Herb's Introduction
Suregada multiflora (A.Juss.) Baill., commonly known as False Lime or Limau Hantu, is a medicinal plant belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is a small to medium-sized tree or shrub found across tropical and subtropical Asia. The plant has a rich history in various traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda, Siddha, and folk medicine, where different parts (bark, leaves, roots, and seeds) are utilized to treat a wide array of ailments. Its traditional use is supported by phytochemical research that has identified various bioactive compounds, such as diterpenoids and flavonoids, known for their pharmacological activities.
Name in Different Countries
Scientific Name: Suregada multiflora (A.Juss.) Baill. Common English Names: False Lime Malay: Limau Hantu Hindi (India): बन नारंगा (Ban Naranga) Bengali (India/Bangladesh): নারিঙ্গা / নারেঙ্গা (Naringa / Narenga) Chinese: 白树 (Bai Shu) Khmer (Cambodia): Tromong sek Thai: Duk sai, Ma duk lueam, Muat rot, Salot nam Vietnamese: Cổ ngỗng, Man mây, Nút áo Other Names (from the prompt): Chasesii, Fa Choin Da
Terminology
The botanical name Suregada multiflora provides insight into the plant: Suregada: The genus name is derived from the Telugu name of the plant, "soora gade." multiflora: The specific epithet comes from the Latin words "multus" (much, numerous) and "flos" (flower), referring to the many flowers produced along the axils of the plant. Synonyms: The plant has been known by many other names, reflecting historical changes in classification. Key synonyms include Gelonium multiflorum A.Juss. and Suregada glabra Roxb.
Availability
Native Distribution: Suregada multiflora is native to a broad region in tropical Asia, including: The Indian Subcontinent (India, Bangladesh). Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia - Sumatra, Sulawesi). Southern China (S. Yunnan, S. Guangdong, Hainan). Habitat: It typically grows in lowland and montane thickets, as well as in tropical dry deciduous forests, coastal forests, and rainforests, thriving in tropical and subtropical/monsoonal climates up to about 1000 meters in altitude.
External Look
Form: A tall shrub or small to medium-sized tree, generally growing from 2 to 15 meters high. Branches: The branches are typically gray-yellow to gray-brown and are hairless (glabrous). Leaves: The leaves are obovate-elliptic to oblong-elliptic in shape, measuring about 5–16 cm long and 3–8 cm wide. They are somewhat leathery in texture, have an entire margin, and feature a pointed or shortly acuminate tip. Flowers: The flowers are tiny, about 5–8 mm across, and typically creamy-white or pale yellow. They are borne in short-stalked cymes (clusters). Suregada multiflora is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are found on separate plants. The specific name refers to the numerous flowers produced. Fruit: The common name "False Lime" comes from the fruit, which is round, measures 1.1–1.5 cm across, and is slightly fleshy. The sepals persist on the fruit, which contains three seeds.
Healing Properties
Suregada multiflora possesses a range of important pharmacological activities attributed to the presence of diverse bioactive compounds like diterpenoids (e.g., kaurane- and pimarane-types, abietane diterpenoids), triterpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolics. Key healing properties include: Anti-inflammatory: Studies have supported its traditional use for inflammatory-related diseases, with extracts and isolated compounds showing potent inhibition against mediators like nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ). Antioxidant: The plant contains phenolics and flavonoids that help neutralize free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative damage. Antimicrobial & Antifungal: Extracts, particularly from the root, have shown activity against various microbial species, including bacteria like Escherichia coli. Hepatoprotective (Liver-protecting): Traditionally used and investigated for its role in treating liver disorders. Cytotoxic/Anticancer: Bioactive compounds isolated from the plant have demonstrated cytotoxic effects against certain human tumor cell lines. Antiviral: Reported to contain anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) protein and to exhibit inhibitory effects on the infection and replication of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).
Advantages
The primary advantages of Suregada multiflora lie in its extensive traditional and research-backed medicinal utility, making it a valuable source for natural remedies: Broad Spectrum of Action: It addresses a wide variety of human ailments, from chronic conditions like rheumatism and liver disorders to acute issues like fevers, skin infections, and digestive disturbances. Abundant Bioactive Compounds: The rich phytochemical profile, particularly the high concentration of diverse diterpenoids, makes it a significant candidate for the discovery of novel medications. Use of Multiple Plant Parts: Bark, leaves, roots, and seeds are all utilized in traditional medicine, maximizing the resource's utility and therapeutic potential. Anti-inflammatory Potential: The scientifically verified anti-inflammatory action supports its traditional use in managing pain and swelling, offering a natural option for inflammatory diseases. Timber Value: Beyond its medicinal uses, the wood is also harvested for practical uses like rafters and firewood, adding economic value.
Uses
The different parts of Suregada multiflora are used in traditional practices for the following purposes: Plant Part Traditional Uses Stem Bark Fevers (pyrexia), skin infections (eczema, rashes, itching), joint pain, inflammation, hepatitis, lymphatic disorders, venereal diseases, and fungal infections. Leaves Paste applied externally for rheumatism and joint pain. Used in decoctions for respiratory conditions. Roots Decoctions for digestive disturbances, skin infections, and lymphatic disorders. Seeds Used in the treatment of liver diseases and as a gum tonic. All Parts/Extracts Treatment of ulcers, gum diseases, and general digestive ailments. Export to Sheets
Using way
The methods for using Suregada multiflora vary widely based on the traditional practices of the region and the specific ailment being treated. The primary ways include: Decoction: The most common method involves preparing a decoction (boiling the plant material, usually bark or roots, in water) and consuming the resulting liquid orally. This is typically used for internal issues like fever, digestive problems, and liver disorders. Juice/Extract: Fresh juice is sometimes extracted directly from the bark and administered orally to treat fever, sores, and stomach issues. Topical Paste/Poultice: For external ailments like rheumatism, skin diseases, and joint pain, a paste is prepared from the leaves and/or bark and applied directly to the affected areas. Powder: Dried parts of the plant, such as the seeds or bark, may be powdered and used as a tonic or ingested. Note: As with all potent medicinal plants, usage should ideally be guided by a qualified traditional healer or healthcare professional, as proper dosage and preparation are crucial.
Conclusion
Suregada multiflora, the False Lime, stands as a prominent species within the genus Suregada with significant ethnobotanical and pharmacological importance across tropical Asia. Its traditional application for ailments ranging from inflammatory conditions and fevers to hepatic and skin disorders is increasingly validated by modern scientific research. The discovery of various diterpenoids and other key bioactive molecules underscores its potential as a source for developing new therapeutic agents, particularly in the areas of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and potentially anticancer and antiviral medicine. Preserving this herb and conducting further research into its specific mechanisms of action and safe clinical applications is essential to maximize the benefits of this versatile medicinal plant.
