Terminalia alata, a powerful medicinal plant belonging to the genus Terminalia, is highly valued across South and Southeast Asia, particularly in traditional systems like Ayurveda. This detailed explanation is structured according to the user's specified headings, synthesizing both the provided information and data gathered from the most current resources.
Herb's Introduction
Terminalia alata Heyne ex Roth, often referred to by the synonym Terminalia tomentosa (Roxb.) Wight & Arn, is a large deciduous tree renowned for its medicinal value. It is commonly known as the Indian Laurel or the Crocodile Bark Tree, a name derived from its uniquely fissured bark. The tree belongs to the family Combretaceae, a group known for producing species rich in tannins and other bioactive compounds. In traditional medicine, particularly Ayurveda and various indigenous systems, nearly every part of the tree—the bark, leaves, fruit, and gum—is employed to treat a vast array of ailments. It is a vital component of the flora classified under the "Medicinal Plants of Nepal" and India, flourishing in tropical and subtropical deciduous forests. Its widespread pharmacological potential, including strong antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, is now being increasingly verified by modern scientific research.
Name in Different Countries
The herb is known by a multitude of names across its native range, reflecting its cultural and medicinal importance: Language Common Names Scientific Name Terminalia alata (Synonym: Terminalia tomentosa) English Indian Laurel, Silver Grey Wood, White Chuglam Hindi आसन (Asan), साज (Saj) Sanskrit रक्तअर्जुन (Raktarjun) Marathi ऐन (Ain), असण (Asan), साताडा (Satada), शार्दूळ (Shardul) Tamil அருச்சுனம் (Aruccunam), கருமருது (Karumarutu), மருதமரம் (Marutamaram) Telugu ఇనుమద్ది (Innu maddi), నల్లమద్ది (Nalla maddi) Malayalam Matthi Kannada Banappu, Karimaddi, Sadada, Unapu mara Bengali Asan Oriya Sahaju Export to Sheets
Terminology
The medicinal efficacy of Terminalia alata is attributed to its rich and complex phytochemical profile. The key chemical terminologies that define its activity include: Tannins: Present in high concentration, particularly in the bark, tannins are powerful astringents. They are largely responsible for the herb's wound-healing, anti-diarrheal, and antiseptic properties, and have been linked to its antibiotic activity. Flavonoids: This group of polyphenolic compounds includes Apigenin, Kaempferol, Luteolin, Myricetin, Quercetin, and Rutin. Flavonoids are potent antioxidants and contribute to the plant's anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and cardio-protective effects. Triterpenoids: The trunk bark contains important triterpene acids such as Arjunic acid, Arjunetin, Arjunolic acid, and Betulic acid. These compounds are often associated with liver protection and cardiovascular benefits. Phenolic Compounds and Ellagic Acid: These contribute significantly to the plant's high antioxidant capacity, which is highest in the fruit extract. Ellagic acid, specifically, is known for its protective roles in managing oxidative stress. Saponins, Alkaloids, and Steroids: These secondary metabolites are also present and contribute to its wide range of pharmacological actions, including anti-fungal and antimicrobial activities.
Availability
Terminalia alata is a naturally abundant tree native to the vast deciduous forests of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Its geographical distribution includes: South Asia: India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Southeast Asia: Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In Nepal, it is a significant species in the tropical and subtropical forests, particularly in the Terai and lower-hilly regions, often found in association with Sal (Shorea robusta) as a dominant species. It thrives in both moist and dry deciduous forests, making it widely accessible to traditional healers and local communities who rely on it for primary healthcare. The tree's common occurrence makes it one of the more sustainable and economically important "Medicinal Plants of Nepal."
External Look
Terminalia alata is a striking, medium-to-large deciduous tree, typically growing to a height of 10–35 meters. Its appearance is characterized by: Bark: This is its most distinguishing feature. The bark is black to grey, thick (15–20mm), and deeply fissured both vertically and horizontally, giving it a distinctive appearance that resembles crocodile skin. Leaves: The leaves are simple, opposite or sub-opposite, elliptic-oblong, and coriaceous (leathery), measuring about 6–14 cm long. A key feature is the presence of two prominent turbinate glands on the mid-nerve at the base of the leaf blade. Flowers: The flowers are small, 5-merous, and a dull, light brownish-yellow color. They aggregate into dense, peduncled spikes that are further collected into terminal panicles. Petals are absent. Fruit: The fruit is woody and fibrous, ovoid, and highly characteristic, possessing five prominent, glabrous wings, which aid in its dispersal.
Healing Properties
The plant's traditional and scientifically validated healing properties are numerous, positioning it as a potent multi-purpose medicinal herb: Cardiotonic: The bark is traditionally known to possess cardiotonic properties, similar to its close relative Terminalia arjuna, and is considered beneficial for heart disorders. Antimicrobial and Antifungal: Extracts from the stem and bark exhibit strong activity against various pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, E. coli) and fungi (e.g., Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger). This is primarily due to its high tannin and flavonoid content, making it an excellent antiseptic. Anti-inflammatory and Anti-nociceptive (Pain Relief): Studies confirm its ability to reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain, supporting its traditional use for rheumatism and localized pain. Antioxidant: It demonstrates powerful free-radical scavenging activity, particularly high in the fruit and leaf extracts, which helps in preventing oxidative stress and degenerative diseases. Hepatoprotective (Liver Protective): It is traditionally used and scientifically investigated for its potential to protect the liver from damage. Antidiabetic/Anti-hyperglycemic: Bark and leaf extracts have shown potential in lowering blood sugar levels, validating its traditional use in managing diabetes. Gastrointestinal Health: The herb is a strong remedy for various GI disorders, acting as an astringent to treat chronic dysentery and atonic diarrhea.
Advantages
The advantages of Terminalia alata as a medicinal plant are derived from its versatility, potency, and accessibility: Broad Spectrum of Efficacy: Its rich phytochemical composition enables it to treat a wide range of human ailments, from chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes to acute problems like wounds, infections, and fever. Multipurpose Parts: Almost all parts of the tree (bark, leaves, fruit, gum) possess medicinal properties, offering flexible methods of preparation and use. Traditional Validation: It holds significant importance in established medical systems like Ayurveda and Siddha, with centuries of documented, empirical use, lending credibility to its health claims. Natural Antiseptic and Styptic: The bark's astringent and antimicrobial nature makes it an effective natural solution for quickly managing bleeding wounds, cuts, and various skin diseases. Sacred and Cultural Value: Beyond medicine, the tree holds magico-religious significance, often being worshipped and used to make articles for shrines, which contributes to its preservation.
Uses
The uses of Terminalia alata are extensive in traditional and folk medicine, targeting multiple body systems: System Traditional Uses Gastrointestinal Treatment of chronic dysentery, atonic diarrhea, stomach disorders (using gum), constipation, and piles. Skin and Wounds Application of bark juice/paste for cuts, bleeding wounds (tender leaves chewed and applied), ulcers, skin diseases, erysipelas, and leukoderma. Cardiovascular/Blood Used as a cardiotonic (heart tonic), styptic (to stop bleeding/haemorrhages), and for anemia. Respiratory Used in the treatment of cough, bronchitis, and inhalation of boiling leaves vapor for headache relief. Urological/Gynecological Prescribed for urinary diseases, strangury, polyuria, leucorrhoea, and menstrual disorders (bark infusion). Other Ailments Fever, rheumatism, vertigo, ear ache, bone fractures, and liver troubles. Export to Sheets
Using way
The methods of preparation and administration vary depending on the ailment and the plant part used: Bark Decoction/Infusion: The most common preparation. A decoction (boiled extract) of the bark is taken orally to treat conditions like fever, urinary diseases, diarrhea, diabetes, and heart ailments. An infusion is specifically recommended for menstrual disorders. Bark Juice/Paste: The fresh bark juice or a paste made from the bark is applied topically to manage cuts, wounds, skin diseases, and ulcers. Leaf Paste/Vapor: A paste of the leaves is sometimes given to treat vomiting. The vapor from boiling leaves is inhaled to relieve headaches (inhalation/fomentation). Direct Application to Wounds: Tender leaves are chewed and mixed with saliva, then applied to bleeding wounds and bandaged, utilizing the immediate styptic and antiseptic properties. Edible Gum: The gum obtained from the tree is sometimes consumed to alleviate stomach disorders. Bark Powder: The dried and powdered bark is an excellent remedy used orally for vertigo, piles, constipation, and chronic dysentery.
Conclusion
Terminalia alata stands as an indispensable pillar among the medicinal plants of Nepal and the Indian subcontinent. Known for its distinct "crocodile bark" and the Sanskrit name Raktarjun, it embodies a potent natural pharmacy. The herb’s efficacy is scientifically justified by the presence of high concentrations of bioactive compounds, particularly tannins, flavonoids, and triterpenoids like arjunolic acid. This rich chemistry provides a broad range of verified pharmacological activities, including exceptional antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cardioprotective benefits. From centuries-old Ayurvedic use as a cardiotonic and wound healer to its ethnomedicinal application for gastrointestinal issues and diabetes, Terminalia alata remains a crucial natural resource. Ongoing research continues to validate its traditional applications, underscoring its potential role in modern herbal drug development and confirming its profound significance in traditional healthcare.
