Naringi crenulata -The Sacred Maha-Bilva Tree- Rutaceae

 

1. Taxonomic insights

   Species: Naringi crenulata

   Family: Rutaceae

   Genus: Naringi

   Related Herbs from the same family:Aegle marmelos (Bael, Bilva) - A sacred and highly revered Pan-Indian Ayurvedic herb used for digestive disorders, diabetes, and as a general tonic.Citrus species (Lemon, Orange) - While primarily culinary, their rinds are used in medicine for their digestive and aromatic properties.Murraya koenigii (Curry Leaf Tree, Kadhi Patta) - A common South Indian culinary and medicinal herb used for its digestive, anti-diabetic, and blood sugar-lowering properties. The Rutaceae family is known for its aromatic oils and a range of medicinal alkaloids and coumarins.

2. Common Names:Scientific Name: Naringi crenulata | English: Paniculate Berry-Tree, Mountain Lime | Sanskrit: Mahāvilva, Bṛhatphalā, Bhavya | Hindi: Bel-ka-jangal, Bainsi, Bainchi | Tamil: Māvilvam, Peruvilaa | Telugu: Tūga Chettu, Tunga | Kannada: Doddabevu, Mavuḷi | Malayalam: Māvilvū, Malamthetti | Marathi: Beli, Motha Bel | Bengali: Boro Bel | Odia: Boro Belo |

   
   

3. Medicinal UsesAnti-inflammatory, Analgesic (pain-relieving), Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Antirheumatic, Hepatoprotective (liver-protecting), Antioxidant, Antidiarrheal, Antidiabetic, Antihyperlipidemic (lowers lipids), Antibacterial.

   
   

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

   Coumarins: Scoparone, Scopoletin, Osthole, Marmin. These are the primary bioactive constituents. Scoparone and Scopoletin exhibit significant Anti-inflammatory, Antipyretic, and Antiasthmatic activities. Marmin is known for its Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant effects.

   Alkaloids: Skimmianine, Edulinine. These nitrogen-containing compounds contribute to the plant's Analgesic (pain-relieving) and Anti-inflammatory properties. They may also have mild sedative effects.

   Flavonoids: Hesperidin, Naringin. These are potent Antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress and support cardiovascular health. They also contribute to the Anti-inflammatory action.

   Triterpenoids: Limonoids such as Obacunone. These bitter compounds are known for their Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and potential Anticancer activities, and are characteristic of the Rutaceae family.

   Tannins: Provide Astringent properties, which underlie the plant's traditional use in treating diarrhea and dysentery.

   
   

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

   Anti-inflammatory & Antirheumatic (for Arthritis and Joint Pain)

   Formulation: Root bark decoction or paste.

   Preparation & Use: A decoction of the root bark is consumed daily for rheumatic pain and inflammation. Alternatively, a paste made from the stem bark is applied topically over inflamed joints and swollen body parts.

   Reasoning: The coumarins (Scopoletin, Scoparone) and alkaloids (Skimmianine) are potent Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic agents, modulating the body's inflammatory pathways and providing relief from pain and swelling.

   Hepatoprotective (for Jaundice and Liver Disorders)

   Formulation: Stem bark decoction.

   Preparation & Use: A decoction of the stem bark is prepared and consumed to treat jaundice, hepatitis, and other liver ailments.

   Reasoning: Coumarins like Marmin have demonstrated direct Hepatoprotective effects by stabilizing liver cell membranes and promoting regeneration against toxin-induced damage. The Antioxidant flavonoids further protect the liver cells.

   Antipyretic & Antidiarrheal (for Fevers and Dysentery)

   Formulation: Fruit or root decoction.

   Preparation & Use: The fruit pulp or a root decoction is used to treat intermittent fevers and to control diarrhea and dysentery.

   Reasoning: The coumarins have a documented Antipyretic effect. The Astringent tannins in the bark and fruit help precipitate proteins in the intestinal mucosa, reducing fluid secretion and firming up stools.

   Antidiabetic & Antihyperlipidemic

   Formulation: Leaf or stem bark decoction.

   Preparation & Use: In traditional medicine, a decoction of the leaves or stem bark is used to manage blood sugar levels and cholesterol.

   Reasoning: Bioactive compounds in the plant are believed to enhance insulin sensitivity and inhibit the absorption of carbohydrates and fats in the gut, leading to Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic effects.

   
   
   
   

6. Culinary uses- Decoction, teas, juices and Healing recipes.

   Naringi crenulata is not typically used as a food item. Its primary use is medicinal, through decoctions and pastes.

   
   

   Anti-arthritic Root Decoction

   Purpose: To reduce joint inflammation and pain from arthritis.

   Preparation & Use:

   1. Take 5-10 grams of dried Naringi crenulata root bark.

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

   3. Strain the decoction and allow it to cool.

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

      
      

   Liver-Tonic Stem Bark Decoction

   Purpose: To support liver function and recovery in jaundice.

   Preparation & Use:

   1. Take 5-7 grams of dried stem bark.

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

   3. Strain and consume this decoction once daily in the morning for a limited period under guidance.

      
      

   Anti-inflammatory Bark Paste

   Purpose: To relieve localized pain and swelling.

   Preparation & Use:

   1. Grind a piece of the fresh stem bark with a little water to make a fine paste.

   2. Apply the paste evenly over the painful or swollen joints.

   3. Leave it on for 30-45 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water.

   4. Repeat once daily as needed.

      
      

7. Disclaimer:Naringi crenulata is a potent medicinal plant with documented pharmacological activities. Its safety profile, especially for long-term use or during pregnancy and lactation, is not well-established. The coumarin content can interact with blood-thinning medications. It is crucial to consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider before using this plant for therapeutic purposes. 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:

   • The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

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

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

     
     

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

   Bael (Aegle marmelos), Family: Rutaceae. Shares the same family and a remarkably similar profile of coumarins (like Marmin) and alkaloids. Both are premier herbs for digestive issues (especially diarrhea) and diabetes, and are highly respected in Ayurveda for their restorative properties.

   Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata), Family: Acanthaceae. While from a different family, it is a well-known hepatoprotective and antipyretic herb, much like Naringi crenulata. Both are bitter-tasting plants used for liver disorders, fevers, and as anti-inflammatory agents.

   Neem (Azadirachta indica), Family: Meliaceae. Shares the bitter taste, anti-inflammatory, and blood-purifying properties. Both are used traditionally for skin diseases, rheumatic conditions, and fevers, although their primary phytochemicals (limonoids in Neem vs. coumarins in Naringi) differ.