Herb's Introduction
Viburnum coriaceum Blume is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 7 meters high. It's a species within the genus Viburnum (now generally classified under the family Adoxaceae, previously Caprifoliaceae). This genus is widely known for its decorative value, but many of its species, including V. coriaceum, are also significant in traditional medicine. The plant is native to a region stretching from the Himalayas to West Malesia. Its medicinal importance is rooted in its rich content of bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds (including chlorogenic acid), triterpenoids, and flavonoids, which contribute to its various therapeutic activities.
Name in Different Countries
The plant is known by numerous vernacular and traditional names, reflecting its broad distribution and historical use: Scientific Name: Viburnum coriaceum Blume Hindi: amrer, basmol, diha, talanj Kannada: elesaande, helusunde, yellasunde Malayalam: Mottumookkan Ayurveda: Tilvaka Other Folk Names: Kaalaa Titmuliyaa, Tita, Karwaa
Terminology
The plant's classification and identity are key to understanding its properties: Family: Adoxaceae (formerly Caprifoliaceae). Genus: Viburnum. Species: Viburnum coriaceum. Ayurvedic Terminology: Tilvaka is the name used for this species in the traditional system of Ayurveda, suggesting its established place in classical Indian medicine. Phytochemical Terminology: The therapeutic value is linked to its phytochemicals, which are naturally occurring bioactive compounds. V. coriaceum is specifically noted as a source of chlorogenic acid, an important phenolic compound known for its antioxidant potential.
Availability
Viburnum coriaceum is native to the Himalayas to West Malesia, meaning its natural range includes parts of the Indian subcontinent (where it is found in elevated terrains) and extends towards Southeast Asia. Habitat: It grows primarily in the temperate biome. Collection: The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use, and in some regions, it's also cultivated in home gardens specifically for medicinal purposes. Parts Used: Traditionally, the root and bark of Viburnum coriaceum are utilized in remedies.
External Look
Based on the provided botanical description, the plant has the following key characteristics : Feature Description Habit Evergreen trees, to 7 m high. Bark Grey. Leaves Simple, opposite, elliptic, obovate, ovate-lanceolate, or elliptic-lanceolate; size 6.4−17.5×2.5−5.5 cm. Apex is acuminate (tapering to a point). They are glabrous (smooth) and have 4-6 pairs of prominent lateral nerves. Flowers Bisexual, white, approximately 3 mm across, arranged in terminal or subterminal umbellate corymbs (a flat-topped flower cluster). Fruit A drupe (fleshy fruit with a hard pit) that is elliptic, compressed, ribbed, and beaked, measuring about 8×5 mm. It turns reddish-brown when mature. Export to Sheets
Healing Properties
Research on Viburnum coriaceum and the genus Viburnum generally suggests a range of healing properties: Antispasmodic and Uterine Relaxant: The root and bark have been traditionally used for these effects, suggesting potential for treating conditions like dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) and other uterine disorders. Antioxidant: The plant, particularly its stem extracts, has shown significant antioxidant potential, which is crucial for protecting the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. This activity is often attributed to its phenolic content and the presence of chlorogenic acid. Anti-inflammatory: Studies on the root extracts have demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory effects, which could make it useful for managing various inflammatory conditions. Antinociceptive (Pain-Relieving): Root extracts have shown significant analgesic (pain-relieving) potential in experimental models. Antibacterial: While more common in other Viburnum species, the genus generally exhibits antibacterial activities, suggesting a potential for fighting microbial infections.
Advantages
The key advantages of Viburnum coriaceum as a medicinal plant stem from its bioactive profile: Multi-Target Action: The combination of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties makes it a valuable resource for addressing a syndrome of symptoms often associated with pain and chronic disease. Source of Chlorogenic Acid: As a source of this potent compound, the plant holds promise for pharmaceutical research and development of natural health products. Traditional Validation: Its use in Ayurvedic and local folk medicine (like for uterine issues) provides a basis for modern scientific investigation, potentially offering remedies that are culturally accepted. Relatively Low Toxicity: Like many species in the Viburnum genus, its historical use suggests a generally favorable safety profile, though specific toxicological studies are always required.
Uses
Based on traditional practices and scientific findings related to V. coriaceum and the genus Viburnum: Uterine and Menstrual Disorders: Traditionally used as a uterine relaxant and antispasmodic to help manage painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea) and other menstrual irregularities. Pain and Inflammation: Due to its anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects, it is used in traditional systems to alleviate pain and treat inflammatory conditions. General Health Tonic: Like many other Viburnum species, it may be used as a general restorative remedy due to its high content of health-promoting compounds like polyphenols and flavonoids. Digestive Issues: Other species in the genus are commonly used for a variety of digestive issues, including stomach ache and diarrheal conditions, suggesting V. coriaceum may share some of these applications in local folk traditions.
Using way
The way Viburnum coriaceum is used depends on the traditional system and the part of the plant utilized: Decoction/Infusion: The most common traditional method is preparing a decoction (boiling the harder parts like bark and root in water) or an infusion (steeping softer parts like leaves) for internal consumption. This method extracts the water-soluble medicinal components. Powder: The dried root or bark can be ground into a powder and consumed directly or mixed with honey or other carriers. Extracts: In modern herbal medicine, ethanolic or methanolic extracts (often studied for pharmaceutical potential) are prepared to concentrate the bioactive compounds like chlorogenic acid. These extracts may then be formulated into capsules, tablets, or liquid tonics. Topical Application: Though less commonly cited for this specific species, other Viburnum species are used topically for wounds or skin conditions.
Conclusion
Viburnum coriaceum Blume (Tilvaka, Mottumookkan, Basmol) is a significant medicinal plant native to the Himalayan region and parts of Asia. As an evergreen shrub or small tree, its bark and root have a history of traditional use, particularly as an antispasmodic and uterine relaxant. Scientific studies support its therapeutic value, highlighting strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive properties, largely attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds like chlorogenic acid. While already established in traditional systems like Ayurveda, Viburnum coriaceum remains a subject of ongoing research to fully explore and validate its potential in modern pharmaceutical applications, particularly for managing pain, inflammation, and reproductive health issues.
