Streblus asper (Moraceae) Toothbrush Tree

Streblus asper (Toothbrush Tree)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Streblus asper

Family: Moraceae

Genus: Streblus

The Moraceae family, known for figs and mulberries, contains several plants with latex and significant medicinal or nutritive value.

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Ficus religiosa (Ashwattha): The sacred fig, used for its bark in skin diseases and as a nervine tonic.

• Artocarpus heterophyllus (Jackfruit): The fruit, seeds, and leaves are used as food and medicine for nutritive and anti-diabetic purposes.

• Morus alba (Tuta/White Mulberry): Leaves used in diabetes, fruit as a nutritive tonic.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Streblus asper | English: Toothbrush Tree, Sand Paper Tree, Siamese Rough Bush | Sanskrit: Sihar, Kharapatra, Sahada | Hindi: Sahora, Sihti | Tamil: Pirai, Piraiyila | Telugu: Barrenka, Mushti | Kannada: Muginakayi, Harive | Malayalam: Parayil, Parayam | Marathi: Sahar, Haraw | Bengali: Sheora, Sahada | Sinhala: Geta midella | Thai: Khoi | Khmer: Sdao |

3. Medicinal Uses:Antimicrobial, Astringent, Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Anti-inflammatory, Antidiarrheal, Cardiotonic (in specific preparations), Dental Care (primary use), Antivenom (traditional use for snake bites).

Medicinal Parts:The bark, leaves, roots, and latex are used medicinally.

• Bark: The most commonly used part, especially for dental care and fever.

• Leaves: Used in poultices and washes.

• Roots: Used in decoctions for systemic issues.

• Latex: Applied topically for skin ailments.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Cardiac Glycosides (Strebloside, Mansonin): These are potent compounds with Cardiotonic activity, similar to digitalis, but they are also toxic in high doses. Their action requires extreme caution.

Flavonoids (Quercetin, Rutin): Provide Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Antimicrobial support.

Tannins: Impart strong Astringent and Antimicrobial properties, crucial for its dental and wound-healing uses.

Triterpenoids and Sterols: Contribute to the Anti-inflammatory and general therapeutic effects.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Danta Roga (Dental Diseases)

Formulation: Twig as a toothbrush (datun), bark decoction as a mouthwash.

Preparation & Use: Fresh twigs are chewed into a fibrous brush and used to clean teeth, strengthen gums, and treat pyorrhea. A decoction of the bark is used as a gargle for toothache, sore throat, and gum infections.

Reasoning: The astringent tannins tighten gum tissue, while the antimicrobial compounds fight oral pathogens, preventing caries and gingivitis. The twig's fibrous nature provides mechanical cleaning.

Jwara (Fever) & Atisara (Diarrhea)

Formulation: Bark decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the bark is consumed to treat intermittent fevers (like malaria) and acute diarrhea due to its astringent and antipyretic properties.

Reasoning: The astringent action helps reduce intestinal secretion in diarrhea, while its bioactive compounds may help reduce fever.

Vishagna (Antitoxic) - Snake & Scorpion Bite

Formulation: Root paste or latex application.

Preparation & Use: In folk medicine, a paste of the root is applied topically to the site of a snake or scorpion bite. The latex is also applied. This is a first-aid measure and not a substitute for antivenom.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory and potentially neutralizing compounds may help reduce local tissue damage and pain, though efficacy against systemic venom is not scientifically proven.

Vrana (Wounds) & Skin Infections

Formulation: Latex application or leaf poultice.

Preparation & Use: The milky latex is directly applied to cuts, wounds, and ringworm infections. A poultice of the leaves is applied to inflammatory swellings.

Reasoning: The antimicrobial and astringent properties help cleanse the wound, prevent infection, and promote contraction for healing.

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

It is not a culinary herb. Its use is strictly medicinal and for dental hygiene.

Natural Toothpaste Powder

Purpose: For gum strengthening and oral hygiene.

Preparation & Use:

• Dry the bark of Streblus asper and make a fine powder.

• Mix with a pinch of roasted alum (phitkari) and rock salt (sendha namak).

• Use this powder to massage gums and clean teeth twice a week.

Antipyretic & Antidiarrheal Decoction

Purpose: For fever and loose stools.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 1-2 teaspoons of crushed Streblus asper bark.

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

• Strain and drink 1-2 tablespoons of this decoction 2-3 times a day.

First-Aid Poultice for Bites & Stings

Purpose: To manage pain and local inflammation from insect or scorpion stings.

Preparation & Use:

• Crush a handful of fresh roots or leaves with a little water to make a paste.

• Apply it thickly to the affected area.

• Seek immediate medical attention for venomous bites.

7. Disclaimer:

Streblus asper contains cardiac glycosides which are TOXIC if ingested in large quantities. Internal use should be very limited and under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. The traditional use for snake bites is a first-aid measure and NOT a substitute for antivenom therapy; immediate hospitalization is critical. The latex can be a skin irritant for some individuals. Dental use of the twig is generally considered safe. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid internal use. This information is for educational and academic purposes only.

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

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

• Wealth of India (Raw Materials) by CSIR

• Ethnobotany of India Series

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (if included)

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

1. Azadirachta indica (Neem)

• Species: Azadirachta indica | Family: Meliaceae | Genus: Azadirachta

• Similarities: Both are quintessential dental care herbs in India. Neem twigs are also used as datun, and both plants have potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and blood-purifying properties used for skin and oral health.

2. Salvadora persica (Miswak)

• Species: Salvadora persica | Family: Salvadoraceae | Genus: Salvadora

• Similarities: Known as the "toothbrush tree" in the Middle East and North Africa, its twigs (miswak) are used identically to those of Streblus asper for oral hygiene. Both contain antimicrobial compounds that promote gum health and prevent plaque.

3. Calotropis procera (Arka)

• Species: Calotropis procera | Family: Apocynaceae | Genus: Calotropis

• Similarities: Both plants produce abundant milky latex used in traditional medicine for skin ailments and as an anti-inflammatory poultice. Both also have a history of use in dental care and require caution due to the presence of potent, potentially toxic compounds.

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