Herb's Introduction
Pterygota alata (Roxb.) R.Br., commonly known as Buddha Coconut, is a large, deciduous tree belonging to the Malvaceae family (formerly Sterculiaceae). It's a striking tree, capable of reaching up to 35 meters in height with a straight, buttressed bole. It is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia. Traditionally, various parts of the plant, including the seeds and bark, have been employed in folk medicine, particularly for their narcotic and therapeutic properties. Its large, unique fruit resembling a coconut is the source of its popular English name, Buddha Coconut.
Name in Different Countries
The herb is known by a variety of vernacular names across the regions where it grows: Language Name(s) Scientific Name Pterygota alata (Roxb.) R.Br. Synonym Sterculia alata Roxb., Clompanus alata (Roxb.) Kuntze Common Name (English) Buddha Coconut Assamese Tula, Pahari Bengali Tula, Buddha-Narikel Chinese 海南苹婆 (Hǎinán píng pó) Kannada Kolugida, Tattele mara, Bekaro, Daddele, Jaynkathala Malayalam Porila Marathi करवटी (Karvati) Tamil கொடைத்தோண்டி (Kodaittondi) Bangla (Additional) Buddha Narikel, Kashmiri Badam, Pagla Gach, Narikeli (Chittagong), Kufala (Chakma) Export to Sheets
Terminology
Botanical Name: The accepted scientific name is Pterygota alata (Roxb.) R.Br. Family: Malvaceae, often grouped under the subfamily Sterculioideae. Habit: A very tall deciduous tree (losing leaves seasonally) with a narrow conical crown. Phytoconstituents: The plant is rich in various chemical compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds, particularly in the leaves and stems. The seed oil is known to contain sterculynic acid (identified as 8,9-methyleneoctadec-8-en-17-ynoic acid). Traditional Uses: Its seeds have a narcotic-like effect and were used as an alternate for opium in parts of India.
Availability
Pterygota alata is primarily found in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Its natural distribution includes: India (especially the Western Ghats, South and Central Sahyadris). Bangladesh (forests of Chittagong, Chittagong Hill Tracts, Cox's Bazar, and Sylhet). Myanmar. It is a tropical to sub-tropical species, and while its specific mention in modern Nepali medicinal plant lists is less common, Nepal is known for its diverse medicinal flora, and similar Sterculiaceae/Malvaceae family members are indigenous. The plant is harvested from the wild for both local and commercial use (wood, oil, and medicine).
External Look
The tree's morphology is distinctive: Height: A large tree, typically reaching 25 to 35 m (up to 45 m). Bole (Trunk): Straight, often with prominent, large buttresses at the base. The bark is greyish with light and dark patches and is generally smooth. Leaves: Simple, large (10–30 cm long), clustered towards the ends of branches. They are typically ovate or orbicular with a cordate (heart-shaped) base, and a caudate-acuminate or acuminate apex. They are coriaceous (leathery) and have 5–7 prominent nerves radiating from the base (palmate venation). Flowers: Unisexual or polygamous, small, about 2 cm long, and brownish in color, borne in rusty-brown tomentose panicles. They lack petals but have 5 sepals. Fruit (Buddha Coconut): Composed of 3–5 large, woody follicles (obovoid and oblique), about 10–12.5 cm long, which are the basis for the "Buddha Coconut" name. Seeds: Approximately 25–30 per follicle, oblong and brown, each possessing a long wing that aids in wind dispersal.
Healing Properties
Pterygota alata possesses several properties supported by traditional use and preliminary pharmacological studies: Anti-hyperglycemic Effect: Extracts (particularly from leaves and stems) have shown a significant acute blood glucose-lowering effect in animal models, suggesting potential for diabetes management. Anti-oxidative Stress/Antioxidant: The plant is rich in flavonoids and phenolics, which exhibit strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects. This can help protect cells against free radical-induced damage and oxidative stress linked to various diseases. Analgesic (Pain-Relieving): Leaf extracts have demonstrated promising peripheral analgesic (pain-blocking) and some central analgesic effects in vivo. Anti-diarrheal: Extracts have been shown to significantly reduce the number of diarrheal feces in animal models, supporting its traditional use for gastrointestinal issues. Anti-inflammatory: The plant is traditionally associated with anti-inflammatory benefits and is used for conditions like gout, swelling, and edema. Cytotoxic/Anticancer Potential: Bark fractions have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against certain breast cancer cell lines (4T1 cells), suggesting a potential role in cancer therapy by inducing the intrinsic apoptotic (programmed cell death) pathway. Antimicrobial: Known for general antimicrobial effects, contributing to its use in traditional remedies. Traditional Uses: Bark juice has been traditionally used to manage hemorrhoids, dropsy (edema), gout, leprosy, and pain.
Advantages
The key advantages of Pterygota alata as a medicinal plant include: Multiple Therapeutic Targets: Its broad spectrum of activity—covering metabolic (anti-diabetic), inflammatory (analgesic, anti-inflammatory), and even anti-proliferative (anti-cancer) activities—makes it a valuable resource. Rich Phytochemistry: The presence of flavonoids, phenolics, and sterculynic acid provides a strong foundation for its observed biological effects, especially its robust antioxidant activity. Traditional Endorsement: Its long history of use in folk medicine across several cultures for chronic and acute conditions validates its therapeutic potential. Versatility in Use: Different parts of the tree (bark, leaves, and seeds) are used for distinct purposes, offering multiple avenues for natural remedy development. Narcotic Substitute: The traditional use of its seeds as a less potent alternative to opium highlights its unique pharmacological profile.
Uses
Pterygota alata is utilized for both medicinal and non-medicinal purposes: Part Used Primary Use Specific Ailments/Application Seeds Narcotic/Edible Used traditionally as a substitute for opium (due to narcotic-like effect); consumed in some cultures. The seed oil is also used for industrial and medicinal purposes. Bark Juice Traditional Medicine Management of hemorrhoids, dropsy, swelling (edema), gout, leprosy, and general pain. Leaves/Extracts Modern Research Focus Treating hyperglycemia (diabetes), diarrhea, and pain (analgesic/anti-inflammatory). Used for its antioxidant effect against oxidative stress. Wood Commercial Used for making furniture, plywood, packing materials, and boatbuilding due to its lightweight nature. Ornamental Cultivation Planted in parks and large gardens for its handsome appearance and shade. Export to Sheets
Using way
Traditional methods of utilizing Pterygota alata include: Bark Juice: The fresh juice from the bark is applied or consumed as a traditional remedy for ailments like hemorrhoids and swelling. Seed Consumption: The seeds are historically consumed for their narcotic-like effects, although this use should be approached with extreme caution due to the narcotic properties. Decoctions/Extracts (Traditional & Research): For general medicinal use, decoctions (boiling the plant material in water) or extracts (e.g., methanolic or ethanolic extracts) of the leaves and stems are prepared for internal consumption to target issues like pain, inflammation, and high blood sugar. Topical Applications: The plant's components might be prepared into pastes or poultices for external application to manage localized pain or skin conditions like leprosy.
Conclusion
Pterygota alata, the Buddha Coconut, is a significant medicinal tree with a deep-rooted history in South Asian traditional medicine. Its potential as an anti-hyperglycemic, analgesic, and antioxidant agent has been highlighted by recent scientific studies, which align with its folk uses for managing pain, swelling, and gastrointestinal issues. Furthermore, its demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cancer cells opens promising avenues for drug development. While traditionally valued for its narcotic-like seeds and various bark applications, modern research emphasizes the broad therapeutic scope offered by its phytochemical richness, particularly the leaves and bark, cementing its status as an important resource in herbal and phytopharmaceutical research.
