Pandanus amaryllifolius (Pandanaceae) Biryani Leaf

Pandanus amaryllifolius (Pandan Leaf)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Pandanus amaryllifolius

Family: Pandanaceae

Genus: Pandanus

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Pandanus tectorius (Ketaki): A coastal plant found in South India and Southeast Asia. Its fragrant flowers are used in perfumery, and parts of the plant are used in traditional medicine for headaches, rheumatism, and skin diseases. It is mentioned in some Ayurvedic texts, though with cautions regarding spiritual purity.

• Pandanus odorifer: Another aromatic species whose flowers are used to make aromatic water (kewra) and are used in Ayurvedic formulations for their cooling and calming properties on the mind and heart.

The Pandanaceae family consists of tropical, palmlike plants known for their distinctive fragrance and utility in food, fiber, and traditional medicine.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Pandanus amaryllifolius | English: Pandan Leaf, Fragrant Pandan, Asian Screwpine | Sanskrit: Not definitively recorded in classical texts; may be referred to as Ketaki in a broader sense, though this is botanically ambiguous. | Hindi: Rambha, Kewda | Tamil: பன்னை இலை (Pannai Ilai), Ramba | Telugu: Mogali, Ketaki | Kannada: Kedige, Mogali | Malayalam: പുന്ന (Punna), താളി (Thaali) | Marathi: अनन्त वल्ली (Anant Valli) | Bengali: রামদা (Ramda), Keyat | Indonesian: Daun Pandan | Malay: Daun Pandan | Thai: Bai Toey | Filipino: Pandan | French: Pandan odorant |

3. Medicinal Uses:Antioxidant, Antidepressant, Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Carminative, Mild Laxative, Cardioprotective (studied), Gastroprotective.

Medicinal Parts:The leaves are the primary part used for both culinary and medicinal purposes.

• Leaves: Used fresh, dried, or as an extract. The basis for all culinary and most medicinal applications.

• Roots: Occasionally used in traditional medicine systems outside India, but leaf use is predominant.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Alkaloids (Pandamarilactones, Pandanamine): Unique alkaloids found in pandan leaves. Their action is primarily Neuroprotective, with studies indicating Antidepressant and Anxiolytic effects by influencing neurotransmitter levels.

Essential Oil (2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline): This is the key aromatic compound responsible for the characteristic "jasmine rice" or "basmati" fragrance. Its action is Aromatic Stimulant, contributing to mood elevation and possibly acting as a gentle Carminative.

Flavonoids and Phenolic Compounds: Provide broad-spectrum Antioxidant activity, protecting cells from oxidative damage and supporting its Cardioprotective and Anti-aging properties.

Tannins: Contribute mild Astringent properties.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Manodaha (Mental Agitation) & Chittodvega (Anxiety)

Formulation: Leaf infusion or decoction.

Preparation & Use: A tea made from fresh or dried pandan leaves is a common folk remedy in Southeast Asia and South Indian households to calm nerves, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of well-being.

Reasoning: The unique alkaloids (pandamarilactones) are believed to have a modulating effect on the central nervous system, promoting relaxation without sedation.

Jwara (Fever) & Daha (Burning Sensation)

Formulation: Leaf decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the leaves is consumed to help reduce fever and alleviate internal heat or burning sensations in the body.

Reasoning: The plant is considered to have cooling properties (Sheeta Virya), helping to pacify Pitta dosha. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions may also support recovery.

Agnimandya (Weak Digestion) & Anaha (Bloating)

Formulation: As a culinary ingredient in rice or drinks.

Preparation & Use: Adding pandan leaves during the cooking of rice or legumes is believed to make them more digestible and less gas-forming.

Reasoning: The carminative property of the aromatic essential oil helps in the expulsion of gas and soothes the digestive tract.

Raktashodhaka (Blood Purifier) & Twak Vikara (Skin Health)

Formulation: Leaf paste or infused oil.

Preparation & Use: A paste of fresh leaves is applied topically to support skin healing. Pandan leaf-infused coconut oil is used in some traditions for skin and hair care.

Reasoning: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds help soothe skin irritations and promote a clear complexion from the inside out when consumed.

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

Pandan is a quintessential culinary herb across Southeast and South Asia, prized for its fragrance and color.

Calming Pandan Leaf Tea

Purpose: To alleviate stress, anxiety, and promote relaxation.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 2-3 fresh pandan leaves, washed and tied into a knot.

• Boil in 2 cups of water for 10-15 minutes until the water turns light green and fragrant.

• Strain and drink warm. Can be sweetened with palm sugar or honey.

Digestive Pandan Rice

Purpose: To enhance the digestibility and aroma of staple rice.

Preparation & Use:

• Add 1-2 knotted pandan leaves to the pot when cooking plain rice or biryani.

• The leaves impart a beautiful aroma and are believed to reduce the heavy, bloating quality of rice.

Pandan-Infused Coconut Oil for Skin & Hair

Purpose: A topical oil for dry skin or as a hair conditioner.

Preparation & Use:

• Chop 5-6 fresh pandan leaves and slowly heat them in a cup of virgin coconut oil until the leaves become crispy.

• Strain and store. Use as a moisturizing body oil or hair mask.

7. Disclaimer:

Pandanus amaryllifolius leaves are generally recognized as safe when used in typical culinary quantities. Medicinal use in higher concentrations (as in strong decoctions) is considered safe in traditional practice but should be approached with moderation. There is limited safety data for pregnant and breastfeeding women, so culinary use is fine, but concentrated medicinal use should be avoided. As with any herb, allergic reactions are possible. This information is for educational and cultural purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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

• Indian Medicinal Plants by K.S. Manilal

• Wealth of India by CSIR

• Ethnobotany of India (Vol. 5: The Indo-Gangetic Region and Central India) by T. Pullaiah

• Plants of Southeast Asia (online and print resources)

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

1. Centella asiatica (Mandukaparni)

• Species: Centella asiatica | Family: Apiaceae | Genus: Centella

• Similarities: Both are celebrated for their Medhya (nervine/brain-tonic) and Anxiolytic properties. While Mandukaparni is more directly a cognitive enhancer, both herbs are used to calm the mind, reduce stress, and are considered adaptogens.

2. Jasminum sambac (Mogra/Jasmine)

• Species: Jasminum sambac | Family: Oleaceae | Genus: Jasminum

• Similarities: Both are intensely fragrant plants where the scent itself is considered therapeutic. Jasmine flowers are used to uplift mood and calm nerves in aromatherapy, similar to how pandan's aroma is used in culinary therapy for well-being. Both have cooling properties.

3. Vetiveria zizanioides (Ushira/Vetiver)

• Species: Vetiveria zizanioides | Family: Poaceae | Genus: Vetiveria

• Similarities: Both are aromatic grasses/herbs with profound cooling effects. Vetiver root is a classic Ayurvedic herb for pacifying Pitta, reducing fever, and soothing burning sensations, much like the traditional use of pandan leaf decoctions.

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