Herb's Introduction
Terminalia elliptica Willd. is a large, straight-stemmed deciduous tree belonging to the family Combretaceae. It is a prominent species in moist and dry deciduous forests across its native range. The tree is best known for its durable, high-quality timber and its extensive use in traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda, for a variety of ailments. The bark is a primary medicinal part, renowned for its astringent properties. It holds significant ecological and cultural importance, serving as a host plant for the Tassar silkworm and often being considered a sacred tree in some communities. Scientific Name: Terminalia elliptica Willd. Family: Combretaceae Synonyms: Terminalia alata, Terminalia tomentosa (often considered a synonym or part of a complex).
Name in Different Countries
Terminalia elliptica is known by a multitude of common and vernacular names across the regions where it grows: Country/Region Name(s) English Indian Laurel, Silver grey wood, White chuglam, Laurel Hindi (India) आसन (Asan), साज (Saj) Marathi (India) ऐन (Ain), असण (Asan), साताडा (Satada), शार्दूळ (Shardul) Tamil (India) அருச்சுனம் (Aruccunam), கருமருது (Karumarutu), மருதமரம் (Marutamaram) Malayalam (India) Matthi Telugu (India) ఇనుమద్ది (Innu maddi), నల్లమద్ది (Nalla maddi) Kannada (India) Banappu, Karimaddi, Sadada, Unapu mara Bengali (India) Asan Oriya (India) Sahaju Sanskrit (India) रक्तअर्जुन (Raktarjun) Nepal Asan (Also found in Nepal, as a medicinal plant) Export to Sheets
Terminology
The terminology related to Terminalia elliptica primarily focuses on its botanical classification and its medicinal profile in Ayurveda: Botanical Classification: It belongs to the genus Terminalia, known for its economically and medicinally important species (like T. chebula and T. bellirica). The family Combretaceae includes flowering plants often found in tropical and subtropical regions. Synonymy: The name Terminalia tomentosa is frequently used interchangeably, reflecting a complex botanical history where the two names are often treated as synonyms or closely related species within a complex. Ayurvedic Terminology: The Sanskrit name Raktarjun suggests a connection to Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), another cardiac tonic in Ayurveda, with the prefix Rakta (blood/red), though its properties are distinct. It is used in Ayurvedic practices. Common Terminology: The common name Indian Laurel refers to its status as a valuable laurel-like timber tree of India. Crocodile Bark Tree is a descriptive name derived from the deeply fissured texture of its bark.
Availability
Terminalia elliptica is widely distributed and readily available across its native range: Habitat: It thrives in moist and dry deciduous forests, from sea level up to an elevation of about 1200 meters. Geographical Distribution: Its native range spans the Indian Subcontinent (India, Nepal, Bangladesh) and Indo-China (Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam). Availability in Nepal: The species is found in Nepal and is recognized as one of the country's medicinal plants. It is utilized by local and tribal communities for traditional healthcare practices.
External Look
The tree's external characteristics are distinctive: Habit: It is a large, deciduous tree, typically growing to a height of 10-35 meters. It has a tall, straight, cylindrical trunk. Bark: The most defining feature is the bark, which is thick, greyish-black, and characterized by deep vertical fissures and transverse cracks, giving it a rough, "crocodile-skin" appearance. Leaves: The leaves are opposite or sub-opposite, thick-chartaceous, elliptic-oblong, with a shallowly crenulate (scalloped) margin. They are glabrous above but often tomentose (hairy) beneath. A notable feature is the presence of turbinate glands on the mid-nerve at the base of the leaf blade. Flowers: The flowers are small, light brownish-yellow, and arranged in dense spikes aggregated into terminal panicles. Fruit: The fruit is woody, fibrous, ovoid, and distinctly features five glabrous wings, which aids in its identification. The lines on the wings are typically straight, distinguishing it from related species like T. arjuna where the lines are curved.
Healing Properties
The plant, particularly the bark, is rich in bioactive compounds like tannins, flavonoids, and polyphenols (including pyrogallol and catechol), which contribute to its medicinal efficacy. Its traditional uses point to several key healing properties: Astringent and Styptic: The high tannin content makes the bark an excellent astringent, used to stop bleeding (styptic) and tighten tissues. Anti-inflammatory and Antiarthritic: Studies suggest the bark extracts possess anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities. Antidiarrheal/Antidysenteric: Traditionally used to manage diarrhea and dysentery. Wound Healing: Applied externally for cuts and wounds, indicating antiseptic and healing properties. Antiseptic: The pyrogallol found in the bark and fruit has antiseptic properties. Antioxidant: Catechol, present in the bark and fruit, is a known antioxidant. Cardioprotective (Related): Though T. arjuna is the famous cardiac tonic, T. elliptica is closely related and has similar uses in some contexts, and the Sanskrit name Raktarjun hints at this.
Advantages
Versatility in Traditional Medicine: Used to treat a wide range of ailments from gastrointestinal disorders (diarrhea, stomach pain) and skin diseases to wounds, anemia, and menstrual disorders. Rich in Bioactive Compounds: Contains important phytochemicals like tannins, flavonoids, and polyphenols, providing a scientific basis for its traditional uses. Economical and Ecological Value: Beyond medicine, it is highly valued for its durable timber used in construction and furniture, and its leaves are crucial for Tassar silk production. Source of Edible Gum and Potable Water: The gum is edible and used for stomach disorders. Water stored in the stem can be tapped as a source of potable water, believed to have curative value for stomach pain. Dyeing and Tanning Agent: The bark and fruit yield pyrogallol and catechol, which are important for dyeing and tanning leather.
Uses
Terminalia elliptica is utilized in multiple ways: Medicinal Uses (Internal): Treating diarrhea and dysentery. Used for anemia (bark). Addressing stomach disorders (edible gum). Managing menstrual disorders (bark infusion). Given for vomiting (leaf paste). Medicinal Uses (External): Wound and Cut Healing: Bark juice is applied directly to wounds and cuts. Skin Diseases: Bark juice is used to treat various skin conditions. Headache Relief: Vapor from boiling leaves is inhaled. Swelling and Burns: Paste of the gum is applied externally to burns and inflammatory swellings. Bleeding Wounds: Tender leaves are chewed and applied with saliva to bleeding wounds. Industrial/Economic Uses: Timber: Provides durable wood for furniture, construction, joinery, boat-building, and decorative veneers. Sericulture: Leaves are the primary food source for the Tassar silkworm (Antheraea paphia). Dyeing and Tanning: Bark and fruit are used as a cheap source of tanning and dyeing material. Cultural/Religious Uses: Considered a sacred tree. Logs are worshipped, and articles associated with Gods and shrines are made from its wood.
Using Way
Traditional methods of preparing and using Terminalia elliptica parts include: Juice Application: The bark juice is extracted and applied topically to cuts, wounds, and skin diseases. Decoction/Infusion: The bark is used to prepare an infusion (steeped in hot water) or decoction (boiled) for internal consumption, such as for anemia or menstrual disorders. Paste: A paste of the leaves is given to treat vomiting. A paste of the gum is applied externally to burns and swellings. Vapor Inhalation: The vapor from boiling leaves is inhaled to alleviate headaches. Direct Application/Chewing: Tender leaves are chewed and the resulting mixture is applied to bleeding wounds as a bandaging agent. Edible Gum: The gum that exudes from the trunk is consumed for stomach disorders.
Conclusion
Terminalia elliptica, known by common names like Indian Laurel and Asan, is a cornerstone species in the forests of South and Southeast Asia, holding immense value in the sphere of medicinal plants, especially within Ayurveda and local folk traditions in countries like Nepal. Its distinctive "crocodile-skin" bark, rich in astringent tannins, is the most medicinally utilized part, primarily for addressing gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and for its wound-healing properties. The tree offers a holistic advantage, not only providing traditional medicine but also valuable timber, edible gum, tanning material, and a vital food source for the Tassar silkworm. Its established role in traditional healing, supported by the presence of key bioactive compounds like pyrogallol and catechol, cements its status as an important and versatile natural resource deserving of continued study and conservation.
