Herb's Introduction
Thespesia populnea is a significant plant in traditional herbal medicine, especially in Ayurveda and Siddha systems, belonging to the family Malvaceae. It is an evergreen shrub or small to medium-sized tree native to the Old World tropics and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for its ornamental value, shade, and coastal windbreak properties. Historically and currently, various parts of the tree—including the root, bark, leaves, flowers, and fruits—have been utilized due to their diverse therapeutic profile, which is supported by the presence of active compounds like flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids. It is highly valued for its efficacy in treating skin disorders, which is a specific highlight in traditional texts.
Name in Different Countries
Thespesia populnea is known by numerous common names reflecting its widespread use and presence across the globe: English: Indian Tulip Tree, Portia Tree, Pacific Rosewood, Seaside Mahoe, Surina. Sanskrit: Plaksa, Parisa, Kandarala, Phalisah, Gardabhanda. Hindi: Paaraspipal (Paras Pipal). Tamil: Poovarasu (பூவரசு). Telugu: Gangaraavi. Malayalam: Poovarasu (പൂവരശ്). Marathi: Parasa pimpaala. Bengali: PakuR, Gajashundi, Paraasapipula. Gujarati: Paaraspipalo. Kannada: Huvarasi. Malay: Bebaru or Baru baru. Polynesian languages: Milo or Miro. Sinhala: Suriya. It is referred to as Paaraspipal or similar names in various parts of India and is recognized globally as the Indian Tulip Tree due to its flower's shape.
Terminology
Botanical Name: Thespesia populnea (L.) Sol. ex Corrêa Family: Malvaceae (Mallow family) Synonyms: It has a long list of synonyms, including Hibiscus populneus L. and Parita populnea (L.) Scop., reflecting its historical classification shifts. Ayurvedic Terminology & Properties: It is used to treat conditions like Sotha (inflammation), Daha (burning sensation), Dadru (ringworm/skin disease), Kandu (itching), Prameha (diabetes/urinary disorders), Raktapitta (bleeding disorders), and Kushta (skin diseases). Its properties are described as Laghu (light), Snigdha (unctuous/oily), with a Katu Vipaka (pungent post-digestive taste) and Sheeta Veerya (cooling potency).
Availability
Geographical Range: Thespesia populnea is widely distributed across most of the tropics and subtropics, often found in coastal forests and lowland areas. It is native to tropical Asia and parts of Africa but has become naturalized in many tropical climates worldwide, including the Caribbean. In the Context of Nepal: While the plant is typically associated with coastal and tropical lowland regions, Nepal's southern (Terai) belt falls into the tropical and subtropical zones. Although it may not be listed among high-altitude Nepalese medicinal plants, it could potentially be found or cultivated in the lower, warmer regions of Nepal. The plant thrives in moist to wet, lowland tropics, typically below 150 meters elevation, making its prevalence in Nepal's diverse altitudes likely restricted to the warmer areas. Source: It is grown as an ornamental and shade tree, and can be found wild in suitable environments. Its extensive cultivation makes it readily available in markets where traditional medicine is practiced.
External Look
Habit: It is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub or small to medium-sized tree, typically growing up to 10-20 meters tall, with a dense, broad, rounded crown. Leaves: The leaves are alternate, simple, heart-shaped (cordate) or broadly ovate, resembling those of the Poplar tree (hence 'populnea'), with a length of 5–15 cm. They are bluish-green with distinct yellow main veins. Flowers: The flowers are showy, solitary, and cup-shaped, similar to a hibiscus bloom. They are typically bright yellow when they open in the morning with a deep purplish-red center. As the day progresses, they often change color, deepening to a reddish or maroon hue before they fall. Fruit: The fruit is a hard, woody, somewhat flattened, rounded capsule (pear-shaped to globose) about 2-4 cm in diameter, which does not open readily. It contains small, kidney-shaped seeds. Bark: The bark of older trees can be thick, greyish-brown, and often exhibits interesting, irregular patterns. The inner bark is fibrous.
Healing Properties
Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: The plant's compounds, including sesquiterpenes and phenolic compounds, exhibit significant anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, making it useful in conditions like arthritis and localized swellings. Antimicrobial and Antifungal: Extracts from the leaves, fruits, and flowers have shown activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as antifungal properties, useful for treating infections. Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective: Its rich flavonoid content contributes to strong antioxidant activity, which helps neutralize free radicals and protects cells. The bark extract, in particular, has demonstrated significant hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) activity against toxin-induced damage. Dermatological: It is specifically renowned in traditional medicine for its anti-psoriatic and depurative (blood-purifying) actions, making it a powerful remedy for various skin diseases like eczema, scabies, and psoriasis. Gastrointestinal: The bark is astringent and useful in managing diarrhoea, chronic dysentery, and haemorrhoids (piles). The seeds are noted to have a purgative action. Neuroprotective: Studies indicate that the bark extract possesses memory-enhancing and cholesterol-lowering properties, suggesting potential in managing conditions like Alzheimer's disease by reducing central cholinesterase activity.
Advantages
Multipurpose Utility: Beyond its medicinal uses, the plant offers strong, durable timber (Pacific Rosewood) highly valued for boat building (as it is durable underwater), construction, and crafts. The bark yields a strong fiber for cordage. Coastal Protection: Its tolerance for saline conditions and robust root system make it excellent for coastal erosion control and as a windbreak. Traditional Validation: It is a cornerstone remedy in sophisticated traditional systems like Ayurveda and Siddha, with specific indications for complex ailments like skin diseases (Kushta). Broad Spectrum Activity: The presence of various bioactive compounds offers a wide range of pharmacological activities including wound healing, anti-diabetic, and anti-ulcer effects.
Uses
Skin Conditions: Root, fruit, leaf, or bark paste/juice is applied externally for psoriasis, scabies, eczema, ringworm, itching, and general skin disorders. The fruit juice is also used for insect bites and warts. Digestive Ailments: Decoction of the astringent bark is taken orally for diarrhoea, chronic dysentery, and haemorrhoids. Unripe fruit juice is also used for piles. Inflammation and Pain: Leaf tea or decoctions are used internally for rheumatism and the crushed fruit is applied to sprains and swellings. Wound Healing: Bark decoction is used to cleanse wounds, clear slough, and accelerate healing. Liver Support: Bark extracts have been studied for their ability to purify the blood and support liver health (hepatoprotective action). Cognitive Support: Bark extracts are investigated for their potential to improve memory and lower cholesterol, relevant to conditions like Alzheimer's. Female Disorders: Bark decoctions are used as a vaginal douche for infections and in traditional treatments for leucorrhea and female genital disorders.
Using Way
Decoction: A decoction (a strong tea made by boiling) of the bark or leaves is commonly prepared for internal use to treat diarrhoea, dysentery, haemorrhoids, and to cleanse wounds (externally). Dosage (Ayurvedic reference for bark/powder): Decoction 50-100 ml; powder 3-6 g. Topical Paste/Juice: Skin Diseases: A paste of the root, fruit, or leaf is applied directly to the affected skin areas (psoriasis, eczema, tinea, scabies). Swelling/Pain: The pulp of fresh fruits or juice is applied topically for relief of headaches (migration) and sprains. The cooked fruit crushed in coconut oil is used as a salve for lice. Internal Infusion/Tea: A tea made from the leaves or a cold infusion of the bark may be taken for rheumatism, urinary retention, and colds.
Conclusion
Thespesia populnea, the Indian Tulip Tree, stands as an invaluable and versatile medicinal plant, particularly well-regarded in traditional systems like Ayurveda and Siddha. Its broad-spectrum pharmacological activities—including powerful anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective effects—are increasingly validated by modern research. The plant's specific efficacy in treating various skin diseases is a key highlight of its traditional application. From its durable timber to its wide-ranging therapeutic uses across all parts of the tree, T. populnea is a plant of high medicinal and socio-economic value. Continued investigation into its bioactive compounds, particularly the unique gossypol derivative, thespesin, promises further pharmaceutical development based on this rich traditional knowledge.
