Champaka

Description

Sushruta mentions about Champaka, but no references are available about this drug in Charaka Samhita. Synonyms : Hemapushpa, Champeya, Gandhaphali. lt possesses anti-toxic property. Indications - Krimi, Mutrakrichchra, Raktapitta, Kandu, Daha, Visha. Therapeutic Uses : 1.Mutravikara (Incontinence of urine) - Decoction of the root of Champaka checks in continence of urine. (Vaidyamanorama) 2.Yonidurgandha (Foul smell in vagina) -Ghee mixed with tender leaves of Champaka, flowers of Jati and Madhuka and exposed to the Sun is anointed in the vagina to remove the foul smell. (Gadanigraha) Botanical Description: Evergreen tree, 15-25 m tall; tunk ½ - 1m in girth, or upto 3 m in the wild, straight with dark grey bark; young shoots silky with deciduous, paired stipules. Leaves alternate, simnple, lamina 18-25 x 6-10 cm including 2.3 cm long petiole; Ovate or oblong - lanceolate, leathery, glabrous, entire - somewhat wavy with acute apex and narrowed base. Flowers solitary, axillary with a short jointed stalk, strongly and pleasantly sweet scented, sepals and petals similar in shape, Ovate - oblong - lanceolate, pale golden yellow -orange yellow - orange-red, 15-21 in number in 3 or more series, the inner ones narrower, easily deciduous; stamens many with lincar apiculate anthers, carpels many, free. Fruit a 7-10 cm long cluster of globose capsules, cach subsessile, ovoid, 1.5-2 cm long, dark brown, opening into 2 woody warty valves, white specked; seeds pink, drying brownish, polished. variously angled with round back.

Useful Parts

Bark, flower

Benefits

1. Antidiabetic:Studies suggest that Michelia champaca can help manage diabetes mellitus. 2. Antioxidant:The plant's extracts show antioxidant activity, protecting against cell damage. 3. Antimicrobial:Its essential oils and extracts have significant activity against bacteria and fungi, making them useful as natural antimicrobial agents. 4. Anti-inflammatory:Traditional and scientific research indicates anti-inflammatory properties. 5. Fevers and Pain:It's traditionally used to treat fever and is considered a febrifuge (fever-reducing agent). 6. Skin and Respiratory Issues:Used for skin disorders, skin infections, and respiratory conditions like bronchitis. 7. Cardiovascular Health:Research has explored its potential role in treating cardiovascular disorders.

Pharmacological Action

Vishahara, Dahaprashamana

Rasapancakam

Rasa: Katu, Tikta, Kashaya, Madhura

Guna: Laghu, Ruksha

Virya: Sita

Vipaka: Katu

Dosha Karma: Vatakapha hara