Neolamarckia cadamba (Rubiaceae) Kadamba

Neolamarckia cadamba (Kadamba)

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification

Species: Neolamarckia cadamba (Syn. Anthocephalus cadamba)

Family: Rubiaceae

Genus: Neolamarckia

Related Herbs from the same family:

(Refer to the list under Ixora coccinea, as the family is the same. Key related herbs include Coffea arabica, Rubia cordifolia, and Mitragyna parvifolia.)

2. Common names

Scientific Name: Neolamarckia cadamba | English: Kadam, Burflower-tree | Sanskrit: Kadamba, Vrittapushpa | Hindi: Kadam | Tamil: Vellaikkadambam, Kadappai | Telugu: Kadambamu | Kannada: Kadava | Malayalam: Katampu | Marathi: Kadamb | Bengali: Kadam | Odia: Kadambo | Assamese: Kadam | Sinhala: Kadamba |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Antipyretic(fever-reducing), Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Astringent, Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Wound Healing, Anthelmintic.

Medicinal Parts:

The bark,leaves, and fruits are the primary parts used in medicine.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Quinovic Acid Glycosides: These are major bioactive compounds in Kadamba. Their actions are significant Antipyretic and Anti-inflammatory.

Alkaloids (Cadambine): Specific indole alkaloids found in the leaves and bark. Their actions include Antipyretic and potential Antiprotozoal effects.

Tannins: Astringent compounds. Their actions are Astringent, Wound Healing, and Antidiarrheal.

Flavonoids: Plant-based antioxidants. Their actions are Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory, contributing to the overall therapeutic effect.

Triterpenoids (Ursolic Acid): A common triterpene with Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antidiabetic properties.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Jwara (Fever) & Daha (Burning Sensation)

Formulation: Bark decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the Kadamba bark is a classic traditional remedy for reducing fevers, especially those with a significant Pitta component (high fever, burning sensation).

Reasoning: The quinovic acid glycosides and alkaloids have demonstrated potent fever-reducing and anti-inflammatory effects.

Mutrakrichra (Dysuria) & Ashmari (Kidney Stones)

Formulation: Bark or leaf decoction.

Preparation & Use: The decoction is consumed as a diuretic to increase urine output, flush the urinary tract, and help in the management of kidney stones.

Reasoning: The diuretic property helps in eliminating waste and small calculi from the kidneys and bladder.

Vrana (Wounds) & Twak Vikara (Skin Diseases)

Formulation: Bark paste or leaf poultice.

Preparation & Use: The bark is ground into a paste with water and applied topically on wounds, ulcers, and inflammatory skin conditions.

Reasoning: The astringent and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling, cleanse the wound, and promote healing.

Prameha (Diabetes)

Formulation: Bark decoction or leaf juice.

Preparation & Use: The bark decoction or fresh leaf juice is consumed to help manage blood sugar levels.

Reasoning: The triterpenoids and flavonoids present in the plant have shown hypoglycemic (blood sugar-lowering) effects in scientific studies.

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

The Kadamba tree is deeply sacred in Indian culture, associated with Lord Krishna, and is primarily used medicinally.

Kadamba Kwatha (Decoction) for Fever

Purpose: To reduce high fever and burning sensation.

Preparation & Use:

· Boil 1-2 teaspoons of dried Kadamba bark in 2 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

· Strain and consume 15-30 ml of this decoction, 2-3 times a day.

Diuretic Kadamba Leaf Juice

Purpose: To support urinary tract health.

Preparation & Use:

· Crush a handful of fresh Kadamba leaves.

· Add a little water and extract the juice.

· Consume 1-2 teaspoons of this juice mixed with warm water.

Topical Bark Paste for Skin Inflammation

Purpose: To soothe inflamed skin and wounds.

Preparation & Use:

· Make a fine powder from the dried bark.

· Mix with water or rose water to form a smooth paste.

· Apply to the affected area and leave for 20-30 minutes before washing.

7. Disclaimer:

Neolamarckia cadambahas a long history of traditional use, but scientific data on its safety profile for long-term use is limited. The bark decoction is considered safe in traditional therapeutic doses. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid its use due to a lack of safety data. As with any herbal medicine, consultation with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner is recommended before use.

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

· Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

· Wealth of India - Raw Materials, Vol. I

· Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

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

1. Haldina cordifolia (Haldu, Kadamba)

* Species:Haldina cordifolia | Family: Rubiaceae | Genus: Haldina

* Similarities:Both trees are sometimes colloquially called "Kadamba" and belong to the Rubiaceae family. Haldu bark is also used as a febrifuge and astringent, sharing similar medicinal applications for fever and skin conditions.

2. Saraca asoca (Ashoka)

* Species:Saraca asoca | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Saraca

* Similarities:Both Ashoka and Kadamba are deeply woven into Indian cultural and religious mythology. Medicinally, both have astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. While Ashoka is specific to female reproductive health, Kadamba is more focused on fever and urinary health.

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