Herb's Introduction
Pterygota alata (Roxb.) R.Br., commonly known as the Buddha Coconut, is a large, stately, deciduous or semi-deciduous tree belonging to the family Malvaceae (formerly placed in Sterculiaceae). This majestic species is native to South and Southeast Asia, including countries like India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand, thriving in tropical and subtropical moist forests. It is noted for its impressive height, straight bole, and large, distinctive fruit resembling a coconut, hence the most popular common name, Buddha Coconut. The tree is valued not just for its timber and ornamental use but also for its traditional medicinal applications, with various parts (leaves, bark, seeds) used in indigenous medicine systems across its native range.
Name in Different Countries
Scientific Name: Pterygota alata (Roxb.) R.Br. Synonyms: Sterculia alata Roxb., Clompanus alata (Roxb.) Kuntze Common Name (English): Buddha Coconut, also occasionally referred to as the Winged-seed Tree (due to its seeds). India-Specific Names: Assamese: Tula, Pahari Bengali: Tula, Buddha-Narikel Kannada: Kolugida, Tattele mara, Bekaro, Daddele, Jaynkathala Malayalam: Porila, Anathondi (Anathondi is also a common name for the related Senna alata in some areas, but is also associated with P. alata in some regions) Marathi: करवटी (Karvati) Tamil: கொடைத்தோண்டி (Kodaittondi) Other Regions: Chinese: 海南苹婆 (Hǎinán píngpó)
Terminology
Family: Malvaceae (Mallow family), which also includes cotton, cocoa, and hibiscus. Botanical Description Terminology: Deciduous/Semi-Deciduous: The tree sheds its leaves seasonally, though in some warmer climates, it may retain them longer (semi-deciduous). Bole: The trunk of the tree; described as straight and often buttressed (having supporting, flattened root structures at the base). Stellate-pubescence: Star-shaped hairs, often covering the young parts of the plant. Lamina: The blade of the leaf; described as ovate or orbicular (egg-shaped or circular) with a cordate (heart-shaped) base and a caudate-acuminate (tapering to a tail-like point) apex. Coriaceous: Leathery texture of the leaves. Palmate/Pinnate: Describes the venation (vein pattern); palmate for the main nerves radiating from the base, and pinnate for the lateral nerves branching off a central one further up. Polygamous: Having both unisexual (male and female) and hermaphrodite (bisexual) flowers on the same plant, though here it refers to unisexual or flowers with partially aborted organs (male and female flowers in the panicles). Panicles: Branched cluster of flowers. Calyx: The outer whorl of sepals of a flower, described as 5-partite (split into five parts) and curved out. Pterygota alata flowers lack petals. Follicles: A dry fruit formed from a single carpel, splitting along one side to release seeds; the fruit of P. alata is made of 3-5 of these, described as large, woody, and obovoid oblique (inversely egg-shaped and slanted). Winged Seeds: The seeds possess a prominent wing-like structure, crucial for wind dispersal.
Availability
Geographic Distribution: Pterygota alata is a naturally occurring species across a wide range of South and Southeast Asia. It is native to the Andaman Islands, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China (Hainan and Yunnan), India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Habitat: It thrives in tropical and subtropical moist forests, generally found at low to mid-elevations, often in riverine areas or places with well-drained, loamy soils. Cultivation and Trade: The tree is harvested from the wild, but is also sometimes planted for its ornamental value in parks and avenues, and occasionally in commercial forestry for its wood, which is traded under the name 'Kasah' along with wood from other Pterygota species. Its products (wood, seed oil, and medicinal parts) are available in local markets within its native regions, often as wild-harvested material.
External Look
Size and Structure: A large, upright tree, typically reaching heights of 30 to 40 meters (100–130 feet). It has a straight, cylindrical trunk that can exceed 1 meter in diameter and is often supported by prominent, flat, plank-like buttress roots at the base. It develops a tall, columnar to oblong, shady crown. Bark: The bark is generally greyish-brown or light grey, becoming somewhat fissured and exhibiting light and dark patches as the tree matures. The blaze (inner bark) is creamy yellow. Leaves: The leaves are large (10–30 cm long), simple, alternate, and clustered towards the ends of the branches. They are typically ovate or orbicular in shape with a heart-shaped base, a leathery texture, and prominently visible veins. Flowers: The flowers are relatively small (up to 2 cm), reddish-brown or brownish, and are borne in rusty brown, tomentose (hairy) panicles that emerge from leafless nodes on the branches. They are notable for lacking petals, with the conspicuous parts being the 5 reflexed (curved out) sepals (calyx lobes). Fruit (Buddha Coconut): The most distinctive feature. The fruit consists of 3-5 large, woody follicles that are obovoid, oblique, and can be 10–12.5 cm long. They are round and large, giving rise to the common name "Buddha Coconut." The follicle splits open upon maturity, releasing numerous seeds. Seeds: The seeds are oblong, brown, and possess a long, papery wing (5–7.5 cm long), an adaptation for wind dispersal.
Healing Properties
The plant parts of Pterygota alata (bark, leaves, seeds) are rich in various phytochemicals (like flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, saponins), which contribute to its traditional medicinal uses and scientifically studied pharmacological activities. The healing properties generally align with its uses in traditional systems: Anti-Hyperglycemic/Antidiabetic: Research, particularly on leaf and bark extracts, has shown a significant effect in reducing blood glucose levels in animal models, supporting its traditional use in managing diabetes. This effect is often linked to its antioxidative stress properties. Analgesic (Pain Relief): Methanolic extracts of the leaves have demonstrated significant central and peripheral analgesic efficacy in studies, indicating potential for natural pain management. Antidiarrheal: Leaf extracts have been shown to significantly reduce diarrheal episodes in animal models, supporting its traditional application for diarrhea. Antioxidant: Extracts from the leaves and bark exhibit strong antioxidant activity, helping to mitigate oxidative stress which is implicated in numerous diseases, including diabetes. Anti-inflammatory: The plant contains compounds that may help in reducing inflammation. Anticancer/Cytotoxic: Studies on the bark extract have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against certain cancer cells (e.g., metastatic breast cancer cells like 4T1 cells), suggesting a potential role in developing new therapies, possibly by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death).
Advantages
Medicinal Potential: Offers a natural source for compounds with documented anti-hyperglycemic, analgesic, antidiarrheal, and potential anticancer effects. Its low toxicity in initial acute studies suggests a favorable safety profile for traditional use. Wood Quality: The wood is lightweight and locally important for making furniture, plywood, boxes, and boat-building, providing an economic resource. Oil Source: The seeds are rich in oil, which has been traditionally used for lighting and is being investigated as a potential source for biofuel. Ornamental Value: It is a handsome tree with a straight, tall bole and luxuriant foliage, making it excellent for planting in avenues, parks, and large gardens for shade and aesthetic appeal. Traditional Food/Substitute: The seeds are sometimes consumed locally (often roasted) and have been historically noted for being used as a substitute for opium in some regions of India, suggesting potential psychoactive or sedative properties, though this practice requires caution and is subject to further research.
Uses
Traditional Medicine: Diabetes and Hyperglycemia: Decoctions/extracts of leaves and bark. Pain and Inflammation: Leaf decoction for body pain, abdominal pain, and toothache. Gastrointestinal Issues: Used to treat diarrhea, constipation (laxative effect of leaves), and intestinal parasitosis. Respiratory Tract Infection: Used for upper respiratory tract infections. Gynecological Use: Roots and seeds are traditionally used in regulating uterus disorders. Skin/Wounds: Decoctions of stem, leaf, and root are used for wounds, burns, and skin infections. Other: Historically used for haemorrhoids, syphilis, gout, and leprosy. Timber and Non-Timber Products: Wood: Used for furniture, plywood, packing materials, boatbuilding, sticks, and toys. Oil: Seed oil is used for lighting. Fibers: Robust fibers are obtained from the bark for cordages. Decorative: The large, dried follicles (fruits) are utilized for decorative purposes. Ecological/Horticultural: Shade Tree: Planted in tropical gardens and along roads for shade. Wildlife: Seeds are part of the diet for various species of monkeys.
Using Way
The traditional ways of using Pterygota alata largely involve preparing decoctions or extracts from specific parts of the tree: Decoction/Infusion: This is the most common way. Plant parts (leaves, bark, or roots) are boiled in water to create a liquid that is then consumed orally to treat internal ailments like diabetes, diarrhea, or pain. The leaf decoction is mentioned as a general antidote or remedy. External Application: Decoctions or pastes can be applied topically for conditions such as wounds, burns, and skin infections. Roasting/Consumption: The seeds are traditionally consumed, often roasted, in some local populations. Extracts for Modern Application: In research settings, various solvents (methanol, ethanol, hexane, aqueous) are used to create crude extracts or fractions from the leaves and bark, which are then studied for their concentrated pharmacological effects. These modern extracts are not typically for direct public use but inform the development of pharmaceutical or standardized herbal products. Important Note: While traditional uses are documented, the consumption of Pterygota alata, especially the seeds due to their noted narcotic-like effects, should be approached with caution. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional or herbalist before using any part of this plant for medicinal purposes.
Conclusion
Pterygota alata, the Buddha Coconut, is a significant species in the Malvaceae family, renowned for its imposing presence, unique fruit, and multipurpose utility. It represents a vital component of the tropical ecosystem in South and Southeast Asia, providing valuable timber and oil. Crucially, the tree holds a long-standing place in traditional medicine, with its leaves, bark, and roots being utilized for a range of ailments including pain, diarrhea, and infections. Modern scientific research supports many of these traditional uses, highlighting significant antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, and analgesic properties, and even suggesting a potential role in anticancer therapy. Further investigation into the plant's various phytochemicals is warranted to fully leverage its therapeutic potential for wider medical application and sustainable cultivation.
