Shaka (Shaka (Trihimatala))
Tectona grandis, commonly known as Teak, is a valuable timber tree with significant applications in Ayurveda. It is recognized for its wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Traditionally, it has been used for various ailments, including skin diseases, ulcers, bronchitis, and dysentery.
Botanical name: Tectona grandis. Also known as: Shaak, Sagun, Sagwan, Sag, Tekku, Taekumaram, Thega, Saag, Teak, Djati, Kpagh, Tekka, Tlawr, bankok teak, bhumisaha, chingjagu sagun, dwaradaru, indian teak, indian-oak, jati, kharacchada, pedda, sag, saga, sagan, sagauna, sagawani, sagu, saguana, sagun, sagwan, saka, segunagachh, shaka, stekku, teak, teck, tegu, teku, thega, thekku, you mu.
Properties
Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Antidiabetic
Dosage
Bark Powder: 500 mg to 1 g twice daily with warm water or honey. Leaf Decoction: 10–15 g fresh leaves in 200 mL water, simmered for 10 minutes; drink 50 mL 2–3 times daily. Alcoholic Extract (Tincture): 1:5 ratio; 20–30 drops in water, two times daily. Seed decoction for urinary calculi: 10 grams of hard and dry seeds, made into a decoction, administer in the dose of 50-60 ml twice or thrice daily. General: 3 – 6 g of the drug in powder form, or 30 – 60 g of the drug for decoction. Leaf powder for Type II Diabetes mellitus: 2-3 grams daily in the morning
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (Bitter)
- Virya: ["Ushna (Heating)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]
Benefits
- Wound healing
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
- Antidiabetic
Traditional uses
- Skin diseases
- Ulcers
- Bronchitis
- Dysentery
- Inflammations
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Bark Powder: The bark is dried and powdered.
- Leaf Decoction: Simmer 10–15 g of fresh leaves in 200 mL of water for 10 minutes and drink 50 mL two to three times daily.
- Alcoholic Extract (Tincture): Use a 1:5 ratio, and take 20–30 drops in water two times per day.
- Topical Ointment: Mix leaf paste or concentrated bark extract at a 1:3 ratio with sesame oil, gently warmed, and apply to joints or wounds 1–2 times daily.
- Fresh leaf paste: Leaves are crushed into a paste and applied externally.
- Decoction: 10 grams of dried bark is taken and decoction is prepared.
- Tender leaf bud oil for burns: 20-25 tender leaf buds are crushed into a fine paste, add 100 ml oil (coconut or sesame oil) and 200 ml water, and cook the oil.
- Herbal tea: Teak leaves can be used to produce antioxidant herbal tea. The leaves are washed, cleaned, reduced in size, and then baked at a temperature of 50 °C for 7 hours. After that, it was finely ground into a powder.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Safety has not been established.
- Bleeding disorders: Lapachol, a constituent of Tectona grandis, may affect platelet aggregation and increase the risk of bleeding.
- Concurrent use of anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): Should be avoided due to the potential for enhanced bleeding.
- Potential Interactions: May reduce the efficacy of drugs metabolized by CYP450 enzymes. It could also potentiate laxatives, so it should be avoided if you are on strong bowel-regulating medications.
- Gastrointestinal upset: Mild nausea or diarrhea may occur, linked to anthraquinone glycosides.
- Potential hepatotoxicity: High doses of lapachol have shown liver enzyme elevation in animal studies.
- Skin irritation: May occur in sensitive individuals when applied as a fresh leaf poultice. A patch test is recommended.
Side effects
- Internal use of Tectona grandis bark in high doses may cause mild gastrointestinal upset like nausea or diarrhea. This is linked to anthraquinone glycosides.
- Large amounts of lapachol may cause potential hepatotoxicity, as shown by liver enzyme elevation in animal studies.
- Skin irritation may occur in sensitive individuals when applied as a fresh leaf poultice. Always do a patch test before use.
Interactions
- Because Tectona grandis can affect blood sugar levels, it may interact with antidiabetic medications.
- Animal studies show bark extract reduces paw edema in rats.
- Lapachol and related naphthoquinones inhibit cyclooxygenase pathways in vitro, lending credence to teak's traditional anti-inflammatory and analgesic use.
- Flavonol glycosides help stabilize cell membranes against oxidative stress, providing a plausible basis for wound-healing applications.
- Saponins may irritate mucosal lining, stimulating mucus secretion; hence bark decoctions are used for cough relief in folk contexts.
- T. grandis extracts were among the most effective in regulating nitric oxide levels in vitro.
Clinical evidence
Clinical trials show promise for Tectona grandis in hair growth promotion and wound healing. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial showed that a hair tonic containing 1% Tectona grandis leaf extract (HT-teak) showed potential as a hair growth promoter for individuals with androgenic alopecia. A small clinical trial reported faster closure of minor ulcers with daily application of T. grandis leaf-paste dressings compared to standard gauze.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Wound healing
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
- Antidiabetic
Classical clinical indications
- Skin diseases
- Ulcers
- Bronchitis
- Dysentery
- Inflammations