Saptaparna (Alstonia scholaris) is a 40-meter-tall evergreen tree. This tree is glabrous, with green leaves that have a glossy upper surface and a grayish underside look. The length of the leaves is 4-6 inches, and their diameter is 1-2 cm. The leaves are grouped together and have varying sizes; these are referred to as visama-cchada and ayuk cchada.
This tree has thick, brittle bark that is yellowish inside and white outside. A milky liquid seeps out when the bark is broken off. The ends of the white seeds have filaments that resemble cotton clinging to them.
Description
Saptaparna It is applied to the management of tridosha-related diseases. Most of it is kaphavatashamak. It is discovered that the tree has anticancer qualities. Alstonia Scholaris is an extremely beneficial herb for skin, respiratory, and blood purification.
Botanical Name:
Alstonia scholaris
Family:
Apocynaceae
Leaves:
The leaves have a shiny upper surface and a grayish underside. The leathery leaves are narrowly obovate to very narrowly spathulate, base cuneate, apex generally rounded, and up to 23 cm (9.1 in) long by up to 8 cm (3.1 in) wide. They grow three to ten whorls at a time. The petioles measure 1-3 cm (0.39-1.18 in).
Flowers:
The Saptaparna tree produces tiny, white flowers that can occasionally have a hint of yellow or greenish-white color. They are fragrant and produced at the tips of branchlets in groups known as cymes. Each flower has a tubular corolla with five lobes that are partly pubescent. In most cases, the flowering season lasts from March through July, and in subtropical regions, it might last until August.
Bark:
Grayish-white in hue, the Saptaparna tree has rough bark. The inner bark is straw-colored or yellow while it is young, but as it ages, it becomes a deeper shade of yellow. One distinctive feature of the bark is that when it is damaged, it releases acrid white latex.
Fruit:
Follicles, or dry, elongated seed capsules that split apart along one side when mature, are the fruit of the Saptaparna tree. The follicles are thin and cylindrical, with an average length of 30 cm (12 inches) and a diameter of 3 cm (1.2 inches). They have many brown-haired seeds and grow in clusters.
Habitat:
The Asian subcontinent is home to the tree. The tree can be found widely in the Andaman Islands, West Bengal, Bihar, Peninsular India, and the Sub-Himalayan region. It can also be found in Karnataka’s somewhat arid regions, such as the Shimoga district. In addition to India, it is widely distributed in Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Nepal, Burma, Pakistan, and Australia.
Parts Used:
- Bark
- Flowers
- Latex
Dosage:
- Bark powder 3-6 gm.
- Decoction – 40-50 ml
Chemical Constituents
flavonoids, tannins, phenols, alkaloids, saponins
Sanskrit Synonyms
Saptachada, Saptaparna, Chatraparna
Other Language Names of Saptaparna (Alstonia scholaris)
Bengali name – Chatim
Punjabi name – Satouna
Urdu name – Kashim (chatim)
Hindi name – Satouna, Chitvan, Chitavan
Kannada name – Maddale
Tamil name – Elilaippalai
Malayalam name – Mukkampala, Pala
English name – Dita, Milkwood Pine, White cheesewood, Blackboard tree, Indian devil tree
Telugu name – Edakula Ponna, Edakulariti
Oriya name – Thuamriat, Taala mraanu
Tibetan name – Lo ma bdun
Marathi name – Satvina, Satveena
Guajarati name – Satvana, Saatavan
Assamese name – Satiana, Chatian
Mizoram name – Thuamriat
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Subkingdom | Viridiplantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Genus | Alstonia |
| Species | scholaris |
Ayurvedic Properties
Hindi/Sanskrit
- Rasa -Tikta,Kashay
- Guna -Laghu,Snigdha
- Virya -Ushna
- Vipaka -Katu
English
- Taste – Bitter, Astringent
- Physical Property-Light, Unctuous
- Potency- Hot
- Metabolic Property (After Digestion)-Pungent
Saptaparna (Alstonia scholaris) Uses
- The Alstonia Scholaris tree’s twigs are used to clean teeth since they possess antibacterial qualities.
- It has also been discovered to be beneficial for round and thread worms.
- It is a useful treatment for lowering fever, promotes lactation, and gives new mothers more strength.
- Due to its excellent antipyretic properties and ability to treat fever similarly to quinine without any negative side effects, it is highly beneficial for treating malarial fever.
- One useful plant for increasing new mothers’ appetite is Alstonia Scholaris.
- The powdered flower is applied topically to treat headaches.
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Saptaparna (Alstonia scholaris) Benefits
Blood purification:
It may aid with blood issues, heart conditions, and splenomegaly because of its purported blood-purifying and cardio-tonic qualities.
Respiratory health:
Aptaparna (Alstonia scholaris) may be beneficial for bronchitis and other respiratory conditions.
Skin health:
Skin disorders including psoriasis and ulcers are treated with Saptaparna leaves and bark.
Fevers:
saptaparna has antipyretic qualities, which implies it might lessen fever, especially malarial fever.
Joint pain:
When treating chronic arthritis, Saptaparna (Alstonia scholaris) bark paste is administered externally to alleviate inflammation.
Saptaparna (Alstonia scholaris) Side Effects
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
There is no proven safety during pregnancy or nursing. Because there is insufficient information during these times, it is advisable to avoid Saptaparna.
Digestive issues:
When taken in excess, Saptaparna can upset your stomach and induce diarrhea.
Potential interactions with medications:
Certain drugs may interact with saptaparna. Before using Saptaparna, speak with a healthcare provider if you take any drugs.
Conclusion
The Saptaparna tree is more than just a plant; it represents ecological significance, practical utility and cultural ties. Its existence permeates historical narratives and advances a sustainable future. The Saptaparna tree serves as a constant reminder of the intricate relationship that exists between us and the natural world as we delve deeper into its richness. The Saptaparna tree continues to improve our lives in observable and profoundly significant ways, whether it is through its use in traditional medicine, its inclusion in cultural narratives, or its effects on the environment.
FAQS
What is the benefit of Saptaparni?
As advised by Ayurveda, the bark paste is used locally to persistent skin ulcers. Mothers who are postpartum are given it to increase lactation. It also acts as an antipyretic in cases of fever and improves digestive capacity.
What is Alstonia scholaris used for?
Uses in medicine: The bark of this plant is used to treat rheumatism, malaria, toothaches, and snake bites in traditional medicine. Economic significance: Light timber is known to be produced by a few other Alstonia species. In nurseries, it is also grown for use as a decorative tree in parks and gardens.
What is the botanical name of Saptachada?
Alstonia scholaris
What are the side effects of Saptapadi tree?
Some of the adverse consequences of the Alstonia plant include the following: Alstonia plant sap is known to irritate skin, and pollen from the plant can trigger allergic reactions.