Spathodea campanulata (Bignoniaceae)

Spathodea campanulata (African Tulip Tree)

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification

Species: Spathodea campanulata

Family: Bignoniaceae

Genus: Spathodea

Related Herbs from the same family:

Oroxylum indicum (Shyonaka): A key ingredient in the famous Ayurvedic formulation "Dashamoola" (ten roots). Its root and stem bark are used for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and digestive properties.

Kigelia africana (Sausage Tree): Used extensively in African traditional medicine for skin diseases, fungal infections, and as a topical treatment for wounds and sores.

Tabebuia impetiginosa (Pau d'Arco/Lapacho): A renowned herb from South America, the inner bark is used for its potent antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

The Bignoniaceae family is known for its ornamental trees and lianas. Many members possess bitter principles and are used in traditional medicine for skin diseases, gastrointestinal issues, and as anti-infectives.

2. Common names

Scientific Name: Spathodea campanulata | English: African Tulip Tree, Flame of the Forest | Sanskrit: Not a native species; no classical Sanskrit name. | Hindi: Rugtora, African Tulip | Tamil: Patadi, Panchotty | Telugu: Aaku Chettu | Kannada: Neerukayi Mara | Malayalam: African Tulip, Syandana | Marathi: Gubbaka | Bengali: African Tulip | African names: Nandi flame, Fountain tree |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Antimicrobial,Anti-inflammatory, Antifungal, Antimalarial, Antioxidant, Diuretic, Antidiabetic, Anthelmintic (anti-worm).

Medicinal Parts:

The stem bark,leaves, flowers, and roots are all used in African and other traditional medicine systems.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Tannins (Catechins, Gallotannins): Astringent compounds. Their actions are Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Astringent.

Flavonoids (Quercetin, Luteolin): Provide strong Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Antimicrobial effects.

Phenolic Glycosides (Spathoside): A unique compound isolated from this plant, studied for its Antifungal properties.

Triterpenoids (Ursolic Acid): A compound with demonstrated Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer activities.

Saponins: Soap-like compounds that have Antifungal and Anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) properties.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Vrana (Wounds) & Kushtha (Skin Diseases)

Formulation: Bark or leaf paste.

Preparation & Use: The fresh bark or leaves are crushed into a paste and applied topically to wounds, ulcers, rashes, and skin infections. The flower juice is also used on burns.

Reasoning: The high tannin and phenolic content provides strong antimicrobial and astringent action, helping to cleanse wounds and promote healing.

Jwara (Malarial Fever) & Vishamajwara (Intermittent Fever)

Formulation: Bark decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the stem bark is a well-known traditional remedy in Africa for managing the symptoms of malaria and other fevers.

Reasoning: The plant's antipyretic and antimalarial properties, attributed to its bioactive compounds, help reduce fever and combat the malaria parasite.

Mutrakrichra (Dysuria) & Shotha (Edema)

Formulation: Leaf decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the leaves is consumed as a diuretic to promote urine flow, relieve painful urination, and reduce edema (swelling).

Reasoning: The diuretic property helps flush the urinary system and reduce water retention.

Prameha (Diabetes) & Krimi (Intestinal Worms)

Formulation: Bark or root extract.

Preparation & Use: Extracts of the bark and roots are used internally in traditional medicine to help control blood sugar and to expel intestinal worms.

Reasoning: The hypoglycemic effect is linked to its antioxidant and possibly insulin-sensitizing compounds. The anthelmintic property is likely due to its saponin content.

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

This plant is not used in cooking. Its applications are primarily medicinal and external.

Antiseptic Bark Decoction for Washing Wounds

Purpose: To clean and disinfect wounds and skin ulcers.

Preparation & Use:

· Take a handful of chopped stem bark.

· Boil in 4 cups of water until it reduces to 2 cups.

· Allow to cool and use the liquid to wash wounds 2-3 times a day.

Leaf Paste for Skin Fungus and Rashes

Purpose: To treat fungal infections and inflammatory skin conditions.

Preparation & Use:

· Take a few fresh leaves.

· Grind them into a fine paste with a little water.

· Apply a thin layer to the affected area and leave for 30 minutes before washing off. Do this twice daily.

Diuretic Leaf Tea

Purpose: To support kidney function and reduce swelling.

Preparation & Use:

· Take 5-10 dried leaves.

· Steep in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes.

· Strain and drink once a day.

7. Disclaimer:

Spathodea campanulatahas documented medicinal uses but also contains bioactive compounds that can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. The plant, especially the seeds, is considered poisonous. Internal use should be approached with extreme caution and only under the guidance of a knowledgeable practitioner. Skin sensitivity tests are recommended before widespread topical application. This information is for academic and ethnobotanical interest only and is not a guide for self-treatment.

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

· Medicinal Plants of the World by Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink

· African Traditional Medicine: A Dictionary of Plant Use and Applications by Hans Dieter Neuwinger

· Journal of Ethnopharmacology (for research papers on its biological activities)

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

1. Oroxylum indicum (Shyonaka)

* Species:Oroxylum indicum | Family: Bignoniaceae | Genus: Oroxylum

* Similarities:As a fellow Bignoniaceae, Shyonaka shares anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. It provides a classical Ayurvedic perspective on the medicinal potential of this plant family.

2. Kigelia africana (Sausage Tree)

* Species:Kigelia africana | Family: Bignoniaceae | Genus: Kigelia

* Similarities:Both are African trees from the same family with renowned uses for skin diseases, fungal infections, and as antimicrobials. They are cornerstone plants in their respective traditional medicine systems.

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