Herb's Introduction
Stereospermum tetragonum DC., synonymous with Stereospermum colais (Buch.-Ham. ex Dillwyn) Mabb., is a large, deciduous, medicinally important tree belonging to the family Bignoniaceae. It is commonly known as the Yellow Snake Tree or Trumpet Flower Tree. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is often referred to as Patala and is a constituent of the important formulation Dashamula (Ten Roots), specifically forming part of the Brihat Panchmula (Greater Five Roots). The plant is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, including parts of India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and is also found in Nepal. It is highly valued in traditional medicine systems for various therapeutic applications. The plant's significance is twofold: its recognized medicinal properties and its necessity for conservation due to over-exploitation in the wild.
Name in Different Countries
The herb is known by various common and vernacular names across different regions, often reflecting its prominent local use or appearance: Country/Region Language/Name Name English Common Name Yellow Snake Tree, Trumpet Flower Tree India Hindi Paral, Paroli, Patal Sanskrit Patala Tamil Ampu, Ampuvakini, Patalam, Patiri Telugu Anbuvasini, Kaligottu, Padiri, Patala Marathi Padal Malayalam Karingazha, Paathiri, Puuppaathiri Kannada Kalaadri, Paadari Bengali Parul Manipuri Missi Oriya Pamphunia Konkani Paadal Assamese Dhapatita, Parroli Gujarati Padeli Urdu Paral Nepal Nepali Paadari, Kuber bacha (Note: These names are also associated with S. chelonoides, a closely related species). Myanmar Local Names Hingut-pho, Thande, Than-tat, Than-tay, etc. Mizoram (India) Mizo Zinghal Export to Sheets
Terminology
Botanical Name: Stereospermum tetragonum DC. Synonyms: Bignonia caudata DC., Bignonia colais Buch.-Ham. ex Dillwyn, Stereospermum colais (Buch.-Ham. ex Dillwyn) Mabb. Family: Bignoniaceae (Trumpet Creeper Family). Ayurvedic Terminology: Patala or Patali. It is a key constituent of Dashamula (ten roots) and Brihat Panchmula (greater five roots) formulations. Phytoconstituents: The plant is rich in various phytochemicals, including coumarins (such as lapachol), glycosides (such as flavone glycosides), phenols, alkaloids, saponins, and β-sitosterol. Two important quinones are stereochenols A and B.
Availability
Stereospermum tetragonum is primarily found throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the Indian subcontinent, including India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal. It typically grows in moist deciduous forests, often in areas with a marked dry season, and is sometimes found in sandy soils of river beds at elevations generally between 200 and 1,300 meters. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as medicine and timber, and its medicinal parts (root, bark, leaves, and flowers) are commonly sold in local markets. However, due to its significant medicinal value and destructive harvesting of its roots and bark, the species is reportedly under threat of over-exploitation in certain areas, necessitating conservation efforts like improved seed propagation techniques (ex-situ conservation).
External Look
Stereospermum tetragonum is a large, straight-stemmed, deciduous tree, typically growing between 15 to 35 meters in height. Trunk: The bole (main stem) can be tall, sometimes unbranched up to 15 meters, and can reach up to 80 cm in diameter. Leaves: The leaves are large, opposite, imparipinnate (feather-like with an odd leaflet at the tip), typically 30-45 cm long. Leaflets are 5-11 in number and may be purple when young. Flowers: The flowers are bisexual and appear in large, drooping, glabrous (smooth) panicles. They are often described as being yellowish on the outside and cream/yellow inside, sometimes tinged with reddish-purple. The flowers are fragrant and trumpet-shaped. Note: There is some confusion in older literature with the closely related species Stereospermum chelonoides (syn. S. suaveolens), which is sometimes described as having dull-purple or hairy flowers. Fruit: The fruit is a long, slender, spirally twisted, four-angled capsule (pod), typically 30-45 cm long and up to 1.3 cm wide. Seeds: The seeds are numerous, small, winged, and deeply notched at the middle, aiding in wind dispersal.
Healing Properties
The plant, particularly the root, bark, and leaves, is known in traditional systems like Ayurveda for possessing a wide range of healing properties: Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: Reduces swelling and pain. Antipyretic/Febrifuge: Used to lower fever. Antidiabetic/Anti-hyperglycemic: Studies suggest it may help in lowering blood glucose levels. Antimicrobial and Antibacterial: The bark has shown activity against certain bacteria, including antitubercular properties. Antioxidant: Contains compounds that protect cells from damage by free radicals. Diuretic: Increases urine output. Cardio Tonic: Supports heart function. Anti-emetic: Helps prevent vomiting and hiccups. Lithotropic: Historically used to treat stones. Anti-ulcer and Antivenom: Used traditionally for anti-ulcer purposes and against venom. Hepatoprotective: May protect the liver from toxins. Neuroprotective: Might protect the brain from damage, potentially relevant for conditions like Parkinson's disease.
Advantages
The primary advantages of Stereospermum tetragonum stem from its comprehensive therapeutic profile in traditional medicine, particularly its use as part of the highly revered Dashamula formulation. Versatile Traditional Use: It is a polyherbal component, with the root being critical in the Dashamula (ten roots) preparation, which is a tonic and remedy for numerous ailments, including nervous disorders, inflammatory conditions, and postpartum issues. Multisystem Support: Traditionally, it provides benefits across multiple body systems, including digestive (appetizer, relieving chronic dyspepsia), respiratory (asthma, cough), and metabolic (diabetes, fever). Active Phytochemistry: The presence of compounds like coumarins and flavonoids suggests a strong basis for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic activities, which are being validated by modern research. Local Availability: It is readily available and gathered from the wild in its native range, including Nepal, making it accessible for local traditional healers. Edible Flowers: The flowers are sometimes cooked and consumed as a vegetable. Important Note on Safety: While traditionally used, modern scientific evidence is often rated as Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for many uses. There is a lack of reliable information on the safety of Stereospermum when taken by mouth, especially for pregnant or breast-feeding individuals. It may also interact with blood sugar levels, warranting careful monitoring for diabetic patients, particularly around surgery.
Uses
Different parts of Stereospermum tetragonum are used for various health conditions: Root (Most commonly used part): As a component of Dashamula formulations (tonic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory). Treatment of asthma and coughs. Used as anodyne (pain relief), diuretic, expectorant, cardiotonic, and aphrodisiac. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is used to correct conditions due to imbalances in all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). Used for fevers (as a cooling drink). Leaves: Decoction used as an antipyretic (fever reducer) and to treat chronic dyspepsia (indigestion). Used externally for conditions like otalgia (earache), odontalgia (toothache), and rheumatalgia (rheumatic pain). Applied to the skin for wounds and for maniacal cases (mixed with lime juice). Bark: Used in the treatment of piles (hemorrhoids). Possesses antibacterial and antitubercular properties. Flowers: Used as a cooling drink for fevers. Mixed with honey to check hiccough. Used for conditions involving burning sensation and vitiated Pitta. Sometimes eaten as a vegetable. Fruit: Used to cure migraine. Helpful in hiccoughs and hemorrhages.
Using Way
The herb is primarily used in traditional medicine systems through the preparation of decoctions, infusions, or as part of compound herbal formulations. Decoction: A common method involves boiling the roots, leaves, or bark in water until the liquid volume is reduced, concentrating the active components. This decoction is used internally for fevers, coughs, asthma, and as an anti-inflammatory. Infusion/Cooling Drink: An infusion (steeping) of the pleasant-tasting root and fragrant flowers is used as a cooling drink, particularly to treat fevers. Juice/Paste: Leaf juice, sometimes mixed with other ingredients like lime juice, is used externally or internally for specific ailments (e.g., for maniacal cases or local pain). Ayurvedic Formulations: The root is a mandatory ingredient in major Ayurvedic preparations like Dashamula and is used in medicinal oils such as Sahachardithailam and Dhanwantharamthailam. The herb is also used in the preparation of the famous tonic Chyavanprash. External Application: The plant parts are used to prepare pastes or poultices for wound healing and topical pain relief. Dosage: The appropriate dose of Stereospermum is highly dependent on factors like the user's age, health, and the specific condition being treated. Due to a lack of scientific standardization, traditional practitioners determine the dosage. It is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare provider or a registered Ayurvedic practitioner before using this herb medicinally.
Conclusion
Stereospermum tetragonum (Patala) stands as a highly significant deciduous tree within the traditional pharmacopeia of the Indian subcontinent, including Nepal, where it is known locally as Paadari or Kuber bacha (among other names). As a crucial component of the powerful Ayurvedic Dashamula formulation, its roots, leaves, bark, and flowers are integral to treating a spectrum of conditions—from fever, pain, and inflammation to respiratory ailments, digestive issues, and even diabetes. Its rich phytochemical profile, including coumarins and glycosides, lends credence to its traditional claims of being anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and anti-diabetic. However, modern scientific research, while promising in verifying these pharmacological activities, currently requires more extensive clinical evidence to fully support its effectiveness and establish standardized, safe dosages. Furthermore, the reliance on harvesting from the wild has placed this valuable medicinal resource under threat, underscoring the vital need for conservation and sustainable cultivation practices. The enduring traditional knowledge surrounding Stereospermum tetragonum ensures its continued place in herbal medicine, even as efforts are made to bridge traditional wisdom with modern scientific validation and ensure the species' long-term survival.
