Polyalthia longifolia (Annonaceae) False Ashoka

Polyalthia longifolia (False Ashoka Tree)

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification

Species: Polyalthia longifolia

Family: Annonaceae

Genus: Polyalthia

Related Herbs from the same family:

Annona squamosa (Sitaphal/Custard Apple): The fruit is a nutritive tonic and digestive. The seeds are insecticidal, and the leaves are used in traditional medicine for their wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Artabotrys hexapetalus (Hara Champa): Used in traditional medicine for its aromatic properties and for treating malaria and fever.

Xylopia aethiopica (Ethiopian Pepper): Used in African traditional medicine as a carminative, stimulant, and for treating respiratory infections.

The Annonaceae family, known as the custard apple family, is characterized by aromatic trees and shrubs. Many species contain isoquinoline alkaloids and are known for their use in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments, including fever, pain, and infections.

2. Common names

Scientific Name: Polyalthia longifolia | English: False Ashoka, Mast Tree, Indian Fir | Sanskrit: Ashopalav, Devadaru | Hindi: Ashok, Debadaru | Tamil: Nettilam, Asogam | Telugu: Asokamu, Nara Mamidi | Kannada: Ubbina, Asoke | Malayalam: Asokam | Marathi: Ashok | Bengali: Debadaru | Sinhala: Boo Ashoka |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Antioxidant,Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Antihypertensive, Hypoglycemic, Hepatoprotective.

Medicinal Parts:

The bark,leaves, and roots are used in traditional medicine. The leaves are the most commonly studied part.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Clerodane Diterpenes: A major class of compounds in this plant. Their actions are potent Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Anti-inflammatory.

Isoquinoline Alkaloids (e.g., Liriodenine): These alkaloids are common in the Annonaceae family. Their actions include Antimicrobial, Antifungal, and Cytotoxic (potential anti-cancer) activities.

Flavonoids (Quercetin, Rutin): Plant antioxidants. Their primary actions are Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Vasoprotective (strengthens blood vessels).

Triterpenoids and Sterols: Contribute to the Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant effects, and may support Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic actions.

Lignans: Compounds with Antioxidant and potential Phytoestrogenic properties.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Jwara (Fever) & Sopha (Inflammation)

Formulation: Leaf decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction made from the leaves is consumed to reduce fever and inflammation, including joint pain and skin conditions.

Reasoning: The antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties of the clerodane diterpenes and alkaloids help reduce body temperature and inflammation.

Vrana (Wounds) & Kushtha (Skin Disorders)

Formulation: Leaf paste or bark paste.

Preparation & Use: The fresh leaves or bark are ground into a paste and applied topically on wounds, ulcers, and skin diseases like boils and eczema.

Reasoning: The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help prevent infection, reduce swelling, and promote healing.

Mutrakrichra (Dysuria) & Ashmari (Kidney Stones)

Formulation: Bark decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the bark is used traditionally to support urinary tract health and to help in the management of kidney stones.

Reasoning: Its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties may help flush the urinary system and reduce discomfort.

Raktachapa (Hypertension)

Formulation: Leaf extract or decoction.

Preparation & Use: The leaf extract is used in traditional medicine to help lower blood pressure.

Reasoning: Certain compounds in the leaves have demonstrated vasodilatory and antihypertensive effects in studies.

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

Polyalthia longifolia is primarily used for medicinal and ornamental purposes, not as a food.

Leaf Decoction for Fever and Inflammation

Purpose: To reduce fever and internal inflammation.

Preparation & Use:

· Take a handful of fresh Polyalthia longifolia leaves.

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

· Strain and allow to cool. Drink 1-2 tablespoons twice a day.

Antimicrobial Leaf Paste for Wounds

Purpose: To prevent infection and promote wound healing.

Preparation & Use:

· Crush a few fresh leaves into a fine paste.

· Apply this paste directly to clean wounds, boils, or skin eruptions.

· Cover with a clean cloth. Change twice a day.

Bark Decoction for Urinary Health

Purpose: Traditional support for urinary function.

Preparation & Use:

· Boil 1-2 teaspoons of dried bark in 1.5 cups of water for 10-15 minutes.

· Strain and drink once a day.

7. Disclaimer:

Polyalthia longifoliais not a common culinary herb, and its safety profile for long-term internal use is not fully established. Much of the information is based on traditional use and preliminary scientific studies. It should not be used as a substitute for standard medical treatment. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid its use due to a lack of safety data. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any plant for medicinal purposes.

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

· Indian Medicinal Plants by Lt. Col. K.R. Kirtikar and Maj. B.D. Basu

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

· The Wealth of India

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

1. Saraca asoca (True Ashoka)

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

* Similarities:Despite the shared common name, they are from different families. However, both are used in traditional medicine for gynecological and inflammatory conditions. True Ashoka is a premier uterine tonic, while Polyalthia longifolia shares anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

2. Magnolia champaca (Champak)

* Species:Magnolia champaca | Family: Magnoliaceae | Genus: Magnolia

* Similarities:Both are large, ornamental trees with fragrant flowers. They share anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The bark and flowers of Champak are also used in traditional medicine for fever, inflammation, and as an aphrodisiac.

-x-x-x-End-x-x-x-