Bauhinia racemosa beat., commonly known as the peak Ebony or
Bidi Leaf Tree, is a engrossing deciduous sapling belonging to the household
Caesalpiniaceae. This species, first formally explained by dint of
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in 1785, holds significant cultural and medicinal worth,
particularly in South Asia, its indigenous home. Its common acknowledgment is
obvious in the varied names it carries over unlike regions, reflecting its
profound integration into local traditions and languages.
Nomenclature Across Borders
The common English names, "peak Ebony" and
"Bidi Leaf Tree," suggestion at some of its attribute features and
uses. The former apt refers to the dim bark, whereas the latter points to the
customary use of its foliage for covering bidis (a type of customary South
Asian cigarette).
In subcontinent, the sapling is known by dint of a excess of
regional names. In Bengali, it is called Banraj. Hindi speakers mention to it
as कटमूली (katmauli)
or कचनार (Kachnal). In
Kannada, it goes by dint of ಅಪ್ತಾ
(aapta), ಅರಳುಕದುಮನ್ದರ
(aralukadumandara), and Vana samtige. Konkani speakers know it as आप्टो (apta), whereas in
Malayalam, it is called അരംപാലി
(arampaali), കുടബുളി
(kutabuli), and മലയത്തി
(malayaththi). Marathi names contain अपटा
(apta) and सोना
(sona). ancient Indian language, the old barbarism of subcontinent, possesses
many poetic names for it, such as यमलपत्रक
(yamalapatrakah), युग्मपत्र
(yugmapatra), Ashmantaka, and Kanchini, alluding to its characteristic bilobed
foliage. In Tamil, it is known as ஆத்தி
(atti), தாதகி
(tataki), and Kokku mandarai. Telugu speakers bawl it ఆరెచెట్టు (arechettu). eventually, in Unani
medicine, it is recognized as Kachnaar. This wealthy tapestry of names
underscores the sapling's historical attendance and adaptable applications over
diverse language and cultural landscapes.
Habitat and Distribution
Bauhinia racemosa is indigenous to South Asia, mainly
thriving in dry valleys. Its natural distribution spans over subcontinent, Sri
Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia. This sapling is good-adapted to dry and
semi-dry conditions, frequently found in deciduous forests, scrublands, and
unlocked woodlands. Its flexibility to challenging environmental factors,
comprising dryness, contributes to its commonness in these regions.
Structure
Bauhinia racemosa is a tiny to medium-measured deciduous
sapling, typically reaching heights of upward to 15 meters. Its bark is
characteristically blackish and coarse, adding to its rough look. The branches
are frequently spreading or pendulous, showing a erratic design, and are thin
and glabrous (smooth).
The foliage are a defining presence of the Bauhinia
category. They are broadly orbicular, gauging 1.5-4 cm in extent and 2.2-6 cm
in breadth. The foliage blade is leathery, with 7-9 important veins. The base
of the foliage is cordate (core-formed), and the peak is distinctly bifid,
divide to approximately single-tertiary of its extent, with curved lobes. The
off-center (bottom) surface of the foliage can be pubescent (hairy) or
glabrous, whereas the adaxial (upper) surface is typically glabrous. The petioles
(foliage stalks) are comparatively short, ranging from 0.8-1.2 cm. Stipules,
tiny foliage-like appendages at the base of the petiole, are caducous, sense
they fall off soon.
The inflorescence is a lateral or terminal raceme, bearing
upward to 20 flowers. The flowers are creamy pale, with obovoid buds that are
puberulent (finely hairy) and be in possession of a bulging peak. The calyx,
the outermost spiral of the flower, splits spathaceously at anthesis (when the
flower opens). The petals are nearly equal and oblanceolate (wider at the peak
and tapering to the base), gauging 8-10 mm. There are 10 productive stamens,
what are unbalanced in extent, with filaments gauging 6-7 mm and tiny anthers
roughly 3 mm lengthy. The gonad is stalked and glabrous, supporting a tiny,
subsessile, peltate mark.
After flowering, what occurs mainly in April and can, the
sapling produces straight-cylindric legumes (pods) that are 15-20 cm lengthy
and 1.8-2.2 cm broad. These valves are arboreal and glabrous, containing 12-20
dim brownish, ellipsoid kernels, each 8-10 mm in width. Fruiting typically
occurs from June to August. The herb possesses a chromosome number of 2n = 28.
healing Properties and Phytochemistry
Bauhinia racemosa is very esteemed in customary medicine
systems like Ayurveda and Unani for its varied medicinal properties, mainly
attributed to the wealthy display of phytochemicals give in its diverse parts.
Bark: The bark is particularly notable for its very harsh
and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditional uses contain the treatment of
malaria, infection, and looseness. It is as well employed for glandular
inflammations, diverse skin diseases, and ulcers. Furthermore, it is considered
a cholagogue, sense it promotes the flow of bile. Phytochemical examination of
the bark possesses revealed the attendance of significant compounds such as
β-sitosterol and β-amyrin, what are known for their anti-inflammatory and other
therapeutic effects.
Leaves: The foliage possess anthelmintic properties, making
them helpful in driving out parasitic worms. Traditionally, they are used in
conjunction with bulb for managing looseness. Studies upon the foliage be in
possession of identified five flavonols, comprising kaempferol and quercetin,
and two coumarins, scopoletin and scopolin. These compounds are recognized for
their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities.
Flowers: The flowers are utilized in the treatment of
haemorrhages and piles. They are as well employed to abate coughs.
Seeds: The kernels be in possession of demonstrated
antibacterial properties, contributing to the herb's total medicinal efficacy.
Heartwood: The heartwood of Bauhinia racemosa possesses been
a topic of phytochemical inquiry, main to the solitude of fascinating
compounds. Resveratrol, a stilbene compound broadly recognized for its
antioxidant and cardioprotective properties, possesses been alone from the
heartwood. Additionally, a dibenzoxepin unoriginal called pacharin possesses
been reported from the heartwood.
In summary, the herb exhibits a broad spectrum of medicinal
actions, comprising harsh, anthelmintic, and cephalalgic (migraine-easing)
effects. Its customary uses are backed by dint of the attendance of diverse
bioactive compounds that donate to its therapeutic potential.
Advantages and Uses
The advantages of Bauhinia racemosa lengthen beyond its
medicinal applications to diverse practical uses.
feed: The foliage of the sapling are commonly used as fodder
for cattle, supplying a nutritious feed origin in many countryside areas.
Fiber Extraction: A coarse thread can be removed from the
bark of the sapling. This thread can be used for making ropes, coarse textiles,
and other utilitarian items, contributing to local economies.
healing Applications: As thorough over, its large use in
customary medicine systems for a broad scope of ailments makes it a precious
natural asset. The bark's harsh properties become it efficient in managing
conditions characterized by dint of immoderate secretions or bleeding. Its
anti-inflammatory deed is beneficial for diverse inflammatory conditions, twain
internal and outer. The anthelmintic properties of the foliage are pivotal for
combating parasitic infestations.
Environmental Benefits: As a indigenous species, Bauhinia
racemosa plays a part in the local ecosystem, contributing to biodiversity and
potentially aiding in dirt preservation in its natural habitats.
Using way
The methods of using Bauhinia racemosa change relying upon
the atom of the herb being used and the intended therapeutic goal.
Bark:
Decoction: on behalf of internal use, such as treating
infection, looseness, malaria, or high temperature, a decoction of the bark is
commonly ready. This involves boiling pieces of bark in liquid till the fluid
is reduced to a certain quantity, concentrating the energetic compounds. This
decoction is then consumed.
glue/Poultice: on behalf of outer applications like
glandular inflammations, skin diseases, or ulcers, the bark can be ground into
a paste with a small liquid and applied topically to the affected region. This
acts as an harsh and anti-inflammatory poultice.
Leaves:
liquid/glue: on behalf of anthelmintic purposes or to handle
looseness, the foliage can be squashed to remove their juice or ground into a
paste, what is then ingested, occasionally mixed with other ingredients like
bulb as per customary practices.
Flowers:
Infusion/Decoction: on behalf of haemorrhages, piles, or
coughs, an blend or decoction of the flowers can be ready and consumed.
common Considerations:
Dosage: Traditional medicine systems highlight exact
dosages, what are frequently based upon age, ashes structure, and the harshness
of the ailment. It is pivotal to stick to customary prescriptions or ask with
skilled practitioners.
readiness: The preparation methods are critical to guarantee
the efficacy and security of the herbal cure.
Combination with other herbs: Bauhinia racemosa is
frequently used in combination with other herbs in polyherbal formulations to
improve its effects or to speak to many aspects of a condition.
Conclusion
Bauhinia racemosa stands as a will to the enduring knowledge
of customary medicine and the wealthy biodiversity of South Asia. From its
characteristic bilobed foliage to its medicinal bark, flowers, and kernels, all
atom of that sapling offers special properties. Its common acknowledgment over
diverse languages and cultures underscores its historical significance and
continued pertinence. As investigation into its phytochemistry progresses, we
gain a deeper understanding of the systematic basis for its customary uses,
particularly its potent harsh, anti-inflammatory, and anthelmintic actions.
Beyond its medicinal worth, its contribution to cattle fodder and thread
manufacture highlights its multifaceted usefulness. The peak Ebony, or Bidi
Leaf Tree, is not merely a botanical specimen; it is a crucial component of
customary healthcare systems and a emblem of nature's deep capacity to supply
for human good-being. Its continued cultivation and sustainable gathering are
pivotal to conserving that priceless herbal valuables for future generations.
