Erythroxylum monogynum (Erythroxylaceae) - Bastard Sandalwood

Erythroxylum monogynum (East Indian Cocoa, Devadaru)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Erythroxylum monogynum

Family: Erythroxylaceae

Genus: Erythroxylum

Related Herbs from the same family:

Erythroxylum coca (Coca): The most well-known species from this family, native to South America. Its leaves are a traditional stimulant and are the source of the alkaloid cocaine. It is not native to or traditionally used in the Indian subcontinent.

The Erythroxylaceae family is not widely represented in Ayurvedic or South Indian traditional medicine. E. monogynum is one of the few species from this family that grows in India and has documented ethnobotanical uses, primarily in folk medicine.

2. Common Names:Scientific Name: Erythroxylum monogynum | English: East Indian Cocoa, Bastard Sandalwood | Sanskrit: Devadaru, Sthalataru | Hindi: Daruhaldi, Guraval | Tamil: Guraku, Tevarataru | Telugu: Devadaru, Manchi Tummi | Kannada: Devadaru, Bevu | Malayalam: Devadaram, Raktachandana | Marathi: Devadar, Tambada | Bengali: Devadaru | Nepali: Devdaru | Urdu: Devdar |

3. Medicinal Uses:Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic (pain-relieving), Antirheumatic, Antidote (for certain poisons), Astringent, Diuretic, Stomachic (aids digestion), Laxative (mild).

Medicinal Parts:The most commonly used parts of the Erythroxylum monogynum tree are the root bark and the heartwood, followed by the leaves and fruits, which are used less frequently.

• Root Bark: Considered the most potent part, used extensively in decoctions for fevers, rheumatism, and as a detoxifying agent.

• Heartwood: Used in preparations for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, often applied externally or as a decoction.

• Leaves: Occasionally used in poultices for wounds and skin inflammations, or in infusions for digestive issues.

• Fruits: Rarely used, but sometimes included in traditional formulations for their purgative effect.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

While not as extensively studied as E. coca, Erythroxylum monogynum contains a range of bioactive compounds, primarily tropane alkaloids and tannins.

Tropane Alkaloids (e.g., Tropacocaine, Cuscohygrine): These compounds are known for their local anesthetic and stimulant properties. In E. monogynum, they are believed to contribute to its Analgesic and Antipyretic actions. It is crucial to note that the composition and concentration are distinct from E. coca.

Tannins (Condensed Tannins): These polyphenolic compounds are responsible for the plant's strong Astringent property. They help tighten tissues, reduce secretions, and have Antioxidant effects.

Flavonoids: Such as Quercetin and Rutin. These contribute to the plant's Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant activities, helping to neutralize free radicals and reduce swelling.

Triterpenoids: Compounds like β-sitosterol. These have demonstrated Anti-inflammatory and Antirheumatic properties, supporting its traditional use in joint disorders.

Essential Oils: The wood and bark contain aromatic compounds that may contribute to its therapeutic aroma and mild stimulant/digestive actions.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Antipyretic & Detoxifying (for Fevers and Poisoning)

Formulation: Decoction of the root bark.

Preparation & Use: A strong decoction is prepared from the root bark and administered in small doses to reduce high fevers, particularly in intermittent fevers. It has also been used as a traditional antidote for certain types of poisoning.

Reasoning: The tropane alkaloids and antipyretic compounds help lower body temperature, while the diaphoretic action promotes sweating to eliminate toxins.

Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic (for Rheumatism and Pain)

Formulation: Paste or poultice from the heartwood/root bark.

Preparation & Use: The heartwood is ground into a fine paste with water or other liquids and applied externally to inflamed joints, rheumatic swellings, and areas of localized pain to provide relief.

Reasoning: The Anti-inflammatory triterpenoids and tannins reduce swelling, while the alkaloids provide a local analgesic effect.

Astringent & Wound Healing (for Skin Ulcers and Diarrhea)

Formulation: Decoction or paste.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the bark is used as a wash for cleaning ulcers and skin infections. Internally, a mild decoction is used to treat diarrhea and dysentery due to its astringent properties.

Reasoning: The high tannin content contracts tissues, reduces inflammation, and forms a protective layer, promoting healing and reducing fluid loss in the intestines.

Diuretic & Laxative (for Urinary and Digestive Issues)

Formulation: Decoction of the root.

Preparation & Use: A mild decoction is consumed to stimulate urine output and as a mild laxative to relieve constipation.

Reasoning: Certain compounds in the root appear to stimulate renal activity and bowel movements, providing a cleansing action.

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

Erythroxylum monogynum is not a culinary herb and is used strictly for medicinal purposes. Its use requires caution and precise dosing.

Decoction for Fever and Joint Pain

Purpose: To reduce high fever and alleviate internal inflammation associated with rheumatism.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 5-10 grams of dried root bark.

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

• Strain and allow to cool. A small dose (15-30 ml) is taken twice a day after meals.

• This should not be consumed without the guidance of an experienced practitioner.

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Anti-inflammatory Poultice for Rheumatism

Purpose: To reduce swelling and pain in joints.

Preparation & Use:

• Grind a piece of the heartwood into a very fine powder.

• Mix with warm water or a small amount of sesame oil to form a thick paste.

• Apply directly to the affected joint and leave on for 30-60 minutes before rinsing.

  
  

Astringent Wash for Skin Ulcers

Purpose: To cleanse wounds and promote healing.

Preparation & Use:

• Prepare a weak decoction from the bark.

• After it has cooled, use it to wash the affected skin area 2-3 times a day.

7. Disclaimer:Erythroxylum monogynum is a potent medicinal plant and is not for casual use. Due to the presence of tropane alkaloids, it must be used with extreme caution and only under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or herbalist. Self-medication can lead to adverse effects, including toxicity. It is not for use during pregnancy, lactation, or in children. This information is for academic and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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

• Indian Medicinal Plants by K.R. Kirtikar and B.D. Basu

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

• Ethnobotany of India (Volume Series)

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

1. Berberis aristata (Daruharidra)

• Species: Berberis aristata | Family: Berberidaceae | Genus: Berberis

• Similarities: Shares the common Hindi name "Daruhaldi" and is similarly used as a potent antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying agent. Both are used for fevers, skin diseases, and eye ailments, though their phytochemistry (Berberine in B. aristata) is different.

2. Plumbago zeylanica (Chitrak)

• Species: Plumbago zeylanica | Family: Plumbaginaceae | Genus: Plumbago

• Similarities: Both have potent root bark used in traditional medicine for their stimulating, anti-rheumatic, and digestive properties. Both are powerful herbs that require careful dosing and are used to treat persistent fevers and inflammation.

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