Alstonia scholaris, commonly known as the Devil Tree or
Saptaparni, is a significant medicinal herb belonging to the Apocynaceae
household. admired in customary medicine systems like Ayurveda, Unani, and
Sidha, that evergreen sapling is indigenous to tropical and warm regions of
Asia, Australia, and Africa. Its bark, foliage, and latex be in possession of
been used for centuries to handle diverse ailments, comprising malaria, high
temperature, infection, and breathing disorders. The sapling holds cultural and
pious significance in many communities, frequently associated with rituals and
religious beliefs.
Names in Different Countries
This sapling is known by dint of diverse names over unlike
regions:
ancient Indian language: Saptacchada, Saptaparni
Hindi: Chhativan, Shaitan ka jat
Bengali: Chatin, ছাতিম
Tamil: Ezilampalai, ஏழிலைப்பாலை
Telugu: Edaakula Ponna, ఏడాకుల
చెట్టు
English: Devil Tree, Dita
Chinese: 九度叶 (Jiǔ dù yè)
Malayalam: Ezilampala, ഏഴിലംപാല
French: Arbre à lait
Burmese: Lettok, Taung meok
Indonesian: Pule, Ritih
Thai: metal animal, Sattaban
Vietnamese: Hoa sữa
Where It Grows
Alstonia scholaris thrives in tropical and warm climates,
mostly in countries like subcontinent, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar,
Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and parts of Australia and
Africa. It grows in damp, good-drained soils, frequently found in forests,
along riverbanks, and in lowland areas.
bodily Structure
The Devil Tree is a tall evergreen, reaching heights of
upward to 40 meters. Its bark is coarse, greyish-brown, and exudes a acerb
latex when slice. The foliage are glossy, dim green, organized in whorls of 4
to 7, with a leathery weave. The sapling produces tiny, greenish-pale, fragrant
flowers in dense clusters, followed by dint of thin, matched kernel pods.
healing Properties
The herb is wealthy in indole alkaloids, what donate to its
therapeutic effects. lock medicinal properties contain:
Antimalarial: Used to handle malaria and intermittent
fevers.
Febrifuge: Reduces high temperature.
Antidysenteric: Effective against infection and looseness.
Bronchodilatory: Helps in breathing disorders like asthma
and bronchitis.
Anthelmintic: Expels intestinal worms.
Hypotensive: Lowers blood force.
Anti-inflammatory: Useful in joint pain and arthritic
effort.
Advantages
normal cure with minimal edge effects compared to artificial
drugs.
Multipurpose uses in customary and modern medicine.
Sustainable origin of bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical
investigation.
Uses
Bark: Treats malaria, high temperature, infection, and skin
diseases.
Leaves: Used for headaches, bronchitis, and as an oral
contraceptive.
Latex: Applied to ulcers, toothaches, and arthritic effort.
Seeds: Pounded with ginger for scrotal lump.
Ceremonial: holy in rituals, believed to guard off wicked
spirits.
Using Methods
Decoction: Bark boiled in liquid for high temperature and
infection.
glue: Bark or foliage ground and applied to wounds or skin
diseases.
liquid: new foliage juice used for top lice.
dust: Dried bark powder mixed with extract for gonorrhea.
Latex Application: straight applied to ulcers and sores.
Conclusion
Alstonia scholaris, the Devil Tree, is a valuables trove of
medicinal benefits deeply established in customary recovery systems. Its common
use over cultures highlights its significance in treating diverse ailments,
from malaria to breathing disorders. current investigation continues to survey
its pharmacological potential, reinforcing its part in natural medicine. As a
holy and therapeutic herb, it remains an priceless asset for wellness and
wellness.
