Genus Callicarpa comprises 40 or more species, and many are reported for different biological potentials. Callicarpa tomentosa, a commonly found plant in various parts of the Indian subcontinent, is used for several purposes in ethnomedicine by tribal population.
Scientific Research:
Extracts from about fourteen species in this genus have been evaluated for biological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, anti-insect growth, cytotoxic, and phytotoxic activity. In addition to amino acids, simple carbohydrates and lipids, benzenoids, flavonoids, numerous diterpenes, phytosterols, sesquiterpenes, phenylpropanoids, and triterpenes occur in or isolated from the genus Callicarpa.
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Traditional Uses:
In Ayurveda literature, Priyangu is described as cooling, refrigerant, deodorant, and antipyretic.
Callicarpa tomentosa tones up the digestive system, checks excessive perspiration and helps to disinfect intestines. It is also used to control diarrhea and reduces the burning sensation during fever.
Specific Uses Include:
- Leaves, when applied on joints, relieves rheumatic pain
- Oil from the root is aromatic and are natural mosquito repellants
- Juice extract from the roots of Callicarpatomentosa and resin from the bark of Terminalia elliptica (common name – asna, saj or Indian laurel) cure stomach ache
- Callicarpaamericana (common name- American beautyberry) root treats skin cancer
- The bark of Callicarparubella treats tumours of the large intestine
- Callicarpa leaves have antiseptic properties; the paste of leaves, when topically applied, treats boils and eczema
- Applying leaf paste with coconut oil locally three times a day for five days will heal fresh wounds
- Callicarpa flowers treat nervous system disorders and haemorrhage
Edited by love4wellness
References:
- “Journal of Medicinal Plants Research – Ethnobotanically Important Trees and Their Uses by Kattunaikka Tribe in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India.” Academic Journals, 18 Feb. 2011, academicjournals.org/journal/JMPR/article-abstract/BD0149C26179.
- “Biologically Active Natural Products of the Genus Callicarpa: Ingenta Connect.” Home: Ingenta Connect, www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/cbc/2008/00000004/00000001/art00003.
- “Ethnomedicinal Plants to Cure Skin Diseases—An Account of the Traditional Knowledge in the Coastal Parts of Central Western Ghats, Karnataka, India.” ScienceDirect.com | Science, Health and Medical Journals, Full Text Articles and Books, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874113007885.
- “Lesser Known Ethnomedicinal Plants of the Ayyakarkoil Forest Province of Southwestern Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India—Part I.” Taylor & Francis, 11 Oct. 2008, www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J044v10n04_10.
- “NOPR: Hundred Common Forest Medicinal Plants of Karnataka in Primary Healthcare.” NOPR, nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/7160.
- Sankara Rao, K., Raja K Swamy, Deepak Kumar, Arun Singh R. and K. Gopalakrishna Bhat (2019). Flora of Peninsular India. http://peninsula.ces.iisc.ac.in/plants.php?name=Callicarpa tomentosa