Herb's Introduction
Naringi crenulata, also known by various regional names such as Mega Vilvam, Kattunarakam, and Beli, is a significant medicinal herb belonging to the Rutaceae family. It is a thorny, deciduous tree that can grow up to 10 meters in height. This plant is widely recognized in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and various folk traditions of South Asia, for its diverse healing properties. Every part of the tree—including the bark, leaves, roots, and fruits—is utilized for its therapeutic benefits. The tree's distinct appearance, with its yellowish-grey bark, winged leaf rachis, and small, bluish-black berries, makes it easily identifiable. Historically, its use has been documented for treating a wide range of ailments, from common digestive issues to more complex conditions like rheumatism and skin problems. Its rich phytochemical composition, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and essential oils, is believed to be responsible for its potent medicinal effects.
Name in Different Countries
Naringi crenulata is known by a multitude of names across different regions and languages, reflecting its widespread use and cultural significance. The botanical name, Naringi crenulata, is used universally in scientific and academic contexts. Malayalam: In the southern Indian state of Kerala, it is known by several names, including Dadhiphala, Mahavilvam, Kattunarakam, Malanarakam, Serakuttunarakam, Vilathi, Cheriyakuttunaregam, Narinarakam, and Manmatham. The name Kattunarakam literally translates to "wild orange," highlighting its resemblance to citrus plants within the same family. Tamil: In Tamil Nadu, it is commonly referred to as Mega Vilvam or Magavilvam. The name Vilvam is also associated with the Bael tree (Aegle marmelos), another important member of the Rutaceae family, indicating a similarity in cultural or medicinal significance. Hindi: In Hindi-speaking regions, it is simply called Beli or बेलि. This name is often used interchangeably with other related plants, so context is important. Irula: The Irula tribal community, an indigenous group in southern India, knows it as Okarikavela or Naringi mul. These names are specific to their traditional knowledge systems and dialects. This diversity of names underscores the plant's deep integration into the local pharmacopoeias and cultural heritage of various communities.
Terminology
Understanding the botanical and traditional terminology associated with Naringi crenulata is crucial for its proper identification and use. Family: Rutaceae. This is the citrus family, which includes well-known plants like oranges, lemons, and limes. Members of this family are often characterized by fragrant leaves and fruits due to the presence of essential oils in glandular pockets. Genus: Naringi. This genus is closely related to Aegle (Bael) and Feronia (Wood Apple). Species: crenulata. The specific epithet crenulata refers to the crenate or scalloped margin of the leaflets, a key identifying feature of the plant. Synonyms: The plant has been classified under different names in the past, such as Limonia crenulata and Hesperethusa crenulata, which may appear in older botanical literature. The current accepted name is Naringi crenulata. Phytochemicals: The plant is rich in various bioactive compounds. The term "phytochemicals" refers to these plant-derived chemicals. In Naringi crenulata, these include alkaloids (like naringenine), coumarins, flavonoids, and essential oils. These compounds are responsible for its pharmacological actions, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. Ayurvedic Terminology: In Ayurveda, the plant is sometimes associated with Dadhiphala or Mahavilvam, terms that denote its medicinal properties and connection to the Bael tree (Vilvam).
Availability
Naringi crenulata is primarily found in the tropical and subtropical regions of South Asia, particularly in India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia. Habitat: It thrives in dry deciduous forests, scrub jungles, and rocky areas. It is a resilient plant that can grow in diverse soil types, though it prefers well-drained, loamy soil. Geographical Distribution: The plant is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is commonly found in the Western and Eastern Ghats of India, and other regions with similar climatic conditions. Seasonal Availability: The plant is a perennial tree, meaning it is available year-round. However, its fruits and flowers are produced seasonally, typically during the warmer months. The leaves and bark can be harvested at different times of the year for medicinal purposes. Cultivation and Wild Harvesting: While it is a wild plant, efforts are sometimes made for its cultivation in botanical gardens or for conservation purposes. The majority of the plant material used in traditional medicine is sourced from wild populations. Sustainable harvesting practices are crucial to ensure its long-term availability. Commercial Availability: In regions where it is used medicinally, dried or powdered forms of the roots, leaves, and bark can be found in traditional herbal markets or from local practitioners. However, it is not as widely available in commercial herbal stores as more common herbs, which makes its local use and traditional knowledge particularly important.
External Look
The external appearance of Naringi crenulata is a key to its identification. Tree Structure: It is a small to medium-sized tree, typically reaching a height of up to 10 meters. It has a rounded crown and a trunk with a distinctive yellowish-grey bark. Bark: The bark is smooth and corky, with a yellow blaze when cut. The yellowish-grey color is a notable feature. Spines: The branches are armed with sharp, solitary or paired spines located in the leaf axils. These spines are a characteristic feature of the species, offering protection against herbivores. Leaves: The leaves are alternate and imparipinnate, meaning they have an odd number of leaflets. The rachis (the central axis of the compound leaf) is winged, which is a very important and easy-to-spot distinguishing feature. The leaflets are 3-7 in number, elliptic or elliptic-obovate, and have crenate (scalloped) margins. They are profusely dotted with pellucid glands, which contain the essential oils. Flowers: The flowers are small, white, and fragrant. They are arranged in few-flowered axillary racemes. They have four sepals and four petals, and are bisexual. Fruit: The fruit is a small, subglobose berry, typically 6-8 mm across. It turns a bluish-black color when ripe and is also glandular. Seeds: The fruit contains 1-4 dull yellow, smooth seeds.
Healing Properties
Naringi crenulata possesses a wide array of healing properties, which are attributed to its rich phytochemical composition. Anti-inflammatory: The plant has been traditionally used to treat various inflammatory conditions. The paste of its bark is applied on boils to reduce swelling and pain. The paste of its roots is also used for rheumatism, suggesting its effectiveness in alleviating joint and muscle inflammation. Analgesic: Its use for body pain relief, as seen in the application of root bark paste, points to its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. Anthelmintic: Both the fruits and roots are known to have anthelmintic properties, meaning they can expel or kill intestinal worms. This makes them useful in treating parasitic infections. Digestive Aid: The plant is a powerful digestive tonic. Powdered roots are used as a purgative and stomachic. The fruits and roots are also used to treat diarrhea and dysentery due to their astringent nature. Leaves soaked in buttermilk are consumed to relieve ulcers. Tonic and Stimulant: Dried and powdered fruits are considered stimulant and tonic, which can help in improving general health and vitality. Antifungal/Antimicrobial: The presence of various phytochemicals gives it potential antimicrobial properties, which could be why it is effective in treating skin infections like boils. Aphrodisiac/Fertility Enhancer: In some traditional practices, a paste made from the bark, leaves, and roots is given orally to women to increase fertility. This suggests a potential role in reproductive health. Other Uses: The plant is also used in treating colic, epilepsy, and heart troubles in traditional medicine, though further scientific validation is needed for these applications.
Advantages
The use of Naringi crenulata offers several advantages, especially within the context of traditional medicine. Holistic Approach: Traditional systems use the entire plant, leveraging the synergistic effects of various compounds found in the bark, leaves, roots, and fruits. This holistic approach often addresses the root cause of the ailment. Accessibility: As a wild-growing plant in its native range, it is easily accessible and affordable for local communities who cannot afford modern medicine. Multiple Uses: The plant's versatility is a significant advantage. Different parts of the tree can be used to treat a wide range of ailments, from digestive problems to external skin issues and inflammatory conditions. Bioactive Compounds: The presence of a wide range of phytochemicals, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and essential oils, provides a strong basis for its medicinal properties. These compounds have been studied for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Traditional Knowledge: Its long history of use in traditional medicine systems provides a wealth of empirical knowledge about its applications and safety. This traditional knowledge base is a valuable resource for modern pharmacological research.
Uses
The uses of Naringi crenulata are extensive and vary depending on the part of the plant used. Bark: A decoction of the bark is used to make a paste, which is then applied externally to boils to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Roots: The roots are a highly valued part of the plant. Rheumatism: Crushed roots mixed with onion, garlic, and calcium are made into a paste and applied for rheumatism and joint pain. Body Pain: Root bark is ground into a paste and applied externally to alleviate general body pain. Digestive Issues: Powdered roots act as a purgative and stomachic. They are also used to treat colic. Anthelmintic: Roots are used to treat intestinal worm infections. Epilepsy and Heart Troubles: Roots are also used in traditional remedies for these conditions, often in combination with other herbs. Leaves: The leaves are primarily used for digestive health. When soaked in buttermilk and consumed, they provide relief from ulcers. They are also part of the paste given to women to increase fertility. Fruits: The fruits are versatile and are used in different forms. Digestive Aid: They are used as an anthelmintic, and their astringent properties are effective in treating diarrhea and dysentery. Tonic: Dried and powdered fruits are used as a stimulant and a general health tonic.
Using Way
The methods of preparing and using Naringi crenulata are specific to the traditional practices. For External Applications: Paste: For boils, rheumatism, and body pain, the respective plant part (bark or root) is crushed, ground, and mixed with other ingredients like water, onion, garlic, or calcium to form a smooth paste. This paste is then applied directly to the affected area. For Internal Consumption: Decoction: A decoction is made by boiling the plant material (bark, roots) in water to extract its active compounds. This liquid is then consumed. Powder: Dried parts of the plant, such as the roots or fruits, are ground into a fine powder. This powder can be consumed directly or mixed with honey, water, or other liquids. Buttermilk Soak: For stomach ulcers, the leaves are soaked in buttermilk for a specific duration, and the resulting mixture is consumed. Oral Paste: A paste made from the ground bark, leaves, and roots is prepared and administered orally for specific conditions like increasing fertility. It is important to note that the dosage and preparation methods are based on traditional knowledge and vary among practitioners. Consultation with a qualified traditional healer or an Ayurvedic practitioner is recommended before using the herb, as some plant parts can be potent.
Conclusion
Naringi crenulata, known by its diverse regional names like Mega Vilvam and Kattunarakam, is a remarkable medicinal herb with a long and well-established history in traditional healing systems. Its significance lies not only in its wide range of therapeutic properties but also in the fact that every part of the tree—from the bark and roots to the leaves and fruits—is utilized for different ailments. From treating inflammatory conditions like rheumatism and boils to providing relief from digestive issues like ulcers, diarrhea, and intestinal worms, its uses are both varied and effective. The presence of a rich profile of phytochemicals validates its traditional applications, making it a subject of increasing interest for modern scientific research. While it remains a staple in traditional medicine, its full potential and safe dosages warrant further investigation. The continued preservation of both the plant and the traditional knowledge surrounding it is crucial for ensuring that this valuable resource remains available for future generations.
