Grewia serrulata DC., a member of the Malvaceae family (formerly Tiliaceae), is a species of tree or shrub widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. It is valued for its diverse uses, ranging from traditional medicine to food, fiber, and agroforestry. The plant is known for its resilience and is commonly found in mixed forests. Its scientific name, Grewia serrulata, is derived from the Latin word "serrulata," which means "small-toothed," a direct reference to the fine, serrated edges of its leaves.
Name in Different Countries
The plant is known by various vernacular names across different regions and languages, reflecting its widespread presence. Some of these names include:
Bengali: panisara, kathbimla
Hindi: bhansuli, dun, kakki, kathbhewal, phirsan
Kannada: gurguri, javanigalle
Malayalam: narutha, aanakoottimaram
Marathi: kawri
Tamil: anaikatti, narathai, udapai
Telugu: pegala, potriki, thegalle
English: serrulate-leaved grewia, kaori
Availability and Distribution
Grewia serrulata is native to a vast area spanning the tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World to the Pacific. Its natural range includes India, where it is found in multiple states such as Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu. Beyond India, it is also distributed in countries such as Tropical Africa, Myanmar, Malaysia, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Indo-China, and Australia.
External Look (Morphology)
Grewia serrulata is typically a tree. Its key features include:
Leaves: The leaves are stipulate, with a tapering, angled base and characteristic small-toothed (crenate-dentate) margins, which gives the plant its scientific name.
Flowers: The flowers are small and are borne on thick axillary peduncles.
Fruit: The fruit is a globose drupe, typically pea-sized and dark in color. It can be two- to four-lobed and is edible.
Healing Properties
Various parts of the Grewia serrulata plant have been used for their medicinal properties in traditional systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. The plant has been used to treat a wide range of human illnesses, including jaundice, throat pain, wounds, ulcers, and urinary infections. Its extracts and preparations have demonstrated several pharmacological activities, including:
Antioxidant: Helps in reducing oxidative damage.
Anti-inflammatory: Helps in reducing inflammation.
Antidiabetic: The plant has shown hypoglycemic effects, helping to regulate blood glucose levels.
Antimicrobial: Possesses anti-infection properties.
Hepatoprotective: Helps to protect the liver.
Analgesic and Antipyretic: Acts as a pain reliever and fever reducer.
Advantages The plant offers numerous advantages, making it a valuable resource in both traditional and modern contexts:
Nutritional Value: The edible fruits are rich in macro and micronutrients, including iron, zinc, phosphorous, magnesium, and various phytochemicals like phenolics and flavonoids.
Ecological Benefits: The plant attracts birds and other pollinators, contributing to biodiversity. Its deep roots also help in soil stabilization, making it useful in agroforestry practices.
Traditional Medicine: Its extensive medicinal properties make it a key ingredient in traditional remedies for a wide range of ailments.
Uses
The uses of Grewia serrulata extend beyond its medicinal value:
Edible: The ripe fruits are eaten and are also used to make chutneys, pies, squashes, and jams.
Fiber: The bark of the plant yields a pale yellow-orange fiber used to make ropes.
Hedge: Due to its dense branching and ability to respond well to trimming, it is often used as a hedge plant, especially in India.
Agroforestry: It is used in agroforestry for its soil-stabilizing properties.
Using Way
Different parts of the plant are used in various traditional preparations:
Leaves: A paste made from fresh leaves is applied to burns and skin eruptions.
Bark: A powder from the bark is traditionally used as an aphrodisiac.
Root: A decoction made by boiling the crushed root in water is taken orally to relieve body pain.
General: The mucilage from the leaves, stems, and roots can be extracted for soothing and healing properties. A simple infusion or decoction of the plant is often used as a remedy for internal issues like diarrhea.
Conclusion
Grewia serrulata DC. is a versatile and highly beneficial plant with significant ecological, economic, and medicinal importance. From its widespread distribution and use in traditional medicine to its applications as a food source, fiber provider, and hedge plant, it serves as a testament to the rich biodiversity of tropical regions. The scientific backing of its pharmacological properties, such as its anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic effects, further validates its traditional uses and underscores its potential for modern research and development.
