Herb's Introduction
Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb.) R.Br., commonly known as Pala Indigo Plant or Dyer's Oleander, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree belonging to the family Apocynaceae. It is widely recognized in traditional Indian systems of medicine like Ayurveda and Siddha for its numerous therapeutic properties. The tree is notable for its milky white latex, light-colored wood, and is historically significant as a source of the 'Pala indigo' dye. It thrives in dry and moist regions and is native to India, Southeast Asia, and Australia. In traditional medicine, almost all parts of the plant, including the leaves, bark, seeds, and even the milky juice, are utilized for various ailments.
Name in Different Countries
Scientific Name: Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb.) R.Br. Family: Apocynaceae Common English Names: Pala Indigo Plant, Dyer's Oleander, Sweet Indrajao, Ivory-wood. Indian Regional Names (as provided): Gujarati: દૂધલો (dudhalo) Hindi: दुधी (dudhi), इन्द्रजौ (indrajau), काला कुडा (kala kuda), करायजा (karayaja), कुडा (kuda) Kannada: ಅಜಮರ (ajamara) Konkani: काळाकुडो (kalakudo) Marathi: भूरेवडी (bhurevadi), काळा कुडा (kala kuda) Malayalam: ഭന്തപ്പാല (bhanthappaala), കമ്പിപ്പാല (kampi-ppaala), നിലപ്പാല (nilappala) Sanskrit: असित कुटज (asita kutaj), ह्यमारका (hyamaraka), स्त्री कुटज (stri kutaja), Svetakutaja, Shveta Kutaja (White-flowered), Punkutaja, Indrayava Tamil: இரும்பாலை (irum-palai), பாலை (paalai), வெட்பாலை (vet-palai), Nilapaalai Telugu: అంకుడుచెట్టు (ankuduchettu), చిట్టిఅંకుడు (chiti-anikudu), Tella pala, Reppala, Ankudu, Tella pala kodisha
Terminology
In the context of traditional medicine, Wrightia tinctoria is often referred to by its Sanskrit name, Svetakutaja or Shveta Kutaja (White Kutaja), to differentiate it from Holarrhena antidysenterica (Kutaja). The term Indrayava (or Indrajava) specifically refers to its seeds, which are highly valued medicinally. Ayurvedic Terminology: Classified as a herb with properties such as: Tonic (Rasayana): Generally promoting health and vitality. Aphrodisiac (Vajikarana): Used to enhance sexual vigor. Febrifuge (Jwaraghna): Agent that reduces fever. Antidysenteric: Used to treat dysentery and diarrhea. Anthelmintic: Used to expel intestinal worms.
Availability
Habitat: Wrightia tinctoria is primarily found in the plains and lower hills of India, extending into parts of Southeast Asia, including Sri Lanka, and Australia. It is prevalent in dry deciduous and moist deciduous forest types. Nepal Context: While the primary search focused on its general properties, it is important to note that Wrightia species are generally tropical or sub-tropical. As a known medicinal plant of South Asia (linked with "Medicinal Plants of Nepal"), it could be found in the lower-altitude, southern Terai region of Nepal, where its characteristic dry and moist deciduous forest habitat exists, or it may be imported for use in Ayurvedic practice in the country. The wood is also a commercial product.
External Look
Tree: A small to medium-sized deciduous tree, typically growing up to 10-18 meters in height. The trunk is generally straight. Bark: Smooth and somewhat corky, pale grey in color, sometimes having green marks. It exudes a sticky, milky-white latex when cut. Leaves: Simple, opposite, variable in shape from elliptic-lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, acute or rounded at the base, and acuminate at the apex. They are 8–15 cm long. Flowers: White or creamy-white, fragrant, and borne in terminal corymbose cymes. They typically appear in the spring season. Fruit/Pods: Long, slender, cylindrical, paired follicles (pods), about 20–50 cm long, which hang down from the branches. Seeds: Contain a cluster of silky white hairs (floss) at one end, which aids in wind dispersal.
Healing Properties
The various parts of Wrightia tinctoria possess a broad spectrum of healing properties, which are being increasingly validated by modern research: Anti-psoriatic & Dermatological: The most renowned property, especially of the leaves and bark extracts, is for treating Psoriasis and non-specific dermatitis. Specialized oils prepared from the leaves are traditionally used for this purpose. Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic: Extracts from the bark and leaves show significant activity in reducing pain (analgesic) and swelling (anti-inflammatory), used traditionally for toothache, headaches, and general inflammation. Antimicrobial: The plant, particularly its extracts, demonstrates antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, making it useful for treating various infections and oral ailments. Antidysenteric & Antidiarrhoeal: The bark and seeds are powerful astringents, traditionally used to manage dysentery, diarrhea, and other bowel complaints. Antioxidant: The presence of phytochemicals like flavonoids and phenolic compounds gives it strong antioxidant properties, helping to combat oxidative stress. Hepatoprotective: Some studies suggest a protective effect on the liver against certain toxins. Wound Healing: Leaf and bark preparations are used topically to promote the healing of wounds. Cardiovascular: Preliminary studies on seed extracts suggest a potential to lower blood pressure (antihypertensive) and improve lipid profiles (antidyslipidemic).
Advantages
Multi-Purpose Efficacy: Offers a natural remedy for a wide range of conditions, particularly chronic skin diseases like psoriasis, for which conventional treatments can have side effects. Accessibility: As a widely distributed and harvested tree in South Asia, it is relatively accessible for traditional medicine practitioners. Multiple Usable Parts: The bark, seeds, leaves, and latex all have distinct medicinal applications, maximizing the plant's utility. Commercial Use: Beyond medicine, its light-colored, fine-grained wood (Ivory-wood) is valuable for turnery and toy-making (e.g., Channapatna toys), adding economic value.
Uses
Plant Part Primary Traditional Use Modern/Scientific Investigation Leaves Psoriasis, Eczema, Non-specific dermatitis, Toothache, Mumps, Herpes. Anti-psoriatic, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, Antibacterial. Bark Dysentery, Piles (hemorrhoids), Skin diseases, Stomach pain. Antidysenteric, Anti-inflammatory, Antifungal, Anti-pyretic. Seeds Dysentery, Diarrhoea, Intestinal worms (Anthelmintic), Fever (Febrifuge), Sexual debility (Aphrodisiac). Antidysenteric, Anthelmintic, Cardiovascular effects (hypotensive, anti-dyslipidemic). Latex (Milky Juice) Stopping bleeding, Gingivitis. Antimicrobial, Used topically. Oil (from leaves/seeds) Psoriasis, Dandruff, Scalp disorders. Anti-psoriatic, Anti-dandruff, Anti-inflammatory. Export to Sheets
Using Way
The method of use is dependent on the target ailment: For Skin Ailments (Psoriasis, Eczema, Non-specific Dermatitis): The leaves are typically processed into an oil (often with coconut oil). The leaves are soaked, sometimes boiled or kept in sunlight, with oil, which is then filtered and applied externally to the affected areas of the skin and scalp (for dandruff). For Oral Pain (Toothache, Gum Swelling): Fresh leaves are sometimes chewed with a pinch of salt, or the milky latex is applied directly to the gums. For Dysentery and Diarrhoea: A decoction (boiled water extract) of the bark is prepared and taken orally. The powdered seeds (Indrayava) are also administered orally. For Piles/Hemorrhoids: The bark decoction is taken internally. For Fever and General Tonic: A decoction of the leaves and bark is consumed as a febrifuge and tonic. Note: It is crucial that any internal or prolonged medicinal use of Wrightia tinctoria be done under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic, Siddha, or traditional medicine practitioner, as dosage and preparation are vital.
Conclusion
Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb.) R.Br. is a highly valued and pharmacologically rich medicinal plant in South Asian traditional healing systems, particularly Ayurveda and Siddha. Its historical use spans from treating common digestive issues like dysentery and fevers to addressing chronic skin conditions like psoriasis. The scientific exploration into its phytochemical composition (containing compounds like indirubin and wrightial) continues to provide evidence for its traditional applications, confirming its potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and specific anti-psoriatic activities. While further high-quality clinical trials are always beneficial to confirm efficacy and safety standards, its established role in traditional medicine ensures its continued importance as a key herbal remedy.
