Cipadessa baccifera- Meliaceae; Jangli Neem

1. Taxonomic insights

   Species: Cipadessa baccifera

   Family: Meliaceae

   Genus: Cipadessa

   Related Herbs from the same family:Azadirachta indica (Neem) - A cornerstone of Ayurveda and Pan-Indian medicine, used for its potent purifying, antimicrobial, and blood-purifying properties.Melia azedarach (Persian Lilac) - Used in various traditional systems for its anthelmintic and antiparasitic properties.Swietenia mahagoni (Mahogany) - While not native, its bark is used in some traditional medicines for ailments like fever and diarrhea. The Meliaceae family is known for its rich source of limonoids, which often confer bitter, antipyretic, and insecticidal properties.

   
   

2. Common Names:

   Scientific Name: Cipadessa baccifera | English: Indian Berry, Hill Lemon | Sanskrit: Pūtikaranja, Ghanera | Hindi: Nallaboppu, Ranjaka | Tamil: Pūlippan chedi, Sempulichan | Telugu: Kondavepa, Putikaranja | Kannada: Chitwale, Nallabevu | Malayalam: Kattuveppu, Pula | Bengali: Pitkari | Nepali: Bhalayo | Urdu: Jangli Neem |

   
   

3. Medicinal Uses:

   Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Anti-inflammatory, Antidiarrheal, Anthelmintic (expels worms), Antirheumatic, Hepatoprotective (liver-protecting), Antiviral, Antioxidant, Astringent, Blood Purifier.

   
   

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

   
   

   Limonoids (Tetranortriterpenoids): Cipadesin A, B, C, etc. These are the primary bioactive compounds, responsible for the plant's significant Antifeedant, Insecticidal, and Antiviral activities. They also contribute to its Anti-inflammatory and Antipyretic effects.

   
   

   Flavonoids: Quercetin, Rutin. These compounds are potent Antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress and are known for their Anti-inflammatory and potential Antiviral properties.

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   Triterpenoids & Steroids: β-sitosterol. This compound is known for its Anti-inflammatory and Antipyretic effects. It also supports the Antidiarrheal action by normalizing gut function.

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   Alkaloids and Tannins: These contribute to the plant's Astringent property, making it useful in treating diarrhea and dysentery by precipitating proteins and reducing gut permeability.

   
   
   
   

7. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

   
   

   Antipyretic & Anti-inflammatory (for Fevers and Rheumatism)

   Formulation: Leaf decoction or paste.

   Preparation & Use: A decoction of the leaves is prepared and consumed to treat intermittent fevers and malaria. The leaf paste is applied topically to inflamed joints and rheumatic swellings to reduce pain and inflammation.

   Reasoning: The limonoids (Cipadesins) and sterols (β-sitosterol) exhibit strong Anti-inflammatory and Antipyretic activities, modulating the body's inflammatory response and reducing fever.

   
   

   Antidiarrheal & Antidysenteric

   Formulation: Bark or root decoction.

   Preparation & Use: A concentrated decoction of the bark or root is taken in small doses (10-20 ml) to control acute diarrhea and dysentery.

   Reasoning: The Astringent tannins cause the precipitation of proteins in the intestinal mucosa, forming a protective layer and reducing fluid secretion, thereby firming up stools.

   
   

   Hepatoprotective (Liver Tonic)

   Formulation: Leaf juice or decoction.

   Preparation & Use: The juice of fresh leaves or a weak decoction is consumed regularly as a tonic to support liver function and in cases of jaundice.

   Reasoning: The antioxidant flavonoids and limonoids help protect liver cells from toxin-induced damage and support regeneration, showcasing Hepatoprotective effects.

   
   

   Skin Diseases & Blood Purification

   Formulation: Leaf paste and decoction.

   Preparation & Use: The leaf paste is applied on skin eruptions, sores, and boils. A mild leaf decoction is consumed internally as a Blood Purifier to treat chronic skin conditions like eczema.

   Reasoning: The Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory properties help clear skin infections, while the internal use helps address systemic toxicity.

   
   

8. Culinary uses, Decoction, Teas, Juices and Healing recipes.

   
   

Birds and small animals consume these fruits, which aids in seed dispersal. The ripened fruits have been reported as edible by tribal communities in India, particularly in Odisha and Karnataka, though they may not be particularly tasty.

• High moisture content

• Rich in crude fiber and total carbohydrates

• Significant amounts of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium

• Low protein and fat content

• Traces of vitamin B9

Nutritional significance

Researchers conclude that these wild fruits are nutritive enough to be used as dietary supplements, particularly as a good source of dietary fiber and essential minerals. The high crude fiber content may offer digestive health benefits and help lower cholesterol

Besides the use of fruits the rest of the plant of Cipadessa baccifera is not typically used as a food item, due to its bitter taste. However its powerful medicinal properties are put to good use for making different medical concoctions.

1. Fever-Reducing Decoction

   Purpose: To reduce high fever, especially in cases of malaria.

   Preparation & Use:

   1. Take a handful of fresh or dried Cipadessa leaves.

   2. Boil in 2 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

   3. Strain and allow it to cool.

   4. Consume 15-30 ml of this decoction twice a day.

   
   

2. Antidiarrheal Decoction

   Purpose: To control acute diarrhea.

   Preparation & Use:

   1. Take 5-10 grams of the dried bark or root.

   2. Boil in 1.5 cups of water until it reduces to half a cup.

   3. Strain and consume 1-2 tablespoons of this strong decoction every 4-6 hours until symptoms subside.

      
      

3. Anti-inflammatory Poultice for Joint Pain

   Purpose: To relieve joint pain and inflammation.

   Preparation & Use:

   1. Crush a handful of fresh leaves into a fine paste.

   2. Mix with a little warm water or coconut oil to form a consistent paste.

   3. Apply directly to the affected joints and cover with a cloth.

   4. Leave on for 30-60 minutes before washing off.

      
      

Disclaimer:

Cipadessa baccifera is a potent medicinal plant and should not be used without guidance. Its safety profile, especially during pregnancy and lactation, is not well-established. Due to its strong astringent and bioactive properties, it should be used in precise doses. Consultation with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider is essential before use. This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

1. Indian Medicinal Plants by K.S. Kiritkar and B.D. Basu

2. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants by R.N. Chopra, S.L. Nayar, and I.C. Chopra

3. Ethnobotany of India Series

Further study:

Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

Neem (Azadirachta indica), Family: Meliaceae. Shares the same family and thus a rich profile of bitter limonoids (e.g., Azadirachtin). Both are used as potent blood purifiers, antipyretics, and for treating skin diseases, leveraging their bitter, cooling, and antimicrobial properties.

Chiretta (Andrographis paniculata), Family: Acanthaceae. While from a different family, it shares the quintessential bitter taste and key medicinal uses: potent hepatoprotective, antipyretic (especially for malaria), and blood-purifying actions.

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Note: Whilst the fruits are edible, ensure that you consume only the ones that are ripe. The raw fruits are green and the ripes ones range in shade from Red, Purple to Black. The seeds if chewed are bitter and hence can be spat out