Tecoma stans (Bignoniaceae) Yellow Bells
- Das K
- Nov 26
- 4 min read
Tecoma stans (Yellow Bells)
1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification
Species: Tecoma stans
Family: Bignoniaceae
Genus: Tecoma
Related Herbs from the same family:
Oroxylum indicum (Shyonaka): A key Dashamula (ten roots) herb in Ayurveda, used extensively for balancing Vata dosha, treating pain, inflammation, and respiratory conditions.
Stereospermum colais (Patala):Â Another crucial Dashamula herb, used similarly for its Vata-balancing, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties.
The Bignoniaceae family is known for its ornamental trees and shrubs, many of which have significant medicinal value, particularly in managing diabetes and inflammation.
2. Common names
Scientific Name: Tecoma stans | English: Yellow Bells, Yellow Elder, Trumpet Flower | Sanskrit: Sphootingi (not a classical name, but used in some regions) | Hindi: Piliya, Basantika | Tamil: Sonapatti, Thanga arali | Telugu: Pachagotla | Kannada: Koranekili | Malayalam: Manjakonnappoo | Marathi: Ghanti ful | Bengali: Golghonta | Spanish: Esperanza |
3. Medicinal Uses:Antidiabetic (Hypoglycemic), Diuretic, Digestive, Anti-inflammatory, Hepatoprotective, Cardiotonic, Anthelmintic.
Medicinal Parts:The root, bark, leaves, and flowers are all used for medicinal purposes, with the root and leaves being most common.
4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.
Monoterpene Alkaloids (Tecomine, Tecostanine): These are the primary bioactive compounds studied for their Hypoglycemic (blood sugar-lowering) effects.
Flavonoids (Quercetin, Luteolin): Potent Antioxidants that also contribute to Anti-inflammatory and Diuretic actions.
Iridoid Glycosides: Compounds known for their Anti-inflammatory and Hepatoprotective properties.
Phenolic Acids (Chlorogenic acid): Known for its Antioxidant and Hypoglycemic effects by influencing glucose metabolism.
Tannins: Provide the Astringent property, useful in treating diarrhea.
5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.
Prameha (Diabetes) & Madhumeha
Formulation:Â Decoction of the leaves or root.
Preparation & Use: A decoction made from the leaves is a well-known traditional remedy for diabetes in the Americas and has been adopted into folk practices in India.
Reasoning: The alkaloids and other compounds in the plant enhance insulin secretion and improve glucose uptake, effectively lowering blood sugar levels.
Mutrakrichra (Dysuria) & Shotha (Inflammation and Swelling)
Formulation:Â Leaf decoction.
Preparation & Use:Â The diuretic property of the leaf decoction is used to treat urinary difficulties and to reduce edema (swelling) in the body.
Reasoning:Â Its diuretic action helps flush out excess fluids and toxins through urine, reducing swelling and supporting renal function.
Yakrit Vikara (Liver Disorders)
Formulation:Â Infusion of the flowers or leaves.
Preparation & Use:Â An infusion is consumed to support liver function and treat jaundice.
Reasoning:Â The hepatoprotective compounds help shield the liver from toxins and reduce inflammation in liver tissues.
Hridroga (Heart Ailments) & Jwara (Fever)
Formulation:Â Decoction of the root bark.
Preparation & Use:Â A weak decoction is used as a cardiotonic and to reduce fevers.
Reasoning:Â Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties benefit cardiovascular health, and its bitter nature helps reduce fever.
6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):
Primarily used as a medicinal tea or decoction.
Antidiabetic Tea
Purpose:Â To help manage blood sugar levels.
Preparation & Use:
Take 5-10 fresh leaves or 1 teaspoon of dried leaves.
Steep in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes.
Strain and drink once a day. Monitoring of blood sugar is essential.
Diuretic Decoction
Purpose:Â To reduce edema and support urinary function.
Preparation & Use:
Boil a handful of leaves in 4 cups of water until it reduces to half.
Strain and consume 1-2 tablespoons of this decoction twice a day.
Leaf Paste for Skin Sores
Purpose:Â To treat wounds and skin infections.
Preparation & Use:
Grind fresh leaves into a paste.
Apply topically to wounds, sores, and fungal infections.
7. Disclaimer:Tecoma stans is a potent hypoglycemic agent. Its use can significantly lower blood sugar levels, and it should not be used concurrently with diabetic medication without strict medical supervision due to the risk of hypoglycemia. It is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women. Self-medication for diabetes with this herb is dangerous. Always consult a healthcare professional before use.
---- End of the blog -x-x
8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:
Indian Medicinal Plants by Lt. Col. K.R. Kirtikar and Maj. B.D. Basu
Compendium of Indian Medicinal Plants by R.P. Rastogi & B.N. Mehrotra
Medicinal Plants of the World by Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink
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 member of the same family, Shyonaka shares anti-inflammatory properties. However, Tecoma stans is more focused on diabetes, while Shyonaka is a cornerstone for balancing Vata and treating musculoskeletal pain.
2. Gymnema sylvestre (Gurmar)* Species: Gymnema sylvestre | Family: Apocynaceae | Genus: Gymnema* Similarities: Both are premier herbs for managing diabetes (Prameha). While Gymnema works by blocking sugar receptors on the tongue and regenerating pancreatic beta-cells, Tecoma stans acts through its alkaloids to enhance insulin function.
3. Salacia spp. (Saptarangi, Ekanayakam)* Species: Salacia reticulata | Family: Celastraceae | Genus: Salacia* Similarities: Both Salacia and Tecoma stans are potent hypoglycemic agents used in traditional medicine. They work by inhibiting alpha-glucosidase enzymes, thereby reducing carbohydrate absorption.
-x-x-x-End-x-x-x-