Lonchocarpus sericeus (Fabaceae)

Lonchocarpus sericeus (Wild Tamarind)

Note:There is no safe culinary use for this plant. It is not related to the edible tamarind (Tamarindus indica).

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification

Scientific name: Lonchocarpus sericeus (Poir.) Kunth ex DC.

Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

Genus: Lonchocarpus

The Fabaceae family is vast and diverse, encompassing vital food crops, potent medicinal plants, and toxic species, many of which contain unique bioactive compounds like isoflavonoids and rotenoids.

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Glycyrrhiza glabra (Yashtimadhu): One of the most revered Ayurvedic herbs, a potent rejuvenative (Rasayana), demulcent, and expectorant used for respiratory, digestive, and vocal strength.

• Abrus precatorius (Gunja, Indian Licorice): A toxic plant used in minute, processed doses in Ayurveda for neurological conditions and as a powerful nervine tonic. Its seeds are also used in jewelry.

• Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Guar, Gawar): While known as a vegetable and source of guar gum, it is also used in traditional medicine for digestive issues and as a demulcent.

• Pongamia pinnata (Karanja): A cornerstone of Ayurvedic dermatology, its oil and seeds are used extensively for skin diseases, wounds, and as an anti-parasitic.

2. Common names

Scientific Name: Lonchocarpus sericeus | English: Wild Tamarind, Sericeous Lonchocarpus | Hindi: Ban Imli, Phanji | Tamil: Kattu Puli, Kodikkai | Telugu: Adavi Chinta | Kannada: Kadu Hunise | Malayalam: Kattu Puli | Sanskrit: Not definitively recorded in classical texts; may be regionally referred to as Vanatimbi or similar. | Caribbean: Lancepod | West Africa: Used in traditional fishing practices.

3. Medicinal Uses:Insecticidal, Piscicidal (stuns fish), Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Antipruritic (relieves itching), Vulnerary (wound healing).

Medicinal Parts:The primary medicinal parts are the roots, seeds, and leaves. The roots and seeds are particularly rich in the compound rotenone.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Rotenoids (Rotenone, Deguelin, Tephrosin): These are the most significant and potent compounds in L. sericeus. Rotenone is a well-known Insecticidal and Piscicidal agent. It works by inhibiting mitochondrial electron transport. In controlled, traditional external applications, it is used to manage skin parasites and infections.

Isoflavonoids (Lonchocarpus): These compounds contribute to the plant's Antimicrobial and Antifungal properties, helping to fight off pathogens when applied topically.

Tannins: Present in the bark and leaves, they provide an Astringent and Vulnerary action, helping to contract tissues and promote wound healing.

Sterols: May contribute to mild Anti-inflammatory effects.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Piscicide (Traditional Fishing)

Formulation: Crushed root or bark decoction.Preparation & Use: Indigenous communities in South America, Africa, and parts of Asia crush the roots or bark and release them into slow-moving ponds or dammed streams. The rotenone stuns fish, making them easy to collect. The fish are safe for consumption after cooking.Reasoning: Rotenone interferes with cellular respiration in fish gills, but is broken down by heat and sunlight, making the technique sustainable in small-scale, traditional settings.

Skin Afflictions (Kushta, Kandu)

Formulation: Paste or wash from leaves/root bark.

Preparation & Use: A paste made from the ground leaves or root bark is applied externally to treat scabies, lice, fungal infections (ringworm), eczema, and to relieve itching. A diluted decoction is used as a wash for infected wounds and ulcers.

Reasoning: The insecticidal (rotenoids) and antifungal (isoflavonoids) properties directly target skin parasites and pathogens, while the tannins help dry and heal lesions.

Rheumatic Pain & Inflammation (Shula, Shotha)

Formulation: Poultice or medicated oil.

Preparation & Use: Leaves are warmed and applied as a poultice, or an oil infused with the leaves/root bark is used to massage painful, inflamed joints and muscles.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory and counter-irritant properties of the phytochemicals may provide localized relief from pain and swelling.

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

STRONG WARNING: This plant is toxic. Internal use is dangerous and not recommended. The following are traditional external applications only.

Antipruritic Skin Wash for Eczema/Itching

Purpose: To relieve itchy skin conditions and minor infections.Preparation & Use:

1. Take a handful of dried Lonchocarpus sericeus leaves.

2. Boil them in 1 liter of water for 10-15 minutes to make a decoction.

3. Allow it to cool completely and strain.

4. Use the liquid as a final rinse or wash on the affected area. Do not use on broken skin without professional guidance.

5. Patch Test First: Apply a small amount to a patch of skin to check for irritation.

Traditional Poultice for Joint Pain

Purpose: To provide relief from localized inflammation and pain.Preparation & Use:

1. Crush a few fresh, clean leaves into a coarse paste.

2. Warm the paste slightly.

3. Apply it directly to the painful joint and cover with a clean cloth.

4. Leave on for 15-20 minutes, then wash off thoroughly.

5. Caution: Do not apply to broken skin. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

Culinary Use: There is no safe culinary use for this plant. It is not related to the edible tamarind (Tamarindus indica).

7. DisclaimerLonchocarpus sericeus is a toxic plant. IT SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN INTERNALLY. Rotenone is a potent compound that can cause severe poisoning, including respiratory depression, nausea, convulsions, and can be fatal. Its use is strictly for external application only, under the guidance of a knowledgeable traditional practitioner or ethnobotanist. It is absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy, lactation, and for children. This information is for academic, ethnobotanical, and educational purposes only and is not a recommendation for use. Handling the plant material may cause skin irritation for some. Always consult a medical professional before using any toxic plant material.

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

• Ethnobotany of the Amazon by various authors.

• Indian Medicinal Plants by K.R. Kirtikar and B.D. Basu (for related Fabaceae species).

• Journal of Ethnopharmacology (for scientific studies on rotenoids and traditional uses).

• Poisonous Plants of Paradise (First Aid and Medical Management) by Susan Scott and Craig Thomas.

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

1. Derris elliptica (Tuba Root)

• Species: Derris elliptica | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Derris

• Similarities: A closely related plant that is an even more concentrated source of rotenone. It has been used traditionally across Southeast Asia for the same purposes: as a piscicide and as a topical insecticide for skin parasites and lice.

2. Tephrosia purpurea (Wild Indigo, Sharapunkha)

• Species: Tephrosia purpurea | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Tephrosia

• Similarities: A well-known Ayurvedic herb that also contains rotenoids and flavonoids. It is used primarily for liver disorders (as a Yakrit Raktashodhak), but also has traditional use as an insecticide and for treating skin diseases, demonstrating the dual medicinal-toxic profile common in this plant group.

3. Milletia pinnata (Pongamia pinnata / Karanja)

• Species: Milletia pinnata | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Milletia (formerly Pongamia)

• Similarities: While not containing significant rotenone, it is a classic Ayurvedic skin herb from the same family. It shares the strong antimicrobial, antifungal, and wound-healing properties used for kushta (skin diseases), making it a safer and well-documented alternative for topical skin care within the Fabaceae family.

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