Saptaparna (Alstonia scholaris)
Saptaparna, known botanically as Alstonia scholaris, is a significant herb in Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha medicine. It is traditionally used for wound healing, skin diseases, and as an antimalarial. Modern research supports its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic potential. However, it should be used judiciously due to potential side…
Botanical name: Alstonia scholaris. Also known as: Saptaparna, Saptacchada, Chatraparna, Vishala, Vishalatwak, Salmali Patraka, Suparnaka, Satouna, Chitvan, Chitavan, Chhativan, Satawana, Shaitan ka jad, Dita, Milkwood Pine, White Cheesewood, Blackboard Tree, Indian Devil Tree, Chatim, Edakula Ponna, Edakulariti, Pala, Ezilampalai, Mukkampalai, Satvina, Satveena, Satvin, Saatavan, Saptaparna, Maddale, Chbatiana, Chatiana.
Properties
Antimicrobial activity, Anti-inflammatory properties, Antidiarrheal effects, Immunomodulatory potential, Anticancer properties
Dosage
Bark Powder: 3-6 grams, or 2-5 grams. Decoction: 40-50 ml, or 20-80 ml, or 20-50 ml daily in divided doses. Latex (processed): 1-3 drops, highly diluted and only under strict supervision.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (Bitter)
- Virya: ["Ushna (Hot)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]
Benefits
- Krimighna (Anti-helminthic)
- Vranaropana (Wound healing)
- Jvaraghna (Anti-pyretic)
- Kusthaghna (Treats skin diseases)
Traditional uses
- Vrana (Wounds)
- Kandu (Itching)
- Twak Roga (Skin diseases)
- Jwara (Fever)
- Rakta Vikara (Blood disorders)
- Krimi (Worms)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Decoction (Kwatha/Kashaya): Boil the dried bark in water. Typically, 2 tablespoons of coarse powder of bark are added to 2 cups of water, boiled and reduced to one cup, then filtered. It's taken warm, especially in early winter mornings.
- Powder (Churna): The bark is powdered and can be mixed with honey or warm water. Typical dose is 1-3 grams.
- Aati Kashaya: In coastal Karnataka, bark is collected on Amavasya (no moon day of Ashadha month), and a decoction is prepared.
- External Application: Bark paste can be used externally for wound healing. In tribal Jharkhand, women apply powdered bark topically for boils or inflamed skin, often mixing it with turmeric paste.
- Herbal Bath: Boil bark in water, strain, and use the water for a purifying bath.
- Room Purifier: Boil bark in water and allow the aroma to diffuse.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and Lactation
- Children & Elderly
- Fertility
- General Use
- Latex
- Allergies
- Dosage
- Acute GI Cases
Side effects
- Large doses, especially of unprocessed latex or concentrated extracts, can lead to nausea, dizziness, and gastric irritation.
- Overuse may lead to physical or mental dullness (vishada).
- Pollen from Alstonia can cause allergic reactions, and the sap is a known irritant.
- May cause nerve irritation or allergic reactions in some people.
- May cause digestive disturbances like nausea or vomiting.
- Certain compounds present in Alstonia extracts are shown to have antifertility effects in animal models.
- Alstonia is suggested to have teratogenic effects (promotes birth defects) in mice, so pregnant women should avoid it.
Interactions
- Seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
- If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
- Avoid with sedatives or neuroactive drugs unless advised.
- If you're on immunosuppressants, antibiotics, or gut-modifying medications, it might interact or amplify their effects.
- Generally, this product goes well with most dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.
Clinical evidence
Clinical trials and studies suggest that Alstonia scholaris has potential benefits in treating bronchitis, cough, asthma, malaria, and maintaining oral health. Further research is needed to fully validate these effects and establish optimal dosages.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Krimighna (Anti-helminthic)
- Vranaropana (Wound healing)
- Jvaraghna (Anti-pyretic)
- Kusthaghna (Treats skin diseases)
Classical clinical indications
- Vrana (Wounds)
- Kandu (Itching)
- Twak Roga (Skin diseases)
- Jwara (Fever)
- Rakta Vikara (Blood disorders)
- Krimi (Worms)
Frequently asked questions
What is Saptaparna?
Saptaparna, known botanically as Alstonia scholaris, is a significant herb in Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha medicine. It is traditionally used for wound healing, skin diseases, and as an antimalarial. Modern research supports its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic potential. However, it should be used judiciously due to potential side…
What are the benefits of Saptaparna?
Krimighna (Anti-helminthic). Vranaropana (Wound healing). Jvaraghna (Anti-pyretic)
How is Saptaparna used in Ayurveda?
Decoction (Kwatha/Kashaya): Boil the dried bark in water. Typically, 2 tablespoons of coarse powder of bark are added to 2 cups of water, boiled and reduced to one cup, then filtered. It's taken warm, especially in early winter mornings.