Native to Southeast Asia, Kadamb (Anthocephalus Indicus) , also referred to as Cadamba, is a fast-growing tree species. It is a member of the Rubiaceae family and is prized for its pulpwood, timber, and therapeutic qualities.
Anthocephalus indicus is a member of the Rubiaceae family, which is also known as Kadamba in Hindi.Kadamb is useful in treating a number of illnesses, including diabetes mellitus, diarrhea, inflammation, and debility.This herb is known as neep, priyak, or vrittpushp and halipriya in Sanskrit. It is also called kadam in Hindi and Kadamba in Gujarati.
Description
Kadam is a quick-growing tree that may be planted practically anyplace. Its leaves are basic. The fruits are little capsules that are tightly packed together to form a fleshy, yellow-or orange-colored fruit. The flowers are orange and have dense, globose crowns.
The height of a kadamba tree can reach 45 meters, or 148 feet. Its trunk measures between 100 and 160 centimeters in diameter.The bark is tough, dark grey in color, and frequently split longitudinally, dropping thin scales.
Botanical Name:
Anthocephalus Indicus
Family:
Madder
Leaves:
Kadamba leaves are glossy green, with the huge, rectangular, bushy, dark, and dazzling leaves on the opposite side. Sessile to petiolate, and have noticeable veins. They are 10–15 cm in size and 30 cm length.
Flowers:
Kadam Red to orange in hue, the flowers are delicious and fragrant, and they bloom primarily when the plant is 4-5 years old. The flower is 5.5 cm in diameter, with spherical heads that are 2.2 in diameter.
Fruits:
The Kadamba tree produces round, rigid fruits that resemble little balls and contain about 8000 seeds. And when they are ripe, they are yellow. Plants produce trigonal or randomly shaped seeds.
Taste:
Sweet and sour
Habitat:
It thrives on deep, wet alluvial soils, which are typically found near riverbanks. During the monsoon season, the Kadam trees are planted with 5 by 5 m spacing between each tree.
Parts Used:
Barks, Flowers, Leaves, Fruits
Varieties:
- Dhulikadamb – Its flowers open in the summer or just before the rainy season.
- Bhumi kadamb – It features tiny flowers and a tiny tree.
- Dharakadamb – whose blossoms open during the wet season
Dosage:
- Its fruit juice can be taken up to 10 to 20 ml which gives wonderful results
- 3 to 6 grams of its bark powder can be consumed.
Chemical Constituents:
cadambine, cadamine, isocadambine, isodihydrocadambine, flavanoids, saponins, triterpenes, and triterpenoid glycosides.
Historical importance of Kadamba
In numerous Indian mythologies, folktales, and historical literary works, Kadamba has a vibrant role. The Kadam tree is associated with Lord Krishna, as it was under the friendly and fragrant Kadamba’s shade that Radha and Krishna used to enjoy playing together. When Krishna was younger, he would also play the intriguing flute called “Raas-Lila” or bansuri under the same tree.
Kadamb (Anthocephalus Indicus) Care
- Neolamarckia cadamba grows well in soils that drain well and wants full sun as opposed to some shade.
- To maintain the soil continuously moist water it on a regular basis.
- Throughout the growing season, fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer. To control its size and shape, prune the tree as needed.
Kadamb (Anthocephalus Indicus) Synonyms
- Halipriya
- nipa
- vrutapushpa
- priyaka
- sindhupushpa
- kadambarya
Other Language Names of Kadamb (Anthocephalus Indicus)
Hindi name – Kadam
Bengali name – Kadamgach
English name – Burflower tree,Laran,Kadam,Leichhardt pine
Guajarati name – Kadamb
Tamil name – Vellai kadambam
Marathi name – Rajakadamba
Kannada name – Kadamba
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida(Dicotyledons) |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Lythraceae |
| Genus | Woodfordia |
| Species | Woodfordia fruticosa |
Ayurvedic Properties
Rsa(Taste) – Tikta ( Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent)
Guna (Quality) – Ruksha (Dry)
Veerya (Potency) – Sheeta (cold)
Vipaka (post digestive effect) – Katu (Pungent)
Karma (Action) – Balances the Vata, Pitta
Prabava -Vedanasthapana(Pain reliever)
Kadamb (Anthocephalus Indicus) uses
Ayurveda:
Kadamb has been used for ages in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a wide range of illnesses. It’s thought that the bark, leaves, and flowers offer qualities that can aid with
Timber:
Kadamb wood grows quickly and is a lightweight, strong wood. It is utilized for plywood, building, and furniture.
Ornamental:
Large leaves and fragrant blossoms make the Kadamb tree a stunning option for gardens, avenues, and roadside plantings.
Kadamb (Anthocephalus Indicus) Benefits
Reduce blood sugar levels:
Kadam tree’s leaf, roots, and bark can take the edge off blood sugar levels. Methanolic extracts found in Kadamba tree leaves are a remarkable tool for lowering high blood sugar levels. Additionally, the alcoholic and deliquescent extracts of the roots offer antidiabetic activities.
Soothes pain:
Kadamba trees are utilized as an Ayurvedic medication to relieve pain and inflammation in India. The patient’s afflicted areas are connected to the leaves of the Kadam tree. According to several studies, the bark and leaves of this plant have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce pain.
Reduces High-Fat Levels:
The Kadamba tree’s root extracts have the ability to reduce cholesterol. Studies on rats with high fat content provide evidence for this. They were fed the tree’s roots, and it was discovered that they have lipid-lowering qualities.
Protects the Liver:
Chlorogenic acid, found in kadamba trees, has been shown to have antihepatotoxic properties. It has been demonstrated through numerous rat experiments that these kadamba tree extracts are very helpful in enhancing liver function.
Cancer:
The kadamba tree produces a type of anticancer activity that is commonly used to treat cancer in many different forms, including oesophageal, colon, breast, and prostate cancer.
Parasitic infection:
The kadamba tree produces a plant with anthelmintic properties that combats a variety of parasitic infections, including roundworm, tapeworm, pinworm, and threadworm. In general, parasite infections are caused by consuming contaminated food and adopting unsanitary practices. Regular usage of Kadamba reduces the frequency of recurrent parasite infections and actually strengthens your immunity.
Also Read: Gambhari (Gmelina arborea): Benefits and Side Effects
Kadamb (Anthocephalus Indicus) Side Effects
Blood Sugar Interaction:
Kadamb may have a hypoglycemic effect. See your doctor before taking Kadamb if you have diabetes and take medicine for it to prevent any problems.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
Insufficient information exists to verify the safety of Kadamb for pregnant or nursing mothers. In these circumstances, it is best to avoid it.
Allergic Reactions:
Kadamba can cause allergic reactions in certain people. If you experience any discomfort after using or consuming Kadamba products, stop using them
Conclusion
Kadamb are Katu (Pungent), which means they improve complexion, reduce inflammation, and act as a cooling in addition to helping with poisoning. The greatest rasas for boosting sperm count and fortifying the body are Kashaya (astringent) and Tikta (bitter). They also help to balance the pitta dosha.
FAQS
Are Kadam trees suitable for homes?
Yes, you can use it in residential locations because of its lovely blossoms.The Kadam tree is frequently used as firewood, furniture wood, a decorative plant, or a tree that provides shade. It also has a number of strong medical properties and is kept as a healing herb.
Can you eat Kadam flower?
Research from long ago indicates that both the fruit and the inflorescences are edible. The kadamba flower is used for several things, one of which is making attar, a perfume made with sandalwood. Cattle can even be fed its fresh leaves.
What advantages do kadam trees offer?
Lower You’re Blood Sugar Levels. Numerous studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the kadamba tree’s leaves, bark, and roots in lowering blood sugar levels. Methanolic extracts found in this tree’s leaves are very beneficial in lowering high blood sugar levels.
What is the name of the kadam flower in English?
Neolamarckia cadamba is a tropical evergreen tree endemic to South and Southeast Asia. It is also known by its English common names, burflower-tree, laran, and Leichhardt pine.