Saptaparni (Alstonia Scholaris): Why Saptaparni Is Called Devil’s Tree?
What is Saptaparni?
Saptaparni, scientifically known as Alstonia scholaris, is a versatile tree native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family and stands tall as a symbol of traditional wisdom in Ayurveda. This tree has diverse uses in herbal medicine, with its bark, leaves, and seeds containing valuable compounds. Saptaparni plays a pivotal role in respiratory health, digestive wellness, and skin care, making it a prized ingredient in Ayurvedic formulations. However, it’s essential to approach its usage with guidance from Ayurvedic practitioners to harness its benefits safely and effectively.
The Chemical Composition and Useful Parts of Saptaparni
The Saptaparni tree is a treasure trove of valuable compounds. Its bark, leaves, and seeds have medicinal properties. The chemical composition of Saptaparni includes alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, and tannins, which contribute to its therapeutic effects.
- Bark: The bark of Saptaparni is rich in alkaloids, particularly echitamine and echitenin. These compounds have shown anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
- Leaves: Saptaparni leaves contain glycosides like echinacoside and vincoside, which are useful for their antipyretic and hepatoprotective effects.
- Seeds: The seeds of Saptaparni are a source of essential oils and fatty acids, which have potential benefits for skin and hair health.
Qualities of Saptaparni According to Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, Saptaparni exhibits a unique set of qualities or “gunas” that contribute to its remarkable healing properties:
Rasa (Taste): The primary taste of Saptaparni is bitter (tikta) and astringent (kashaya), imparting a characteristic zest to its leaves.
Guna (Quality): Saptaparni’s predominant qualities include lightness (laghu) and unctuousness (snighdha), aligning with its role as an effective herb for various ailments.
Virya (Potency): Saptaparni possesses a heating potency (ushna virya), which imparts warmth and stimulation to the body. This potency aids in regulating Vata and Kapha doshas.
Vipaka (Post-Digestive Effect): The post-digestive effect of Saptaparni is pungent (katu), contributing to its ability to balance the body’s constitution even after digestion.