Calophyllum inophyllum, frequently recognized by dint of its
common label, Alexandrian wreath, stands as a notable evergreen sapling deeply
intertwined with coastal ecosystems and customary medicine over tropical
regions. This dignified member of the Clusiaceae household boasts a wealthy
account of usefulness, its diverse parts serving purposes ranging from wood and
boat-building to a panacea for a varied display of ailments. The sapling’s
flexibility to severe coastal conditions, its ornamental beauty, and its
significant pharmacological properties be in possession of cemented its
significance in human cultures for centuries. Scientifically classified as
Calophyllum inophyllum L., it carries a number of synonyms comprising
Balsaminaria inophyllum (L.) Lour., Calophyllum bitangor Roxb., Calophyllum
blumei Wight, Calophyllum calaba beat non L., Calophyllum ovatifolium Nor., and
Calophyllum spurium Choisy., reflecting its common distribution and varied
botanical interpretations above period.
Names in Different Countries
The large global attendance of Calophyllum inophyllum is
clearly reflected in the crowd of names it holds over diverse cultures and
languages, underscoring its cultural and practical significance worldwide.
In South Asia, it is known by dint of many names:
Bengali: Kathchampa, Punnang, Sultanachampa
Hindi: सुलतान
चम्पा (sultan champa),
सुरपुन (surpun)
Kannada: ಸುರಹೊನ್ನೆ
(surahonne)
Konkani: उंडी
(undi), उंगम (ungam)
Malayalam: പുന്ന
(punna)
Marathi: पुन्नाग
(punnag), उंड (unda)
OR उंडी (undi)
Oriya: tungakesara
ancient Indian language: काम्बोजः
(kambojh), कुम्भीकः
(kumbhikh), नाग चम्पा (naag champa), नागपुष्पः (nagapushpah), प्रमुखः (pramukhah), पुन्नाग (punnaga), पुरुषः (purusha), तुङ्गः (tungah), व्यागुलीरेणुः (vyagulirenu)
Sinhalese: Domba, Pûna, Domba-Gass
Tamil: புன்னை
(punnai)
Telugu: నమేరువు
(nameruvu), పొన్న
(ponna), పున్నాగ
(punnaga)
Urdu: سرپن (surpun)
Across Southeast Asia and the peaceful, it carries a clear
terminology:
Burmese: Ph'ông, Ponnyet
Cook Islands: Tamanu
Fiji: Dilo
Indonesia: Nyamplung (Java, Sundanese), Dingkaran
(Sulawesi), Punaga, Penago (Sumatra)
Laotian: Ka ting
Malay: Bentagor bunga, Bintangor, Pegana laut, Penaga pudek,
Bintangor Laut, Penaga, Penaga Air, Pudek, Senaga
Marquesas: Tamanu
Marshall Islands: Lukwej, Lueg
N. Marianas: Daog, Daok
Niuē: Fetau
Philippines: Dagkaan (Bagobo), Dangkalan, Dingkalan (Bikol),
Butalau (Cebu Bisaya), Bitaog, Pamitaogen (Iloko), Vutalau (Ivatan), Dangkalan,
Langkagan (Maguindanao), Butalau (Manobo), Bitaog (Pampangan), Dangkalan (Panay
Bisaya), Bitaoi (Pangasinan), Butulau (Samar-Leyte Bisaya), Bitaog (Sambali),
Palo Maria De La Playa (Spanish), Palo Maria De La Playa (Sulu), Bitaog, Bitok,
Bitong, Butulau, Dagkalan, Dangkalan, Dingkalan, Palo Maria De La Playa
(Tagalog)
Pohnpei: Isou
Thai: Ka ka object, Ka kra thueng, กระทิง (Kra object), Kra thueng, Nao wakan,
Saraphi naen (Saraphee neen), Saraphi thale, Thing, Kating, Kra Thing (common),
Saraphee
Vietnamese: Cong, emù U
In other regions, it is identified as:
Common Names: Alexandrian laurel, beach mahogany, beauty
foliage, Borneo mahogany, mast-timber, pinnay sapling, lubricate-nut sapling
French: Arbre sacré des Polynésiens, Calophylle, Foraha,
Huile de tamanu, Kamani (Tahiti), Laurier d'Alexandria, Tamanu (Tahiti),
Bintangor, Vintanina
person: Alexandrinischer Lorbeer, Tacama Hacharz, Rosenholz,
Südsee-Eisenholz
islander: Kamani, Foraha, Tamanu
Italian: Albero di Pannay
Madagascar: Vintanina
Spanish: Palo de Santa María, Palo María
Swahili: Mtomondo, Mtondoo
Where It is Available
Calophyllum inophyllum is a common coastal sapling
indigenous to tropical regions over the South Asian and peaceful Oceans. Its
natural home spans from East Africa, Madagascar, and parts of the South Asian
subcontinent, via Southeast Asia comprising Malaysia, Indonesia, and the
Philippines, and lengthening over the islands of the peaceful, reaching as
distant as Polynesia and parts of Australia. It thrives in sandy and rocky
coastal areas, frequently found upon beaches, near mangrove swamps, and along riverbanks
affected by dint of tidal flows. Its patience to salt spray and powerful winds
makes it an great choice for stabilizing coastal dunes and supplying safety
against erosion. Due to its ornamental worth and medicinal properties, it
possesses as well been introduced and cultivated in many other tropical and
warm regions nearby the earth, particularly in botanical gardens, city
landscapes, and agroforestry systems, growing its availability beyond its
indigenous scope.
external Appearance
Calophyllum inophyllum is a magnificent evergreen sapling,
typically reaching heights of 10 to 20 meters, though some ripe specimens can
grow upward to 30 meters tall with a broad, spreading king's hat. The chest is
frequently gnarled and twisted, growing profound fissures with age, and
typically features a dim brown to blackish bark that can be slightly flaky or
coarse. Its foliage are contrary, easy, and whole, possessing an elliptical to
oval form, gauging between 10 to 15 centimeters lengthy and 5 to 10 centimeters
broad. They are thick, leathery, and glossy dim green upon the upper surface,
with a paler bottom, and show important parallel veins.
The sapling produces fragrant, pale, quad-petaled flowers
with a central cluster of golden stamens, borne in axillary or terminal
racemes. These flowers are completely showy and release a sugary aroma,
especially at night. subsequent the blossoms, the sapling develops circular,
green fruits that ripe to a pale yellow-brown. These drupes are approximately 2
to 4 centimeters in width, containing a single, abundant, greasy kernel. The
produce's outer skin is thin, layer a hard, arboreal shell that encloses the
kernel. The total look of Calophyllum inophyllum is characterized by dint of
its strong arrangement, lush green foliage, delicate pale flowers, and
characteristic round fruits, making it a visually attractive and simply
identifiable species in its indigenous surroundings.
healing Properties
Calophyllum inophyllum is revered in customary medicine for
its large display of medicinal properties, mainly attributed to the wealthy
phytochemical composition found in its diverse parts. The sapling is a fruitful
origin of coumarins, triterpenes, flavonoids, steroids, and greasy acids, what
collectively donate to its therapeutic efficacy.
Its anti-inflammatory properties are good-documented, making
it a precious actor in managing conditions characterized by dint of
inflammation, such as arthritis and diverse skin inflammations. The attendance
of calophyllolide and inophyllum in its lubricate is idea to be largely
accountable for these effects, aiding in ache comfort and reducing lump.
The sapling as well exhibits potent antimicrobial activity,
particularly against bacteria and fungi. Extracts from the bark, foliage, and
lubricate be in possession of demonstrated efficacy against a scope of
pathogens, contributing to its customary use in treating infections and
advancing injured recovery. This antibacterial and antifungal deed is
especially significant in its request for skin diseases and ulcers.
Furthermore, Calophyllum inophyllum possesses antioxidant
properties, combating oxidative stress and free extreme harm, what are
implicated in numerous chronic diseases and aging processes. The flavonoids and
other phenolic compounds donate to that defensive result.
Beyond these, the herb is recognized for its cicatrizing
(injured-recovery) capabilities. The lubricate, in particular, is very regarded
for its skill to advance skin renewal, reduce scarring, and speed up the
closure of wounds and ulcers, gratitude to its special greasy sour outline and
other bioactive compounds. Its analgesic (ache-easing) effects as well donate
to its usefulness in managing pain associated with diverse ailments. These
combined properties become Calophyllum inophyllum a really adaptable medicinal
herb.
Advantages
The advantages of Calophyllum inophyllum lengthen distant
beyond its aesthetic appeal, including a broad scope of ecological, financial,
and wellness benefits.
From an ecological perspective, it is a very precious
coastal stabilizer. Its profound origin method helps to stop dirt erosion,
particularly in sandy beach environments, and provides natural safety against
powerful winds and tidal surges. It as well offers crucial home and aliment
sources for diverse coastal fauna.
Economically, the sapling is a multifaceted asset. Its
strong timber is very prized for shipbuilding, furniture, and common building
owing to its opposition to decay and bug harm. additional significantly, the
kernels produce tamanu lubricate, a precious commodity in the superficial and
pharmaceutical industries. This lubricate’s special composition and therapeutic
properties command a good shop cost, offering income opportunities for
communities complex in its removal and processing.
In terms of wellness and wellness, the advantages are deep
owing to its large medicinal properties. The lubricate is a natural, efficient
cure for diverse skin conditions, from lesser irritations to more harsh issues
like scabies, dermatitis, and pimples, without the severe edge effects
frequently associated with artificial alternatives. Its anti-inflammatory
nature provides a natural means of ache comfort for musculoskeletal ailments
like arthritis. The sapling as well offers antimicrobial safety, serving as a
customary antiseptic for wounds and infections, what is particularly beneficial
in regions with limited entry to modern medical amenities. The availability of
many herb parts with clear therapeutic uses, from bark to foliage to roots,
broadens its applicability and makes it a adaptable asset for herbal medicine.
Its natural start appeals to a growing ask for sustainable and natural wellness
solutions.
Uses
Calophyllum inophyllum finds varied applications over
diverse sectors, ranging from customary medicine to industrial uses.
Medicinally, the uses are large:
Oil of kernels: This is maybe the most important use. The
lubricate, frequently called tamanu lubricate, is specific for scabies and
other skin diseases owing to its potent antimicrobial and recovery properties.
It is as well broadly used for arthritis, applied topically to reduce
inflammation and ache in joints and muscles. Furthermore, the lubricate is
employed in the treatment of genitourinary and sexual diseases, though specific
methods change by dint of customary practice.
Bark: The juice removed from the bark is customarily taken
as a purgative, aiding in detoxification and bowel consistency. When pounded
with liquid, it is applied outwardly for orchitis (inflammation of the
testicles) and used for dressing ulcers to advance recovery and stop infection.
Root bark: This atom exhibits powerful antibacterial
properties and is specifically used for the treatment of indolent ulcers, what
are unhurried-recovery and persistent wounds.
Leaf: Leaves are employed in customary cures for dizziness
and migraine, proposing potential neurological or analgesic effects. They are
as well topically applied for conditions like chicken pox, common skin
inflammations, scabies, and sunburn, offering calming and recovery benefits.
Beyond medicine, Calophyllum inophyllum is as well used for:
Timber: The timber is strong and liquid-opposed, making it
great for boat building, furniture, flooring, and common building.
Biofuel: The lubricate from the kernels possesses been
surveyed as a potential biodiesel feedstock.
decorative herb: Its appealing foliage, fragrant flowers,
and shadow-supplying canopy become it a popular choice for landscaping and
avenue planting in tropical city areas.
Coastal safety: Its powerful origin method helps stabilize
sandy soils and stop erosion upon coastlines.
Using way
The methods of using Calophyllum inophyllum change
significantly relying upon the atom of the herb being utilized and the specific
ailment it aims to speak to. Traditional practices frequently include easy
preparations, whereas modern applications may incorporate more elegant
processing.
on behalf of the lubricate of the kernels (tamanu
lubricate), the main method involves topical request.
on behalf of skin diseases (scabies, common skin
irritations, dermatitis, pimples): A tiny amount of the clean lubricate is
softly massaged straight upon the affected skin areas two to triple occasions a
24 hours. on behalf of common conditions like scabies, a more bountiful request
layer the whole affected region might be essential.
on behalf of arthritis and connection ache: The lubricate is
warmed slightly and then massaged into the sore joints or muscles. This can be
done everyday or as needed to abate pain.
on behalf of genitourinary and sexual diseases: precise
customary methods may include internal consumption in extremely tiny,
prescribed doses or topical request to outer affected areas, frequently diluted
or as atom of a compound preparation. It is pivotal to ask with a certified
customary practitioner for such delicate applications.
When using the bark:
As a purgative: The juice of the bark is removed, typically
by dint of pounding and squeezing, and then a calculated amount is ingested.
The precise dosage and frequency rely upon the individual and the wished
purgative result, and should be administered cautiously.
on behalf of orchitis and sore dressing: The bark is pounded
or squashed to form a paste, what is then mixed with liquid. This poultice is
applied straight to the inflamed scrotum for orchitis or used as a dressing
upon ulcers, frequently obtained with a bandage, and changed formerly or twice
everyday.
on behalf of the origin bark:
on behalf of indolent ulcers: The origin bark is typically
pounded or finely ground and then applied as a paste or poultice straight upon
the sore, alike to the method for the bark, to leverage its antibacterial
properties for persistent wounds.
on behalf of the foliage:
on behalf of dizziness and migraine: new foliage are
frequently squashed or bruised and applied to the brow or temples.
Alternatively, an blend or decoction of the foliage might be ready and consumed
in tiny quantities.
on behalf of chicken pox, skin inflammations, scabies, and
sunburn: new foliage are squashed or finely chopped and then steeped in liquid
to make a clean or compress. This fluid is then used to bathe the affected skin
or applied as a compress to calm annoyance and advance recovery.
In all applications, especially for internal use or delicate
conditions, it is very suggested to search guidance from skilled customary
healers or medical professionals to guarantee right dosage and preparation,
avoiding potential unfavorable effects. mend examining for skin sensitivities
is as well recommended before common topical request.
Conclusion
Calophyllum inophyllum stands as a will to nature's deep
capacity for supplying twain ecological stability and therapeutic solutions.
From its strong attendance along tropical coastlines, guarding against erosion
and nurturing biodiversity, to its profound roots in customary medicine over
varied cultures, that sapling really embodies versatility. Its characteristic
look, characterized by dint of glossy foliage, fragrant pale flowers, and round
fruits, belies the wealthy chemical complexity within its diverse parts,
producing compounds with notable anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant,
and injured-recovery properties.
The common customary acquaintance of its uses, particularly
the very esteemed tamanu lubricate from its kernels, underscores its efficacy
in treating an display of skin conditions, musculoskeletal ailments, and even
internal disorders. Whether applied topically for skin renewal or ingested in
carefully calculated doses for specific therapeutic effects, the methods of its
utilization be in possession of been elegant above centuries. As modern
knowledge increasingly validates the knowledge of customary practices,
Calophyllum inophyllum continues to gain acknowledgment, not fair as a
botanical marvel and as a significant asset for natural wellness and
sustainable growth. Its continued pertinence in twain ecological preservation
and human good-being ensures its enduring significance for generations to come.
