Markhamia lutea (Bignoniaceae) Nile Tulip tree

Markhamia lutea (Nile Tulip Tree)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Markhamia lutea

Family: Bignoniaceae

Genus: Markhamia

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Oroxylum indicum (Shyonaka): A key Dashamula (ten roots) herb in Ayurveda, used for inflammation, arthritis, and digestive disorders.

• Kigelia africana (Sausage Tree): Used extensively in African traditional medicine for skin diseases, wounds, and as an anti-inflammatory.

• Stereospermum suaveolens (Patala): Another important Dashamula herb, used similarly to Shyonaka for its anti-inflammatory and febrifuge properties.

The Bignoniaceae family is characterized by trees and shrubs often used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and wound-healing properties, particularly in formulations for musculoskeletal pain.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Markhamia lutea | English: Nile Tulip Tree, Siala | Sanskrit: Not classically mentioned in core texts; may be referenced in regional practices. | Hindi: Not widely standardized. | Tamil: Not commonly used. | Telugu: Not commonly used. | Kannada: Not commonly used. | Malayalam: Not commonly used. | Swahili: Mtonga, Siala | Luganda: Nkoba, Kibuguzo | French: Markhamia jaune |

3. Medicinal Uses:Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic (pain-relieving), Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Antioxidant, Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Wound Healing.

Medicinal Parts:The bark, leaves, and roots are used medicinally.

• Bark: The most commonly used part, especially for pain and inflammation.

• Leaves: Used in poultices and washes for skin conditions.

• Roots: Used in decoctions for internal ailments.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Naphthoquinones (Lapachol, Dehydro-α-lapachone): These are primary bioactive compounds. Their actions include Antimicrobial, Antifungal, and Anti-inflammatory effects. Lapachol has been studied for its potential antitumor activity.

Flavonoids (Luteolin, Apigenin): Potent Antioxidants that scavenge free radicals, contributing to Anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective effects.

Tannins (Ellagitannins): Provide Astringent and Antimicrobial properties, crucial for wound healing and tightening tissues.

Phenolic Glycosides: Contribute to the overall Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory profile of the plant.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Shotha (Inflammation) & Sandhivata (Arthritic Pain)

Formulation: Bark decoction or paste.

Preparation & Use: In East African traditional medicine, a decoction of the bark is drunk to treat rheumatic pain, backache, and generalized body aches. A paste of the bark is applied topically to swollen joints.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds, particularly lapachol and flavonoids, help reduce inflammation and modulate pain pathways.

Jwara (Fever) & Vishamajwara (Malarial Fever)

Formulation: Bark or root decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction is used as a remedy for fevers, including those associated with malaria, in several African traditions.

Reasoning: The antipyretic and potential antimicrobial properties help reduce fever and combat infections.

Vrana (Wounds) & Kushtha (Skin Infections)

Formulation: Leaf poultice or bark wash.

Preparation & Use: Crushed leaves are applied as a poultice to wounds, ulcers, and boils. An infusion of the bark is used as a wash for fungal skin infections, ringworm, and rashes.

Reasoning: The astringent tannins and antimicrobial naphthoquinones help cleanse wounds, prevent infection, and promote contraction of tissues for healing.

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

It is not a culinary herb. Its use is strictly medicinal.

Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Bark Decoction

Purpose: For internal use to manage joint pain or fever.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 1-2 tablespoons of dried, chopped bark.

• Boil in 3 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

• Strain and drink 1/4 cup of this decoction, up to twice a day. Use short-term and with caution.

Topical Antifungal Bark Wash

Purpose: For ringworm, athlete's foot, or other fungal skin infections.

Preparation & Use:

• Boil a handful of bark pieces in 1 liter of water for 15-20 minutes.

• Let it cool completely and strain.

• Use the liquid to wash the affected area 2-3 times daily.

7. Disclaimer:

Markhamia lutea is an important traditional medicine, but its safety profile for widespread use is not fully established. Lapachol, a key constituent, has been associated with toxicity in high doses, including anti-coagulant effects and potential reproductive toxicity. Internal use should be short-term and undertaken only under the guidance of a practitioner experienced with this plant. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid it. It may interact with blood-thinning medications. This information is for academic and ethnobotanical interest only and is not a recommendation for use.

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

• Medicinal Plants of East Africa by John O. Kokwaro

• African Ethnobotany: Poisons and Drugs by H. D. Neuwinger

• Phytochemistry of Medicinal Plants (Journal articles focusing on Bignoniaceae)

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

1. Oroxylum indicum (Shyonaka)

• Species: Oroxylum indicum | Family: Bignoniaceae | Genus: Oroxylum

• Similarities: Both belong to the Bignoniaceae family and share significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties used for treating joint disorders and fevers. O. indicum is a well-documented and safer alternative within the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia.

2. Tabebuia impetiginosa (Pau d'Arco)

• Species: Tabebuia impetiginosa | Family: Bignoniaceae | Genus: Tabebuia

• Similarities: This is a famous South American medicinal tree. Both Markhamia and Tabebuia contain lapachol and related naphthoquinones, are used traditionally for fevers, infections, and inflammatory conditions, and share similar concerns regarding the toxicity of lapachol with prolonged internal use.

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