Herb's Introduction
Toona ciliata M.Roem., commonly known as the Red Cedar, Toon, or Indian Mahogany tree, stands as a prominent species within the family Meliaceae, which also includes the true Mahogany. This fast-growing, medium-to-large deciduous or occasionally semi-evergreen tree is highly valued across its native range, spanning from South and Southeast Asia to Australia. In the context of the Medicinal Plants of Nepal, T. ciliata (known locally as 'Tuni') holds significant importance, particularly in traditional Ayurvedic and folk medicine systems. Its historical use is deeply rooted in the management of various ailments, leveraging the potent pharmacological activities concentrated primarily in its bark, leaves, and heartwood. The tree is not only a source of highly prized, reddish, durable timber but also a rich reservoir of bioactive compounds, making it a subject of increasing modern scientific investigation for its proven anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Name in Different Countries
The widespread distribution and cultural significance of Toona ciliata have led to a diverse nomenclature across different regions and languages. Key names include: Scientific Name: Toona ciliata M.Roem. Synonym: Cedrela toona Roxb. ex Rottler (Widely used historically) Common English Names: Red Cedar, Toon, Indian Mahogany tree, Australian Red Cedar. Sanskrit: Tuunikaa, Nandi Vrksha Nepali: टुनी (Tuni) Telugu: నందివృక్షము (Nandivrukshamu) Kannada: ಗಂಧಗರಿಗೆ (Gandhagarige) Malayalam: ചന്ദനവേമ്പ് (Chandana vembu) Siddha/Tamil: Tunumaram, Santhana Vembu. Bengali: তুন (Tun) Oriya: ଗୟା ଅଶ୍ଵତ୍ଥ (Gaya Ashwatha) Chinese: 红椿 (Hong Chun) French: Cèdre rouge d'Australie Arabic: سيدريلا تونا Lithuanian: Raudonasis indenis
Terminology
The botanical classification and chemical constituents define the specific terminology of this plant: Scientific Name: Toona ciliata M.Roem. Family: Meliaceae (Mahogany Family). Synonymy: The plant was historically recognized under the name Cedrela toona, and other significant synonyms include Surenus toona and Swietenia toona, reflecting its close taxonomic relationship with other timber-yielding species. Key Phytochemicals (Chemistry): The therapeutic efficacy of T. ciliata is attributed to the presence of potent secondary metabolites, most notably tetranortriterpenoids (a type of limonoid). These include toonacilin and its derivatives, as well as cedrelone. Other compounds identified are siderin (a coumarin), deoxycedrelone, leucoanthocyanidin, geranylgernalol and its fatty esters. Toonacilin and its 6-hydroxy derivatives are particularly recognized for their antifeedant properties.
Availability
Toona ciliata is a widely distributed tree, found across a vast geographical range extending from the foothills of the Himalayas (including Nepal) across India, Myanmar, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and into Papua New Guinea and Australia. It thrives in diverse habitats, often preferring moist, fertile soils in open forests, and is frequently encountered at elevations up to 1,200 meters, sometimes higher. Due to its rapid growth and high value, it is also extensively cultivated as a plantation timber tree, an ornamental species, and a roadside shade tree. While its global conservation status is currently listed as 'Least Concern' due to its extensive range and population size, there are local concerns regarding over-exploitation for its highly desirable timber in countries such as China, India, and parts of Southeast Asia, which could threaten local populations.
External Look
Toona ciliata is a magnificent tree characterized by the following physical features: Size and Habit: It is a medium-sized to large deciduous tree, often reaching heights of 25 to 35 meters, and occasionally towering up to 40 meters. It develops a straight, cylindrical trunk and a broad, spreading crown. Bark: The bark is scaly, rough, and typically ranges in color from brown to grey. It peels off in irregular, thin flakes. Leaves: The foliage is striking, consisting of large, spirally arranged, usually paripinnate leaves (though sometimes a terminal leaflet may be present), measuring 15–45 cm in length. Each leaf bears 8–20 pairs of leaflets, which are ovate to lance-shaped, often falcate, measuring 4–15 cm long and 15–50 mm wide. Flowers: The tree produces small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers, typically 5 to 6 mm long, which are borne in large, drooping panicles that can be up to 40 cm long. The flowers are generally produced during the early summer months. Fruit and Seeds: The fruit is an ellipsoid-shaped capsule, 10–20 mm long and 6–8 mm in diameter. When the capsule splits open, it releases numerous light, flattened seeds that are winged on both ends, aiding in wind dispersal. Wood: The heartwood is a distinct reddish color (hence Red Cedar) and is known for its light weight, durability, and characteristic aromatic oil.
Healing Properties
The medicinal value of Toona ciliata is derived from the synergistic action of its rich phytochemical profile, endowing it with a spectrum of potent healing properties: Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: Extracts of the plant, especially the heartwood, have demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) activities, which are attributed to the presence of triterpenoids and common plant steroids. Antidysenteric and Astringent: The bark is particularly noted for its astringent nature, making it highly effective in traditional medicine for treating chronic dysentery and diarrhea, including those associated with typhoid fever. Anti-diabetic and Hypoglycaemic: Leaf extracts have shown notable hypoglycaemic effects, suggesting a role in managing blood sugar levels, and thus potential for anti-diabetic activity. Antimicrobial and Antifungal: Stem bark extracts exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Furthermore, the tetranortriterpenoid cedrelone isolated from the plant has proven antifungal capabilities. Anti-ulcer and Gastro-protective: Ethanol extracts of the heartwood have demonstrated activities that protect the gastrointestinal lining, offering anti-ulcer and gastro-protective benefits. Anticancer and Cytotoxic: Stem bark extracts have exhibited anti-cancer properties, and the plant has been reported to possess cytotoxic activity against various cancer cell lines.
Advantages
The advantages of Toona ciliata extend beyond its medicinal applications, solidifying its status as a highly valuable species: Multi-Purpose Utility: It serves as an invaluable resource for both medicine and industry, providing timber, medicine, fodder (foliage), and dye (flowers). Exceptional Timber Quality: Its reddish, aromatic, and durable timber is highly prized and sold internationally as Indian Mahogany or Red Cedar, forming a significant economic advantage. Traditional Medicine Efficacy: It is a cornerstone herb in Ayurveda and folk medicine for treating difficult conditions like chronic dysentery, leprosy, and persistent fever, with many traditional uses being validated by modern science. Phytochemical Richness: The presence of unique tetranortriterpenoids like toonacilin provides a constant source of novel chemical structures for pharmaceutical research, including those with promising antimalarial and antifeedant properties. Ecological and Cultivation Benefits: As a fast-growing, deciduous tree, it is useful for reforestation, agroforestry (as a shade tree in plantations), and erosion control, making it environmentally significant.
Uses
Various parts of Toona ciliata are utilized for a wide array of therapeutic and non-therapeutic purposes: Digestive Disorders: The bark is the primary part used to treat chronic diarrhea in children and adults, and dysentery. It acts as an anthelmintic (expels intestinal worms) and an expectorant. Fever and Inflammatory Conditions: The bark is traditionally used as an antiperiodic (to prevent the recurrence of fever, such as malaria-related fever). Gum extracted from the bark is also employed to manage fever. Skin and Wound Healing: A paste or powder made from the bark is applied externally for wound healing, treating leprosy, ulcers, ringworm, and scabies. Dried leaf powder mixed with salt is used for managing skin allergies. Gynaecological Health: The flowers are traditionally used as an emmenagogue (to stimulate or increase menstrual flow), and bark extracts are employed to manage menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding). Metabolic and General Health: The leaves are used in traditional preparations to manage diabetes and act as a blood purifier. The bark also serves as a bitter tonic and aphrodisiac. Other Uses: The flowers are used to produce a yellow dye, and the wood yields an aromatic oil. The leaves serve as fodder, although palatability can vary.
Using way
Traditional methods for preparing and administering Toona ciliata parts for medicinal purposes include: Bark Infusion for Digestive Health: An infusion is commonly prepared using 10–25 grams of the dried stem bark. This infusion is often consumed orally, sometimes mixed with a small quantity of black pepper (Piper nigrum), to enhance efficacy in managing chronic dysentery and as a general tonic. Bark Paste for External Application: For wound healing, ulcers, and skin conditions like ringworm or leprosy, the fresh or dried bark is ground into a fine paste or powder and applied directly to the affected area. Leaf Preparation for Diabetes and Skin: The dried leaf powder is a traditional remedy for diabetes and skin allergies. It is often mixed with salt and water before ingestion or external application. Gum for Fever: The natural gum that exudes from the bark is sometimes collected and used in folk medicine preparations aimed at reducing fever. Leaf Infusion for Venereal Diseases: In some parts of its range, a simple infusion of the leaves is prepared and taken orally to treat venereal diseases.
Conclusion
Toona ciliata M.Roem., the Red Cedar or Toon, represents a cornerstone species in the pharmacopoeia of regions like Nepal, holding significant ecological, economic, and medicinal value. From its robust timber used in construction to its diverse phytochemicals utilized in traditional remedies, the tree offers a multitude of benefits. Its established traditional uses as an astringent, anti-dysenteric, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic agent are increasingly supported by contemporary scientific research, which has isolated key compounds like toonacilin. As a prominent member of the Medicinal Plants of Nepal, T. ciliata necessitates sustainable management practices to protect it from over-exploitation. Further clinical validation of its efficacy against complex modern diseases will ensure that this magnificent tree continues to contribute both to global health and local economies for generations to come.
