruit rind powder.

Preparation & Use: A paste of the leaves is applied to inflamed joints. The powdered dry fruit rind is dusted on wounds and ulcers to promote drying and healing.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory and astringent tannins help reduce swelling and form a protective layer over wounds.

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

The ripe fruit is sometimes eaten raw or used to make tart jams and pickles in some regions, but its primary use is medicinal.

Febrifuge and Anti-diarrheal Decoction

Purpose: To manage fever and acute, non-infectious diarrhea.

Preparation & Use:

· Take 2-3 dried Mainphal fruits, crushed.

· Boil in 1.5 cups of water for 10-15 minutes.

· Strain and drink 15-30 ml of this strong, astringent decoction twice daily. Use short-term only (2-3 days).

Topical Leaf Poultice for Joint Pain

Purpose: To reduce inflammation in arthritic joints.

Preparation & Use:

· Crush a handful of fresh leaves into a paste.

· Warm it slightly and apply to the painful joint.

· Cover with a cloth and leave on for 30 minutes.

7. Disclaimer:

Catunaregam spinosa is a traditional medicine with a narrow therapeutic window. The seeds are considered toxic and emetic (vomit-inducing) and should not be consumed. The fruit and root bark are astringent and can cause constipation or nausea if used in excess or for prolonged periods. Proper identification is crucial due to potential look-alikes. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. This information is for educational and ethnobotanical interest only; therapeutic use requires guidance from a qualified practitioner.

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

· Indian Medicinal Plants by K.S. Manilal

· Wealth of India (Raw Materials) by CSIR

· Ethnobotany of the Western Ghats and South India

· Bhava Prakasha Nighantu (Classical Ayurvedic Text)

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

1. Embelia ribes (Vidanga)

· Species: Embelia ribes | Family: Primulaceae | Genus: Embelia

· Similarities: Both are potent anthelmintic (de-worming) herbs used in Ayurveda. While Catunaregam is more astringent and for fever, Vidanga is specifically renowned for expelling tapeworms and roundworms and is a key ingredient in many anthelmintic formulations.

2. Terminalia chebula (Haritaki)

· Species: Terminalia chebula | Family: Combretaceae | Genus: Terminalia

· Similarities: Both fruits are powerfully astringent and used for diarrhea and digestive purification. Haritaki, one of the three fruits in Triphala, is a broader Rasayana (rejuvenative), while Catunaregam is more specific for febrile diarrhea and worms.

3. Psidium guajava (Guava, Amrood)

· Species: Psidium guajava | Family: Myrtaceae | Genus: Psidium

· Similarities: Both have astringent fruits used medicinally for diarrhea. Guava leaf tea is a well-known global home remedy for loose stools. This highlights how astringency as a property is harnessed across plant families for similar gastrointestinal purposes.

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