Tabernaemontana divaricata (Apocynaceae) Pinwheel flower, Tagar

Tabernaemontana divaricata (Crape Jasmine, Pinwheel Flower)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Tabernaemontana divaricata

Family: Apocynaceae

Genus: Tabernaemontana

The Apocynaceae family is renowned for its wealth of biologically active plants, many containing powerful indole alkaloids. These plants are often dual-natured: possessing profound therapeutic potential but also significant toxicity if misused.

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Catharanthus roseus (Sadabahar, Periwinkle): A critically important medicinal plant native to Madagascar but naturalized across India. It is the source of the anticancer alkaloids vincristine and vinblastine, and is also used in Ayurveda for diabetes.

• Rauvolfia serpentina (Sarpagandha): A premier Ayurvedic herb for hypertension, anxiety, and insomnia. It is the source of the alkaloid reserpine and is native to the Indian subcontinent.

• Holarrhena pubescens (Kutaja): A key herb in Ayurveda for managing diarrhea, dysentery, and intestinal parasites. Its bark is used extensively in formulations like Kutajarishta.

• Wrightia tinctoria (Indrajav, Dyer's Oleander): Used traditionally for psoriasis, other skin diseases, and as a galactagogue. Its seeds are a source of a blue dye.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Tabernaemontana divaricata | English: Crape Jasmine, Pinwheel Flower, Nero's Crown, East Indian Rosebay | Sanskrit: Tagar, Nandi (Note: 'Tagar' is also used for Valeriana wallichii, causing some confusion; context is key) | Hindi: Chandni, Tagar | Tamil: Nandiyavattam, Kundalappoo | Telugu: Nandi Chevva | Kannada: Nandi battalu | Malayalam: Nandyarvattom | Marathi: Tagar, Ananta | Bengali: Tagar, Chandani | Sinhala: Saman pichcha | Thai: Phut son (พุทธสร) | Chinese: Chàngchūn Huā (長春花) |

3. Medicinal Uses:Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic (pain-relieving), Anticonvulsant, Anticancer (cytotoxic), Antihypertensive, Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Antimicrobial, Wound Healing.

Medicinal Parts:Different parts of the Tabernaemontana divaricata plant are used in various traditional systems.

• Root: Considered the most potent part in many traditions, used for severe pain, hypertension, and mental disorders.

• Leaves: Commonly used for headaches, eye ailments, wounds, and as a general anti-inflammatory.

• Latex (Milky Sap): Applied topically for wounds, warts, and skin infections.

• Flowers: Sometimes used in decoctions for eye complaints.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Indole Alkaloids (Coronaridine, Voacangine, Tabernaemontanine, Ibogaine): This is the primary class of bioactive compounds. Their actions are diverse and potent, including Anticonvulsant, Analgesic, Anticancer (cytotoxic to tumor cells), and Antimicrobial effects. Some, like ibogaine (in related species), have profound effects on the central nervous system.

Flavonoids and Phenolic Acids: These contribute to the plant's strong scavenging ability. Their primary actions are Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory, helping to protect cells from oxidative stress and reduce systemic inflammation.

Terpenoids and Sterols: These compounds often work synergistically with alkaloids, enhancing the overall Anti-inflammatory and Wound Healing properties of the plant.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Shoola (Pain) & Shotha (Inflammation)

Formulation: Root decoction or paste from leaves.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the root is given internally for severe pain, including toothache, rheumatic pain, and abdominal pain. A paste of the leaves is applied externally to inflamed joints or painful swellings.

Reasoning: The indole alkaloids, particularly coronaridine, have demonstrated significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties in pharmacological studies.

Netra Roga (Eye Diseases)

Formulation: Leaf juice or flower decoction.

Preparation & Use: The cooled decoction of leaves or flowers is used as an eyewash, or a drop of the mild leaf juice is applied to the eyes to treat conjunctivitis, irritation, and corneal opacity.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help reduce infection and swelling. This practice requires extreme caution and sterile preparation.

Apasmara (Epilepsy) & Manas Vikara (Mental Disorders)

Formulation: Root powder or medicated ghee (Ghrita).

Preparation & Use: In specific Ayurvedic and Siddha formulations, the root is processed (shodhana) and administered in very controlled doses for managing seizures, hysteria, and anxiety.

Reasoning: Several indole alkaloids in Tabernaemontana species are known to have central nervous system activity, including anticonvulsant and sedative effects, validating this traditional use.

Vrana (Wounds) & Skin Infections

Formulation: Topical latex or leaf poultice.

Preparation & Use: The milky latex is directly applied to wounds, cuts, and warts to promote healing and prevent infection. Crushed leaves are applied as a poultice for boils and abscesses.

Reasoning: The latex and leaves contain antimicrobial and cell-proliferative compounds that aid in cleansing the wound and accelerating tissue repair.

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

This plant is used primarily as medicine and is not considered a culinary herb. All preparations should be used with great caution.

External Leaf Paste for Headache or Joint Pain

Purpose: To relieve localized pain and inflammation.

Preparation & Use:

• Take a handful of fresh Chandni leaves.

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

• Apply this paste on the forehead for headaches or on swollen, painful joints. Leave on for 20-30 minutes before washing off.

Root Decoction for Severe Pain (Under Guidance)

Purpose: As an analgesic for conditions like rheumatic pain.

Preparation & Use:

• A small piece of dried root (typically a few grams, as prescribed) is boiled in 2 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

• This decoction is strained and taken in small divided doses (e.g., 1-2 tablespoons) under the strict guidance of a qualified practitioner. Self-preparation is not advised due to potency and variability.

Latex Application for Warts

Purpose: To remove common warts.

Preparation & Use:

• Break a leaf or stem to exude the white latex.

• Apply the latex directly onto the wart, being careful to avoid the surrounding healthy skin.

• Repeat once daily until the wart dries and falls off.

7. Disclaimer:

Tabernaemontana divaricata contains potent indole alkaloids and should be used with extreme caution. The raw plant, especially the root and latex, can be toxic if ingested inappropriately. It is not a plant for self-medication. Internal use must only be undertaken under the direct supervision of a knowledgeable Ayurvedic or Siddha practitioner who can ensure proper processing (shodhana) and dosage. It may interact with sedative medications, blood pressure drugs, and antidepressants. The latex can be a skin irritant. This information is for academic and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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

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

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

• Siddha Materia Medica (Mineral & Plant Kingdom) by Dr. M. Murugesa Mudaliar

• The Alkaloids: Chemistry and Biology (Academic Press) - For scientific depth on indole alkaloids.

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

1. Rauvolfia serpentina (Sarpagandha)

• Species: Rauvolfia serpentina | Family: Apocynaceae | Genus: Rauvolfia

• Similarities: Both are Apocynaceae plants rich in powerful indole alkaloids with profound effects on the central nervous system and cardiovascular system. Both are used for hypertension and mental ailments but must be used with expert guidance due to their potency.

2. Valeriana wallichii (Indian Valerian, Tagar)

• Species: Valeriana wallichii | Family: Caprifoliaceae | Genus: Valeriana

• Similarities: This is the other major herb referred to as "Tagar" in Ayurveda. Both V. wallichii and T. divaricata are used as sedatives, anticonvulsants, and for pain relief. Studying the differences between these two "Tagars" is a classic exercise in Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna).

3. Convolvulus pluricaulis (Shankhapushpi)

• Species: Convolvulus pluricaulis | Family: Convolvulaceae | Genus: Convolvulus

• Similarities: Both are celebrated in Ayurveda as Medhya Rasayanas (brain tonics) used for enhancing intellect, memory, and managing nervous disorders. However, Shankhapushpi is generally considered gentler and safer for long-term use as a brain tonic, while Tagar (T. divaricata) is used for more acute, severe conditions.

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