Acacia nilotica, commonly known as Babool or chewing gum Arabic
sapling, is a adaptable medicinal herb belonging to the Fabaceae household. With a
wealthy account in customary medicine, that prickly sapling possesses been used for
centuries over Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Its botanical
label, Acacia nilotica (L.) Delile subsp. indica, reflects its
common attendance and significance. Known for its therapeutic properties,
that herb is revered in Ayurveda, Siddha, and other indigenous recovery
systems.
Names in Different Countries
Acacia nilotica is recognized by dint of diverse names over unlike regions:
- Hindi: Babool,
Kikar
- ancient Indian language: Babbul,
Tikshna Kantaka
- Tamil: Karuvelai,
Karuvelan
- Telugu: Nalla
Thumma
- Bengali: Babala
- Marathi: Babhul
- Gujarati: Baval
- Punjabi: Kikkar
- Arabic: Sunt,
chewing gum Arabic
- English: Egyptian
spine, Prickly tree
Geographical Distribution
This hardy sapling thrives in dry and semi-dry regions, mostly found in
subcontinent, Pakistan, Egypt, Sudan, and parts of Africa. It grows good in dry, sandy
soils and is frequently viewed along riverbanks and wastelands.
bodily Structure
Acacia nilotica is a medium-measured sapling, reaching heights of 5 to 20 meters. Its
bark is dim brown to black, deeply fissured, and exudes a rosy gum. The
branches are equipped with acute, matched thorns. The foliage are bipinnate, with
tiny leaflets organized in contrary pairs. Its fragrant, bright golden flowers
form round clusters, whereas the pods are greyish-brown, narrowed between
kernels, and hold a sugary pulp.
healing Properties
The herb exhibits numerous pharmacological activities, comprising:
- Antibacterial,
anti-inflammatory, and harsh properties
- Hypoglycemic
(lowers blood sweetener) and hepatoprotective effects
- Antitussive
(relieves hack) and vermifuge (expels worms) actions
- Hemostatic
(stops bleeding) and aphrodisiac qualities
Advantages
Acacia nilotica is an eco-accessible, sustainable asset with minimal edge
effects. Its gum, foliage, bark, and pods assist many therapeutic purposes,
making it a price-efficient cure in countryside healthcare.
Traditional and current Uses
- Leaves: Used
for infection, looseness, and woman infertility. new foliage (3-5g) are
consumed upon an vacant belly for 15 days to handle infertility.
- Flowers: Effective
against jaundice and hepatitis. A decoction of 10-15g flowers in liquid,
taken thrice everyday for 40 days, aids organ wellness.
- Bark: Treats
mouth ulcers, dental pain, and heatstroke. Its harsh properties abet in
injured recovery.
- chewing gum
(chewing gum Arabic): Manages sugar sickness, hack, and looseness. It acts as a
demulcent, calming annoyed tissues.
- Pods: Used
in bronchitis and breathing ailments.
Methods of Use
- Decoction: Boiling
bark or flowers in liquid for oral consumption.
- dust: Dried
foliage or bark ground into powder for topical or internal use.
- glue: Crushed
foliage or gum mixed with liquid for injured dressing.
- Chewing: new
twigs assist as natural toothbrushes for oral cleanliness.
Scientific Validation
Research highlights its energetic compounds, comprising tryptamine, flavonoids,
tannins, and saponins. Studies assure its efficacy in treating infections,
inflammation, and metabolic disorders. Over 400 published articles survey its
medicinal potential, comprising its part in wastewater treatment owing to its
adsorbent properties.
Conclusion
Acacia nilotica stands as a will to nature’s recovery ability. From old
Egyptian medicine to modern herbal cures, its applications stay huge and
scientifically validated. As a flexible, multipurpose herb, it continues to
benefit twain customary healers and modern medicine, offering
sustainable solutions for wellness and environmental challenges.
