Neltuma juliflora(Fabaceae)Antidiabetic- Mesquite

Quick Overview:

This tree is foremost a Nutritional Tonic and Anti-diabetic Agent. Its highly nutritious pods (sangri) help combat malnutrition and fatigue, while its leaves and bark are traditionally used to manage diabetes and hyperglycemia effectively.

Its secondary applications include treating respiratory issues (asthma, bronchitis), digestive disorders, as a febrifuge (fever reducer) and anti-inflammatory for joint pain.

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Neltuma juliflora formerly Prosopis juliflora

Family: Fabaceae

Genus: Prosopis

This genus is part of the Fabaceae family, often consisting of hardy, drought-resistant trees that can thrive in arid conditions, sometimes becoming invasive

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Acacia nilotica (Babool): An astringent herb used for gum diseases, wounds, and diarrhea.

• Glycyrrhiza glabra (Yashtimadhu): A sweet, demulcent, and rejuvenative herb.

• Trigonella foenum-graecum (Methi): A culinary and medicinal seed for diabetes and digestion.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Prosopis juliflora | English: Mesquite, Honey Mesquite, Algarrobo | Sanskrit: शमी (Shami), केशshamī (Keshshami) – Note: Often equated with Prosopis cineraria, which is the true "Shami" of Ayurveda. | Hindi: विलायती कीकर (Vilayati Kikar), जंगली कीकर (Jangli Kikar) | Tamil: செவ்வந்தி (Sevvandi), வரால் (Varal) | Telugu: తుమ్మి (Tummi), జమీ చెట్టు (Jami Chettu) | Kannada: ಬನ್ನಿ (Banni) | Marathi: बहावा (Bahava), विलायती कीकर (Vilayati Kikar) | Spanish: Mezquite | Arabic: الغاف (Al-ghaf) |

3. Medicinal Uses:Astringent, Anti-inflammatory, Antipyretic, Antidiarrheal, Anthelmintic, Vulnerary (wound healing). Note: Parts used and preparation are critical due to potential toxicity.

Medicinal Parts:The gum, pods, leaves, and bark are used with caution.

• Gum (Mesquite Gum): Considered the safest part, used as a demulcent.

• Pods: Sweet when ripe, used as fodder and sometimes food; unripe pods are astringent.

• Leaves & Bark: Used in traditional medicine but contain alkaloids.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Alkaloids (Juliflorine, Julifloridine): Present in leaves and bark, these have demonstrated Antimicrobial and Anthelmintic activity but are also Neurotoxic and potentially harmful in high doses.

Tannins: Abundant in bark and pods, providing Astringent, Antidiarrheal, and Wound Healing properties.

Gum (Polysaccharides like Arabinogalactan): Acts as a Demulcent and Emollient, soothing irritated mucous membranes.

Flavonoids & Phenolics: Contribute to Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory effects.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Atisara (Diarrhea) & Raktapitta (Bleeding)

Formulation: Bark decoction or gum.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the bark is used as a gargle for bleeding gums and sore throat. The gum is dissolved in water and consumed for diarrhea and dysentery.

Reasoning: The high tannin content in the bark provides a strong astringent effect, contracting tissues and reducing secretions/bleeding.

Vrana (Wounds) & Twak Vikara (Skin Infections)

Formulation: Leaf paste or bark decoction wash.

Preparation & Use: A paste of the fresh leaves is applied topically on wounds, ulcers, and skin infections to promote cleaning and healing.

Reasoning: The antimicrobial and astringent properties help disinfect the wound and promote granulation.

Krimi (Worms) & Jwara (Fever)

Formulation: Leaf or seed extract (used with extreme caution).

Preparation & Use: In some folk traditions, extracts are used for deworming and to reduce malarial fevers. This use is risky due to alkaloid content.

Reasoning: The alkaloids are toxic to parasites and may have antipyretic effects, but they also pose a risk to the host.

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

Ripe pods can be dried, ground into a sweet, nutritious flour high in protein and fiber, used in baking or as a porridge. The gum is edible.

Mesquite Gum Syrup for Sore Throat/ Cough

Purpose: To soothe irritated mucous membranes.

Preparation & Use:

1. Dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of clean mesquite gum in a cup of warm water or milk.

2. Stir well and drink. Can be taken 1-2 times a day.

Astringent Bark Gargle

Purpose: For gingivitis, mouth ulcers, or sore throat.

Preparation & Use:

1. Boil a small piece of bark (approx. 2 inches) in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes.

2. Strain, cool, and use as a gargle. Do not swallow.

7. Disclaimer:Prosopis juliflora is a controversial plant. It is highly invasive in many regions, outcompeting native flora. Medicinally, the leaves, seeds, and bark contain alkaloids that can be toxic, causing neurological symptoms and potential fatality in livestock and possibly humans. Internal use of leaves, seeds, or bark is NOT recommended without expert ethnobotanical guidance. The gum and ripe pod flour are considered safe. Proper identification is crucial to distinguish it from the more medicinally benign Prosopis cineraria (true Shami). This information is for academic study of traditional uses and risks.

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

• Wealth of India (Raw Materials) by CSIR

• Ethnobotany of India (Volumes on arid regions)

• Scientific journals on invasive species and phytochemistry.

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

1. Prosopis cineraria (Shami, Khejri)

• Species: Prosopis cineraria | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Prosopis

• Similarities: This is the true "Shami" tree revered in Ayurveda and Indian culture. It is non-invasive, and its bark, gum, and pods are used safely for astringent, wound-healing, and demulcent purposes, contrasting with the problematic P. juliflora.

2. Acacia nilotica (Babool)

• Species: Acacia nilotica | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Vachellia

• Similarities: Both are thorny, arid-zone trees with bark extremely rich in tannins. They are used almost identically as astringent gargles, for wound healing, and for treating diarrhea, representing a convergent use of tannin-rich barks in traditional medicine.

3. Ceratonia siliqua (Carob)

• Species: Ceratonia siliqua | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Ceratonia

• Similarities: Both produce sweet, edible pods that can be made into flour. Carob is a safe, nutritious chocolate substitute, while mesquite pod flour has a unique sweet, nutty flavor. They represent Fabaceae trees cultivated for their sugary pods.