Millingtonia hortensis (Bignoniaceae) Tree Jasmine, Akash Neem

Millingtonia hortensis (Indian Cork Tree, Tree Jasmine)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Millingtonia hortensis

Family: Bignoniaceae (Trumpet Creeper family)

Genus: Millingtonia

The Bignoniaceae family is characterized by often showy, trumpet-shaped flowers and includes many trees and woody climbers with significant medicinal bark, roots, or flowers used for respiratory, inflammatory, and skin conditions.

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Oroxylum indicum (Shyonaka, Broken Bones Tree): A highly important Ayurvedic herb, the bark is a key component of the Dashamula (ten roots) formulation. It is used for respiratory disorders, digestive issues, and as an anti-inflammatory.

• Kigelia africana (Sausage Tree): Native to Africa, its fruit and bark are used in traditional medicine for skin diseases, fungal infections, and as a topical remedy, demonstrating the family's association with dermatological uses.

• Stereospermum suaveolens (Patala): Another component of the classical Dashamula, its root is used for balancing Vata and Kapha, treating cough, asthma, and inflammatory conditions.

• Tabebuia impetiginosa (Pau d'Arco): A well-known medicinal tree from South America, its inner bark is used for its antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and purported anti-cancer properties.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Millingtonia hortensis | English: Indian Cork Tree, Tree Jasmine, Indian Jasmine | Sanskrit: Akash Neem, Naga Champaka, Millingtonia | Hindi: Neem Chameli, Akash Neem, Cork Tree | Tamil: Katesam, Maramalli, Mallikampu | Telugu: Kavuki, Areyimolla | Kannada: Biliyu, Beechada Mara | Malayalam: Katesam, Kattu Sambangi | Marathi: Buch, Akash Neem | Bengali: Akash Neem, Minnamaram | Thai: Pee-shaan, Baan Nuun | Burmese: Tayaw |

3. Medicinal Uses:Antiasthmatic, Bronchodilator, Antitussive (cough suppressant), Anti-inflammatory, Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Mild Analgesic (pain-relieving).

Medicinal Parts:The most commonly used parts of the Millingtonia hortensis plant in medicine are the leaves, flowers, bark, and root.

• Leaves: The most frequently used part, especially for respiratory ailments and fever.

• Flowers: Used for sinusitis, headaches, and as a cooling agent.

• Bark: Used for its bitter, tonic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Root: Less commonly used, but applied in traditional preparations for similar conditions.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Lapachol and related Naphthoquinones: These are significant bioactive compounds found in the Bignoniaceae family. Their actions include Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, and potential Antitumor activities. Lapachol is particularly noted for its respiratory benefits.

Flavonoids (Chrysin, Baicalein, Scutellarein): These compounds, also found in related herbs like Oroxylum indicum, are potent Antioxidants. Their actions include Anti-inflammatory, Antiasthmatic (via bronchodilation and mast-cell stabilization), and Anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects.

Glycosides (Millingtoniosides): Specific glycosides isolated from the plant have shown Anti-inflammatory and potential Analgesic properties in studies.

Alkaloids and Triterpenoids: Contribute to the plant's bitter taste and broad-spectrum medicinal profile, including Antipyretic and tonic effects.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Shwasa (Asthma) & Kasa (Cough)

Formulation: Leaf decoction or flower juice.

Preparation & Use: A decoction made from the leaves is a common folk remedy for asthma, bronchitis, and stubborn coughs. The juice of the flowers is also used for sinus congestion and allergic rhinitis.

Reasoning: The bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory actions of flavonoids like chrysin help open airways and reduce mucosal swelling. The antimicrobial properties of naphthoquinones may address underlying infections.

Jwara (Fever) & Daha (Burning Sensation)

Formulation: Leaf infusion or bark decoction.

Preparation & Use: The bitter leaves or bark are prepared as a cooling tea or decoction to reduce fevers, especially those accompanied by a feeling of heat and inflammation.

Reasoning: The antipyretic and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals help lower body temperature and soothe systemic irritation.

Shirashula (Headache) & Netra Roga (Eye Discomfort)

Formulation: Flower paste or inhalation.

Preparation & Use: A paste of the fragrant flowers is applied on the forehead for migraine and sinus headaches. The scent of the flowers is also inhaled for relief.

Reasoning: The cooling, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties provide topical relief. The flavonoids may have a mild calming effect on the nervous system.

Kushtha (Skin Diseases) & Vrana (Wounds)

Formulation: Leaf paste or bark decoction wash.

Preparation & Use: A paste of fresh leaves is applied topically on fungal skin infections, ulcers, and wounds. A wash from the bark decoction is used for itching and infected sores.

Reasoning: The potent antifungal and antimicrobial action of lapachol and other naphthoquinones directly combats pathogens, while anti-inflammatory compounds reduce redness and swelling.

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

Millingtonia hortensis is primarily a medicinal tree, with its leaves and flowers used in simple home remedies.

Akash Neem Leaf Tea for Asthma & Cough

Purpose: To relieve bronchial constriction and calm a persistent cough.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 5-7 fresh or dried leaves.

• Crush and steep in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes.

• Strain and drink warm, 1-2 times a day. Honey can be added.

Flower Juice for Sinus Headache

Purpose: To alleviate sinus pressure and headache.

Preparation & Use:

• Crush a handful of fresh flowers to extract a small amount of juice.

• Apply this juice on the temples and forehead.

• Alternatively, inhale the scent of crushed flowers deeply.

Antifungal Leaf Paste

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

Preparation & Use:

• Grind a handful of fresh leaves with a little water into a smooth paste.

• Apply a thick layer to the clean, affected area.

• Let dry and wash off after 20-30 minutes. Repeat twice daily.

7. Disclaimer:

Millingtonia hortensis has traditional use but lacks extensive modern clinical safety data. Internal use should be moderate and short-term unless under professional guidance. The naphthoquinone compound lapachol, while medicinal, can cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, and anemia in high doses or with prolonged use. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid its medicinal use. As it may affect the respiratory system, individuals on asthma medication should use it cautiously and consult a doctor. This information is for educational and academic purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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

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

• Wealth of India: A Dictionary of Indian Raw Materials and Industrial Products (Raw Materials Series)

• Siddha Materia Medica (Mineral and Plant Kingdom) by Dr. M. Murugesa Mudaliar

• Journal of Ethnopharmacology (for research articles on its phytochemistry).

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: A direct botanical relative and a classical Ayurvedic herb. Both are used as primary remedies for respiratory disorders (asthma, cough) and fever. They share similar flavonoid profiles (baicalein, chrysin) responsible for anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory actions.

2. Albizia lebbeck (Shirish)

• Species: Albizia lebbeck | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Albizia

• Similarities: Both are trees whose flowers and leaves are used for allergic asthma and respiratory conditions. While Shirish is a stronger antiallergic (mast-cell stabilizer), Akash Neem shares the bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory approach to managing Shwasa (asthma).

3. Solanum xanthocarpum (Kantakari)

• Species: Solanum xanthocarpum | Family: Solanaceae | Genus: Solanum

• Similarities: Another key herb for respiratory ailments in Ayurveda, specifically for difficult cough and asthma. Both Kantakari and Akash Neem are used in formulations to clear congestion, reduce inflammation in the airways, and act as expectorants.

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