Bhutavriksha (Shelu, Shlesmataka, Pichila, Bhutavrikshaka)

About

Streblus asper, known as Bhutavriksha in Ayurveda, is a medicinal plant traditionally used for oral hygiene and various therapeutic purposes. Modern research validates its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antidiarrheal properties.

Properties

Antimicrobial activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Antidiarrheal action

Dosage

Stem bark powder: 1-2 grams; Decoction: Boil 10-20 grams of stem bark in 400 ml water until reduced to 100 ml, then filter and take; Fresh twigs: Young, green twigs of about 5–7 cm long can be chewed to use as a toothbrush for 2–3 minutes, 1–2 times daily. Dosages should be taken in recommended doses.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Kashaya (astringent), Tikta (bitter)
• Virya: ["Ushna (heating)"]
• Vipaka: ["Katu (pungent)"]

Benefits

• Krimihara (anti-parasitic)
• Vranaropana (wound healing)
• Dahahara (relieves burning sensation)

Traditional uses

• Krimi (parasitic infections)
• Vr консультантna (ulcers, wounds)
• Daha (burning sensation)

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: balancing
• pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

• Decoction: Boil the bark in water.
• Powder: The stem bark can be powdered.
• Paste: Fresh leaves can be ground into a paste for topical application.
• Twigs: Fresh twigs can be chewed.
• Latex: The latex can be extracted and used.
• Oil: Oil cooked with the bark can be used as a snuff.
• Extract: The plant material can be extracted with solvents like petroleum ether, methanol, or ethyl acetate.

Contraindications

• Gastrointestinal Upset: High tannin levels in Streblus asper may cause nausea, stomach cramps, or constipation in sensitive individuals. It is advisable to drink plenty of water to mitigate this.
• Cardiac Effects: Strebloside, a compound found in Streblus asper, has digitalis-like activity. Therefore, individuals with heart arrhythmias or those on cardiac glycosides should avoid concentrated extracts or seek specialized care.
• Pregnancy and Lactation: Due to insufficient data, it is best to avoid concentrated bark teas and capsules during pregnancy and lactation.

Side effects

• Gastrointestinal upset: High tannin levels may cause nausea, stomach cramps, or constipation in sensitive individuals. Drinking plenty of water can help mitigate this.
• Cardiac effects: Strebloside, a cardiac glycoside in *Streblus asper*, has digitalis-like activity. People with heart arrhythmias or those on cardiac glycosides should avoid concentrated extracts or seek specialized care.
• Pregnancy and lactation: Due to insufficient data, it is better to avoid concentrated bark teas and capsules during pregnancy and lactation.
• Allergic reactions: Rare cases of dermatitis have been reported with topical use.
• High oral dosage can cause constipation due to its astringent property.
• Pungent and hot potency might cause stomach irritation and is better to avoid during pregnancy and lactation.

Interactions

• May interact with antidiabetic drugs (tannins can alter blood glucose), anticoagulants, and heart medication.
• People with heart arrhythmias or those on cardiac glycosides should avoid concentrated extracts or seek specialized care.

Active compounds

• Cardiac Glycosides
• Flavonoids
• Tannins

Clinical evidence

Limited evidence from RCTs and in vitro studies suggests potential benefits for oral health and antimicrobial activity. More extensive clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy across various therapeutic applications.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Krimihara (anti-parasitic)
• Vranaropana (wound healing)
• Dahahara (relieves burning sensation)

Classical clinical indications

• Krimi (parasitic infections)
• Vr консультантna (ulcers, wounds)
• Daha (burning sensation)

Frequently asked questions