Naagalinga

Description

The Nagalinga tree, also known as the Cannonball tree (Couroupita guianensis), is a tropical tree native to Central and South America, recognized for its striking, ball-like fruits and uniquely shaped, brightly colored flowers that resemble a hooded cobra sheltering a Shiva Lingam. The tree grows up to 35 meters tall and is revered in Hindu tradition, often planted in temple courtyards, while its large, cannonball-like fruits are a source of nutrients and a means of seed dispersal.

Useful Parts

Flower, leaf, fruit, bark

Benefits

1. Antibacterial & Antifungal: The plant has shown potential as a natural agent to fight bacterial and fungal infections, with specific compounds like indirubin contributing to its antifungal activity. 2. Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic: Extracts from C. guianensis are reported to possess anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving (analgesic) properties, with effectiveness comparable to some standard drugs. 3. Antioxidant & Anticancer: The plant's extracts act as antioxidants, protecting against free radical damage, and have demonstrated anticancer activity against certain leukemia cells in laboratory settings. 4. Wound Healing: In traditional medicine, components from the cannonball tree are used to clean wounds and promote healing. 5. Skin Ailments: Leaf juice and other extracts are used to treat various skin conditions and ailments like scabies.

Pharmacological Action

Antimicrobial, anti inflammatory, analgesic, hypotensive, antioxidant

Rasapancakam

Rasa: Tikta, Kashaya

Guna: Laghu, Ruksha

Virya: Sita

Vipaka: Katu

Dosha Karma: Pittakapha shamaka