Herb's Introduction
Terminalia catappa L., commonly known as the Indian Almond or Tropical Almond, is a large, deciduous, and erect tropical tree belonging to the family Combretaceae. This multipurpose plant is native to Asia, Australia, the Pacific, Madagascar, and Seychelles and is now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe, primarily for its edible kernels, shade provision, and ornamental value. The tree is highly valued in various traditional systems of medicine, including Ayurveda and several folk medicine traditions, due to its richness in phytochemicals such as flavonoids and tannins, which are responsible for its wide array of reported pharmacological activities.
Name in Different Countries
English: Indian Almond, Tropical Almond, Sea Almond, Malabar Almond, Country Almond, Beach Almond, False Kamani, Singapore Almond, Singapore Nut. Scientific Name: Terminalia catappa L. Family: Combretaceae Synonyms: Badamia comersoni Gaertn., Buceras catappa Hitchc., Juglans catappa Lour., etc. India: Hindi: Baadaam (बादाम); Kannada: Badaamu (ಬದಾಮು); Malayalam: Badaam (ബദാം); Tamil: Saraparuppu (சார பருப்பு), Vaatumai (வாதுமை), Badam (பாதாம்); Sanskrit: Inguda. Nepal: Kaathe badaam (काठे बदाम). Southeast Asia: Malay/Javanese: Ketapang; Filipino: Talisai; Vietnamese: Bàng; Burmese: Badan. Others: Chinese: Lan ren shu (榄 仁树); French: Amandier des Indes; German: Seemandelbaum; Spanish: Almendro de la India; Russian: Terminaliia katappa (Терминалия катаппа).
Terminology
Botanical Terminology: The plant is a medium to large-sized tree, typically reaching heights of 15–25 m (sometimes up to 40 m). It is characterized by its tiered, pagoda-like habit with whorls of nearly horizontal branches. It is deciduous, shedding its large leaves seasonally, which turn brilliant red or dark purplish-red before falling. Phytochemical Terminology: The medicinal properties are attributed to its secondary metabolites. Key compounds identified include: Flavonoids: Such as Kaempferol and Quercetin. Tannins: Such as Punicalagin, Punicalin, and Teracatin, which give the plant parts (especially the bark and leaves) their astringent properties. Saponins, Phytosterols, and Glycosides. Ayurvedic Terminology (Traditional Indian Medicine): Parts of the herb are traditionally classified as: Diuretic: Promoting increased production of urine. Astringent: Causing the contraction of body tissues, often used to stop bleeding or secretions. Cardio tonic: Strengthening or invigorating the heart.
Availability
Geographic Distribution: Terminalia catappa is widely distributed throughout the tropical belt of the world. Its tolerance for saline soil and wind makes it a common feature of coastal environments (seashores, beaches, coastal plains). Availability in Nepal: The herb is found in Nepal, particularly in the tropical eastern regions up to about 1000 meters elevation, although its primary habitat is generally coastal. In Nepal, it is known as Kaathe badaam and may be sometimes planted rather than growing wild extensively. Commercial Availability: The tree is frequently planted as an ornamental and shade tree in parks, along avenues, and in urban landscapes globally. Its nuts (kernels) are consumed locally in many regions, and its leaves are harvested for use in traditional medicine, particularly for teas and extracts, and even in the aquarium hobby. The availability is generally high in its native and cultivated tropical range.
External Look
Tree Habit: The most striking feature is its distinctive, pagoda-like, tiered canopy with widely spaced, nearly horizontal branches. The trunk is often buttressed at the base. Leaves: The leaves are large (15-36 cm long), simple, widely obovate (spoon-shaped), leathery, and glossy dark green. Before shedding in the dry season, they turn a brilliant, characteristic scarlet, dark red, or purplish-red hue. Flowers: The flowers are small, greenish-white, and have a slightly unpleasant odor. They are arranged on long (8-25 cm) axillary spikes, with most flowers being male and only a few bisexual flowers near the base. Fruit: The fruit is a smooth-skinned, ovoid to oblong, sessile drupe that is laterally compressed, appearing green when young, turning yellow, and sometimes bright red or dark purple when ripe. It is fibrous and contains a single seed. Seed/Kernel: Inside the hard, woody fruit shell, the seed (kernel) is edible and has a pleasant, almond-like taste.
Healing Properties
The plant parts, especially the leaves and bark, are rich in phytochemicals like tannins and flavonoids, which contribute to a broad range of pharmacological properties demonstrated in scientific studies. Antioxidant Activity: High content of phenolics and flavonoids provides potent free-radical scavenging capabilities. Anti-inflammatory Activity: Extracts have shown effectiveness in reducing inflammation. Antimicrobial Activity: Effective against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and some fungi. Hepatoprotective Activity: Traditional use for liver diseases (like hepatitis) is supported by studies showing protection of the liver. Antidiabetic/Hypoglycaemic Activity: Extracts can help lower blood sugar levels. Gastrointestinal Health: Astringent properties of bark and leaves are used to treat dysentery and diarrhea. Anticancer/Antimutagenic/Anticlastogenic Activity: Studies suggest the presence of compounds that may prevent or fight certain cancers and protect against genetic damage. Other Properties: Anti-HIV, Antinociceptive (pain-relieving), Aphrodisiac, and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibition (potentially relevant for hypertension).
Advantages
Nutritional Value: The kernels are edible, rich in fat (oil similar to almond oil), protein, carbohydrates, and minerals (Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium). Broad Spectrum of Medicinal Use: Used traditionally for diverse conditions ranging from liver and gastrointestinal issues to skin diseases and as a cardiotonic. Natural Source of Antioxidants: Provides natural compounds that combat oxidative stress and cellular damage. Environmental Benefits: Serves as an excellent shade tree due to its broad canopy and is vital for coastline stabilization. The wood is red, solid, and water-resistant, used for canoes and small timber. Fishkeeping Use (Aquarium Hobby): Dried fallen leaves are widely used in aquariums to lower pH, release beneficial tannins (providing a "blackwater" effect), and exhibit mild anti-parasitic and anti-fungal properties, benefiting certain fish species.
Uses
Medicinal Uses: Leaves: Used as a sudorific (inducing sweating), anthelmintic (expelling worms), for headaches, scabies, dermatitis, tonsillitis, hepatitis, and to relieve mammary pain (mixed with oil). Young leaves are used for colic. Bark and Roots: Highly astringent, used for bilious diarrhea, dysentery, gastric ailments, sores, and abscesses. Also used as a diuretic and cardiotonic (in India). Fruit/Kernel: The kernel oil is used with young leaf sap for the treatment of leprosy (folkloric). Kernels are also used for sexual dysfunction. Food Uses: The kernels (seeds) are edible raw or roasted, often referred to as "tropical almonds." The fruit pulp is edible, though slightly acidic. Other Uses: Dye and Tannin: The bark and wood produce a dye and an extract suitable for tanning leather. Timber: The wood is used for making canoes and for small timber, valued for its water resistance. Ornamental/Shade: Widely planted as an avenue and park tree for its handsome shape and deep shade.
Using Way
Traditional and tested methods for utilizing Terminalia catappa include: Decoction/Tea: The most common way to use the leaves and bark. Leaves: Dried, fallen, or sometimes young fresh leaves are boiled in water to make a tea/decoction. This is consumed orally to treat dysentery, diarrhea, liver diseases, or used externally as a wash for skin conditions (scabies, dermatitis). Bark: Bark pieces are boiled to create a stronger, more astringent decoction for internal use (diarrhea, dysentery, gastric ailments) or external application (for sores/abscesses). Topical Application: Juice: The juice of young leaves is used for scabies and other cutaneous diseases. Paste/Poultice: Leaves macerated in oil (like palm oil or kernel oil) are rubbed on the chest to relieve mammary pain or used for tonsillitis. Edible Consumption: The kernels are extracted from the hard shell and consumed raw or roasted as a snack. Caution: While this information is based on traditional and scientific sources, consult a qualified healthcare professional before using Terminalia catappa or any herbal remedy for medicinal purposes, especially concerning dosage and potential interactions.
Conclusion
Terminalia catappa L., the Indian Almond, stands as a highly significant tropical multipurpose tree. Beyond its ecological role in coastal regions and its widespread use as an ornamental shade tree, its medicinal value is substantial and supported by a rich traditional history and modern pharmacological research. The plant's high concentration of bioactive compounds, particularly tannins and flavonoids, underpins its demonstrated efficacy as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic agent. Whether used in a traditional decoction for gastrointestinal or liver issues, or cherished for its edible and nutritious kernel, Terminalia catappa remains an essential component of tropical ethnobotany and a prime candidate for further research and sustainable utilization in various industries, including food, medicine, and environmental services. Its continued use across diverse cultures, including as Kaathe badaam in Nepal, affirms its holistic importance to human well-being and ecology.
