Herb's Introduction
Sterculia villosa Roxb. is a medium-sized, fast-growing, deciduous tree belonging to the family Malvaceae (formerly Sterculiaceae). Commonly known as the Elephant Rope Tree or Hairy Sterculia, it is a multipurpose species valued for its medicinal properties, strong fiber, gum, and soft wood. The plant has been widely used in traditional ethnomedicine to treat various human and veterinary ailments, highlighting its cultural, ecological, and economic importance in its native range.
Name in Different Countries
Scientific Name: Sterculia villosa Roxb. ex Sm. Family: Malvaceae Synonyms: Sterculia armata Mast., Sterculia lantsangensis Hu, Sterculia ornata Wall. ex Kurz. English: Elephant rope tree, Hairy Sterculia. Nepali: ओदाने (Odane), खावा (Khawaa - Ri). Hindi: Katira, God-gudala, Udal. Bengali: Udal (উদাল). Assamese: Udal. Chinese: 榔皮树 (Láng pí shù). Kannada: Bilidale, savaya, anenar. Malayalam: വക്ക (Vakka), cavali, chavuthi, shavoodee. Marathi: सरडोळ (Sardol), kardul, gulkhandar, saykhand. Tamil: ஓடல் (Odal), kottaithanuku, muruthan, vakkainar. Telugu: Kummaripoliki, gugai.
Terminology
The medicinal uses of Sterculia villosa are attributed to the presence of various phytochemical constituents, which are the bioactive compounds naturally produced by the plant. Phytochemicals: Studies have revealed the presence of alkaloids (like Sterculin), glycosides, steroids (like Stigmasterol, Beta-sitosterol), flavonoids (like Kaempferol, Quercetin, Diosmetin, Chrysoeriol and its derivatives), polyphenols, tannins (like Ellagitannins, Catechins), saponins, and triterpenoids (like lupeol). Gum Karaya: The tree yields a gum from its bark, which is chemically classified as a hydrocolloid and is used as a substitute for gum tragacanth in various applications, including medicine. Ayurvedic Properties: In Ayurveda, the plant is associated with the tastes (Rasa) of Kashaya (Astringent) and Tikta (Bitter), qualities (Guna) of Guru (Heavy) and Snigdha (Unctuous), a cooling Potency (Virya) of Sheeta, and a post-digestive taste (Vipaka) of Madhura (Sweet). Its properties help to pacify the Kapha and Pitta doshas.
Availability
Geographical Distribution: Sterculia villosa is native to the Indian Subcontinent extending to Southwest China (Yunnan) and Indo-China. Habitat in Nepal: It is found in the Tropical Himalayan regions of Nepal, typically growing at elevations of 300–600 meters above sea level. It thrives in mixed forests and is sometimes cultivated as a shade tree. Source: The plant is generally harvested from the wild for its medicinal parts (bark, root, leaves), fiber, gum, and wood. However, field observations in parts of central India indicate a decline in its population, suggesting that conservation efforts and sustainable harvesting are necessary for its long-term survival.
External Look
Tree Structure: A small to medium-sized deciduous tree, growing up to 10–15 meters high. Bark: Pale-brown and smooth when young, developing small corky warts with age. The blaze (inner bark) is red. Leaves: Large, simple, and typically crowded at the ends of branchlets. They are palmately 5-7 lobed (resembling a hand), often measuring 6.5–45 cm in length and 9–45 cm in width. The base is distinctly cordate (heart-shaped). The underside is downy (pubescent). Flowers: Polygamous (having male, female, and hermaphrodite flowers on the same plant), cream-coloured, and relatively small (10–12 mm across), borne in long, drooping panicles (clusters). The calyx is pink and campanulate (bell-shaped). Fruit: An aggregate of 2–7 woody follicles (pod-like structures), each 3.5–7.5 cm long, brown, and covered in rust-colored tomentum (dense hairs). They contain several smooth, black seeds.
Healing Properties
The plant parts (bark, root, gum, leaves, seeds) are rich in bioactive compounds that provide a range of healing properties: Anti-inflammatory: Effective in reducing swelling and pain in conditions like arthritis, rheumatism, and general inflammation. Antidiabetic: Studies suggest a significant dose-dependent hypoglycemic action, potentially by inhibiting α-amylase. Antimicrobial & Antifungal: Possesses properties to combat bacterial and fungal infections, making it useful for skin diseases, ulcers, and wound healing. Antioxidant: Contains compounds that scavenge free radicals, helping to reduce oxidative stress in the body. Astringent: Due to the tannin content, it helps control excessive secretions, useful in managing diarrhea and dysentery. Laxative & Diuretic: The gum acts as a bulk-forming laxative, aiding in constipation. The plant is also traditionally used as a diuretic to promote urination and address urinary problems. Antithrombotic & Cytotoxic: Research has shown the extract to have potential in preventing blood clot formation (thrombolytic action) and exhibiting cytotoxic effects (against certain cell lines). Cooling & Aphrodisiac: It is traditionally regarded as a cooling agent and an aphrodisiac herb, also used to address seminal weakness and impotency.
Advantages
The key advantages of Sterculia villosa are its multipurpose utility and comprehensive range of traditional medicinal applications: Versatile Medicine: Almost all parts of the tree are used to treat a wide variety of human and animal ailments, from simple constipation and fever to chronic conditions like rheumatism and diabetes. Industrial Use (Gum & Fiber): The Gum Karaya is valuable as a food additive (gum tragacanth substitute) and in pharmaceuticals (e.g., lozenges for sore throats). The inner bark yields a coarse, strong fiber used for making ropes, bags, and cordage, a resource that also gives it the common name "Elephant Rope Tree." Eco-friendly Resource: The wood is soft and used for items like tea boxes, toys, and commercial plywood, reducing the pressure on other high-value timber species. Traditional Validation: Its continued use across numerous ethnic communities and in established systems like Ayurveda speaks to its long-standing efficacy and safety profile in folk medicine.
Uses
The uses of Sterculia villosa span medicinal, industrial, and nutritional applications: Plant Part Used Medicinal Uses (Traditional/Ethnomedicinal) Other Uses (Industrial/Nutritional) Bark Decoction for constipation; juice mixed with oil for ulcers; paste rubbed on the body to check fever; infusion for seminal weakness. Source of coarse, strong fiber for ropes and cordage; yields Gum Karaya. Root Tonic; paste with sugar for children with blood dysentery; paste for swelling/inflammation; infusion for rheumatism and urinary problems. Edible, sometimes used as a food adjunct. Gum Used as a laxative; employed in lozenges for throat infections. Substitute for gum tragacanth in confectionery and food production. Seeds Paste with ginger applied to painful swelling of the scrotum. Edible. Leaves/Petioles Decoction of petioles administered for seminal weakness. Source of a traditional cooling drink. Export to Sheets
Using way
Traditional methods of using Sterculia villosa vary widely depending on the ailment and the plant part used: For Constipation: A decoction (a liquid preparation made by boiling the bark in water) is orally administered. The gum itself is also consumed as a gum laxative. For Swelling and Hydrocele (Scrotal Swelling): A paste is prepared from the fresh bark or seeds, often mixed with an ingredient like ginger, and applied externally to the affected area. For Fever: A paste of the bark is typically rubbed externally over the body to help control the fever. For Diarrhea/Blood Dysentery: The root is made into a paste (sometimes with table sugar) and given orally, especially to children, to leverage its astringent properties. For Ulcers: The bark juice is mixed with oil (e.g., Pongamia pinnata oil) and applied externally to promote healing. For Seminal Weakness/Spermatorrhoea: An infusion or decoction of the bark or root is taken orally.
Conclusion
Sterculia villosa is a highly valuable, multipurpose tree in the Indian Subcontinent and Nepal, deeply integrated into local ethnomedicinal and economic practices. Known for its potent anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities, which are supported by a rich phytochemical profile of flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins, the plant offers therapeutic potential for treating conditions ranging from gastrointestinal disorders and inflammation to skin and urinary problems. Beyond its significant healing properties, the tree is a source of strong fiber and commercially important Gum Karaya. Given its versatile applications and declining wild populations in some areas, conservation and the promotion of sustainable cultivation practices are crucial to ensure the continued availability and utilization of this vital natural resource.
