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Bambox malabarica D.C.
{{#seo:
|title=Charak Samhita
|titlemode=append
|keywords= *Shalmali, Bombax ceiba L., Silk cotton tree* Therapeutic use, herbs, researches on dravya, Charak Samhita, Dravyaguna, carakasamhitaonline, carakasamhita, caraka samhita, Ayurveda, Charak Samhita English translation, ancient Ayurveda text, Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, Charak, Charaka Samhita, agnivesha, atreya, gopal basisht, yogesh deole, charak samhita wikipedia edition, charak samhita new edition, charaka samhita new edition, carak samhita new edition, caraka samhita new edition, research on charak samhita, text book charak samhita, fundamental principles of ayurveda, basic concepts of ayurveda,
|description=
|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg
|image_alt=charak samhita
|type=article
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{{Infobox
{{Infobox
|title = Shalmali
|title = Shalmali
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|data1 = Herb database/Shalmali
|data1 = Herb database/Shalmali
|label2 = Botanical name(s)
|label2 = Botanical name(s)
|data2 = Bambox malabarica D.C.
|data2 = Bombax ceiba L.
|label3 = Family
|label3 = Family
|data3 = Bombacaceae
|data3 = Bombacaceae
Line 11: Line 20:
|data4 = Available
|data4 = Available
|label5 = Contributors
|label5 = Contributors
|data5 = --
|data5 = [[Team Dravyaguna]]
|label6 = Year of publication  
|label6 = Year of publication  
|data6 = 2025
|data6 = 2026
|label7 = Publisher  
|label7 = Publisher  
|data7 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]
|data7 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]
|label8 = DOI  
|label8 = DOI  
|data8 = Awaited
|data8 = Awaited
}}
}}


==English name==
'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombax_ceiba Bombax ceiba L.]''' (syn. *Bombax malabarica* D.C.), popularly known as '''Shalmali''' (Silk cotton tree), is a large, deciduous tree native to tropical regions of Asia, Australia, and Africa. It is widely revered in [[Ayurveda]] as a prominent cooling, astringent, and healing agent, traditionally utilized for managing internal hemorrhages, inflammatory skin conditions, burning sensations, and wound healing.
 
== English name ==
Silk cotton tree
Silk cotton tree


==Therapeutic Uses==
== Therapeutic Uses ==
Intrinsic haemorrhage (Raktapitta), Wound (Vrana), Burning sensation (Daha), Acne & Pimples (Youvanapidaka)<ref>Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume III:81.</ref>
Intrinsic haemorrhage (Raktapitta), Wound (Vrana), Burning sensation (Daha), Acne & Pimples (Youvanapidaka).<ref name="API1986">Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume III:81.</ref>


==Other Varieties / Othe botanical names==
== Other Varieties / Other Botanical names ==
* Bombax aculeatum L.
* Bombax aculeatum L.
* Bombax ceiba Burm.f.
* Bombax ceiba Burm.f.
Line 38: Line 49:
* Salmalia malabarica (DC.) Schott & Endl.
* Salmalia malabarica (DC.) Schott & Endl.


==Bhavaprakasha Nighantu==
== Botanical Profile & Traditional Context ==
Mentioned 2 types<ref>Prof. K.C.Chunekar, Bhavprakasha Nighantu, Reprint.2015, Chaukhambha vishvabharti, Vatadi Varga, ch. 29,30, p.525, 527.</ref>
In traditional Indian medicine, Shalmali is classified under categories that support tissue regeneration, blood purification, and the pacification of Vata and Pitta doshas. Its gum exudate (Mocha rasa) and bark possess significant demulcent and astringent properties.
# Shalmali – Bombax malabaricum DC.
 
# Kuta Shalmali – Ceiba pentadra Gaertn.
== Bhavaprakasha Nighantu ==
Mentioned 2 types<ref name="Chunekar2015">Prof. K.C. Chunekar, Bhavprakasha Nighantu, Reprint 2015, Chaukhambha Vishvabharti, Vatadi Varga, ch. 29, 30, p. 525, 527.</ref>
# Shalmali – Bombax ceiba L.
# Kuta Shalmali – Ceiba pentandra Gaertn.


==Synonyms in Charak Samhita==
== Synonyms in Charak Samhita ==
Shalmali, Mocha, Pichhila, Sthirayu, Shalmaliniryasa (Mocha rasa), Shalmaliveshtaka, Pichha,
Shalmali, Mocha, Pichhila, Sthirayu, Shalmaliniryasa (Mocha rasa), Shalmaliveshtaka, Pichha, Kantakadhya.
Kantakadhya.  


==Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu==
== Additional Synonyms in Bhavprakasha Nighantu ==
Shalmali, Mocha, Pichhila, Purani, Raktapushpa, Sthirayu, Kantakadhya, Tulini<ref>Prof. K.C.Chunekar, Bhavprakasha Nighantu, Reprint.2015, Chaukhambha vishvabharti, Vatadi Varga, verse no. 54-55, p.525.</ref>
Purani, Raktapushpa, Tulini.<ref name="ChunekarNighantu">Prof. K.C. Chunekar, Bhavprakasha Nighantu, Reprint 2015, Chaukhambha Vishvabharti, Vatadi Varga, verse no. 54-55, p. 525.</ref>


== Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties ==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
== Ayurvedic pharmacological properties ==
|+ Properties
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|+Properties
! Sr.no. !! Pharmacological criteria !! Properties
|'''Sr.no.'''
|'''Pharmacological criteria'''
|'''Properties'''
|-
|-
|1
| 1 || Taste (rasa) || Astringent (kashaya)
|Taste (rasa)
|Astringent (kashaya)
|-
|-
|2
| 2 || Potency (veerya) || Cold (sheeta)
|Potency (veerya)
|Cold (sheeta)
|-
|-
|3
| 3 || Post digestion effect (vipaka) || Sweet (madhura)
|Post digestion effect (vipaka)
|Sweet (madhura)
|-
|-
|4
| 4 || Qualities (guna) || Light (laghu), Unctuous (snigdha)
|Qualities (guna)
|Light (laghu), Unctuous (snigdha)
|-
|-
|5
| 5 || Actions (karma) || Pacify Vata and Pitta
|Actions (karma)
|Pacify Vata and Pitta
|}
|}
==Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions ==
 
== Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions ==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+'''Herbs and their activities'''
|+ Herbs and their activities
|'''Sr.no.'''
|'''Reference in Charak Samhita'''
|'''Activity'''
|-
|-
|1
! Sr.no. !! Reference in Charak Samhita !! Activity
|Cha.Sa.[[Sutra  Sthana]] 4/9(32)
|Purishvirajaniya  mahakashaya
|-
|-
|2
| 1 || Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(32) || Purishvirajaniya mahakashaya
|Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(46)
|Shonitasthapana  mahakashaya
|-
|-
|3
| 2 || Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(46) || Shonitasthapana mahakashaya
|Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(47)
|Vedanasthapana  mahakashaya
|-
|-
|4
| 3 || Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(47) || Vedanasthapana mahakashaya
|Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 27/99
|Shaka Varga
|-
|-
|5
| 4 || Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 27/99 || Shaka Varga
|Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 27/104
|Shaka Varga
|-
|-
|6
| 5 || Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 27/104 || Shaka Varga
|Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/135
|Vaman dravyani
|-
|-
|7
| 6 || Cha.Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/135 || Vamana dravyani
|Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/144
|Kashaya-skandha
|-
|-
|8
| 7 || Cha.Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/144 || Kashaya-skandha
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/258
|As an ingredient of Chandanadi taila
|-
|-
|9
| 8 || Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/258 || As an ingredient of Chandanadi taila
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 4/39
|As pathya ahara.
|-
|-
|10||Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] Cha.Sa.Chi.4/70
| 9 || Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 4/39 || As pathya ahara
|
|-
|-
|11
| 10 || Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 4/76 || As an ingredient of kiratatiktadi churna
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 4/76
|As an dingredient of kiratatiktadi churna
|-
|-
|12
| 11 || Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 4/86 || Used in gudagata raktapitta
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 4/86
|Used in gudagata raktapitta
|-
|-
|13
| 12 || Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 4/99 || Used in Nasagata raktapitta for Avapida nasya
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 4/99
|Used in Nasagata raktapitta for Avapida nasya
|-
|-
|14
| 13 || Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/189 || Used in kutajadi rasakriya
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/189  
|Used in kutajadi rasakriya
|-
|-
|15
| 14 || Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/193 || Used in raktarsha
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/193
|Used in raktarsha
|-
|-
|16
| 15 || Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/202 || Dadhisara yoga is used in rakta arsha
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/202
|Dadhisara yoga is used in rakta arsha
|-
|-
|17
| 16 || Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/225 || As an ingredient of pichcha basti
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/225
|As an ingredient of pichcha basti
|-
|-
|18
| 17 || Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/236 || As an ingredient of sunishannaka changeri ghrita
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/236
|As an ingredient of sunishanak changeri ghrita
|-
|-
|19
| 18 || Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/113 || Used as ingredient of yavagu
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/113
|Used as ingredient of yavagu
|-
|-
|20
| 19 || Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/53 || As a yoga dravya in treatment of pittaj atisara
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/53
|As a yoga dravya in treatment of pittaj atisara
|-
|-
|21
| 20 || Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/75 || As an ingredient in nilotpaladi yoga
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/75  
|As an ingredient in nilotpaladi yoga
|-
|-
|22
| 21 || Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/110 || As a yoga dravya
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/110  
|As a yoga dravya
|-
|-
|23
| 22 || Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 25/63 || Used for avpeedana
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/64
|As a piccha basti dravya
|-
|-
|24
| 23 || Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 27/29 || As an ingredient of Urustambha nashak Yoga
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 25/63
|Used for avpeedana
|-
|-
|25
| 24 || Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/75 || As an ingredient of Udumbaradi taila
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 27/29
|As an ingredient  of Urustambh nashak Yoga
|-
|-
|26
| 25 || Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/91 || As an ingredient of Pushyanuga churna
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/75
|As an ingredient of Udumbaradi taila
|-
|-
|27
| 26 || Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/122 || Used in the treatment of Pichhila yoni
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/91
|As an ingredient of Pushyanuga churna
|-
|28
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/122
|Used in the treatment of Pichhila yoni
|}
|}


==Dose==
== Dose ==
* Churna – 5 – 10 gm<ref>Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume III:81.</ref>
* Churna (Powder): 5–10 g.<ref name="API1986"/>


==Important formulations==
== Important Formulations ==
* Ayaskriti<ref>Dr. Bramhanand Tripathi, Ashtanga Hridayam, Chikitsa Sthana, Reprint.2014, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthana, chapter no.-12, verse no.-18-30, p.718.</ref>
* Ayaskriti<ref name="AshtangaHridaya">Dr. Brahmanand Tripathi, Ashtanga Hridayam, Chikitsa Sthana, Reprint 2014, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthana, chapter no. 12, verse no. 18-30, p. 718.</ref>
* Pushyanuga Churna<ref>Kaviraj Ambikadatashastri, Bhaishjya Ratnavali, ed.2022, Chaukhambha Prakasan, Pradara Roga Chikitsa prakaranam, verse no.-25-31, p.1032. </ref>
* Pushyanuga Churna<ref name="BhaishajyaRatnavali">Kaviraj Ambikadatta Shastri, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, ed. 2022, Chaukhambha Prakashan, Pradara Roga Chikitsa Prakaranam, verse no. 25-31, p. 1032.</ref>
* Shalmali Ghrita<ref>Kaviraj Ambikadatashastri, Bhaishjya Ratnavali, ed.2022, Chaukhambha Prakasan, Prameha Chikitsa prakaranam, verse no.-192-194, p.737</ref>
* Shalmali Ghrita<ref name="ShalmaliGhrita">Kaviraj Ambikadatta Shastri, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, ed. 2022, Chaukhambha Prakashan, Prameha Chikitsa Prakaranam, verse no. 192-194, p. 737.</ref>
* Kumbhikadi Taila<ref>Kaviraj Ambikadatashastri, Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Reprint.2015 Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, chapter no. 17, verse no.-27-28, p.101.</ref>
* Kumbhikadi Taila<ref name="SushrutaSamhita">Kaviraj Ambikadatta Shastri, Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Reprint 2015, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, chapter no. 17, verse no. 27-28, p. 101.</ref>
* Kutajadi Rasakriya<ref>Acharya Vidhyadhar Shukla, Prof. Ravidatta Tripathi, Charaka Samhita Vol. 2, Reprint. 2006 Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan, Chikitsa sthana, chapter no.-14, verse no.-188-192, p.343.</ref>
* Kutajadi Rasakriya<ref name="CharakSamhitaVol2">Acharya Vidyadhar Shukla, Prof. Ravidatta Tripathi, Charaka Samhita Vol. 2, Reprint 2006, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan, Chikitsa Sthana, chapter no. 14, verse no. 188-192, p. 343.</ref>
* Sunishannaka Changeri Ghrita<ref>Acharya Vidhyadhar Shukla, Prof. Ravidatta Tripathi, Charaka Samhita Vol. 2, Reprint. 2006 Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan, Chikitsa sthana, chapter no.-14, verse no.-235-242, p.349.</ref>
* Sunishannaka Changeri Ghrita<ref name="Sunishannaka">Acharya Vidyadhar Shukla, Prof. Ravidatta Tripathi, Charaka Samhita Vol. 2, Reprint 2006, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan, Chikitsa Sthana, chapter no. 14, verse no. 235-242, p. 349.</ref>


== Current Availability ==
Available
* In India: Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam.
* Out of India: Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, China, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia, Africa.


==Current availability ==
== Phytochemical Composition ==
Available
The therapeutic potential of *Bombax ceiba* stems from its diverse secondary metabolites:
* In India –
* '''Tannins and Phenolic Compounds:''' High concentrations of condensed tannins and gallic acid derivatives providing strong astringency.
Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, West bengal, Odisha, Assam
* '''Flavonoids:''' Lupeol, mangiferin, and quercetin derivatives.
* Out of India –
* '''Mucilage and Polysaccharides:''' Present extensively in the gum resin (Mocha rasa), facilitating demulcent and soothing actions.
Mynmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, China, Sri lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia, Africa
 
== Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy ==
=== Hemostatic and Wound Healing Actions ===
* '''Mechanism:''' The rich tannin content acts as a natural astringent, precipitating proteins on mucosal surfaces and open wounds to arrest bleeding, reduce exudation, and accelerate cellular repair.
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' Preclinical studies demonstrate significant reduction in bleeding time and improved wound contraction rates when utilizing bark and resin extracts.<ref name="Bains2005">{{cite journal |last1=Bains |first1=S. |last2=Puri |first2=D. |year=2005 |title=Hypolipidemic and antioxidant activity of Bombax ceiba flower extract |journal=Journal of Ethnopharmacology |volume=98 |issue=1 |pages=85–91}}</ref>
 
=== Anti-Inflammatory and Demulcent Efficacy ===
* '''Mechanism:''' The mucilaginous polysaccharides coat irritated gastrointestinal and urogenital linings, minimizing inflammation and providing relief from burning sensations (*daha*).
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' Experimental models confirm its substantial anti-inflammatory capacity and protective effects against mucosal irritation.<ref name="Dar2006">{{cite journal |last1=Dar |first1=A. |last2=Faizi |first2=S. |last3=Naqvi |first3=S. |year=2006 |title=Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of Bombax ceiba constituents |journal=Phytomedicine |volume=13 |issue=3 |pages=202–207}}</ref>
 
== Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage ==
* '''Acute Toxicity:''' *Bombax ceiba* extracts exhibit a very favorable safety margin in standard experimental evaluations.
* '''Precautions:''' No major adverse contraindications are noted under standard dosages; however, excessive ingestion of crude gum without fluid can cause mild digestive heaviness.
 
 
== Summary of Therapeutic Profile ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: left;"
|+ Therapeutic Applications of *Bombax ceiba*
! Indication
! Active Biomolecules
! Primary Pharmacological Action
|-
| '''Intrinsic Haemorrhage (Raktapitta)'''
| Condensed tannins, Gallic acid
| Hemostatic, Astringent
|-
| '''Wounds & Skin Irritations'''
| Flavonoids, Lupeol
| Wound healing, Anti-inflammatory
|-
| '''Burning Sensation & Ulcerations'''
| Mucilage polysaccharides
| Demulcent, Cytoprotective
|}
 
== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="API1986">Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume III:81.</ref>
<ref name="Chunekar2015">Prof. K.C. Chunekar, Bhavprakasha Nighantu, Reprint 2015, Chaukhambha Vishvabharti, Vatadi Varga, ch. 29, 30, p. 525, 527.</ref>
<ref name="ChunekarNighantu">Prof. K.C. Chunekar, Bhavprakasha Nighantu, Reprint 2015, Chaukhambha Vishvabharti, Vatadi Varga, verse no. 54-55, p. 525.</ref>
<ref name="AshtangaHridaya">Dr. Brahmanand Tripathi, Ashtanga Hridayam, Chikitsa Sthana, Reprint 2014, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthana, chapter no. 12, verse no. 18-30, p. 718.</ref>
<ref name="BhaishajyaRatnavali">Kaviraj Ambikadatta Shastri, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, ed. 2022, Chaukhambha Prakashan, Pradara Roga Chikitsa Prakaranam, verse no. 25-31, p. 1032.</ref>
<ref name="ShalmaliGhrita">Kaviraj Ambikadatta Shastri, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, ed. 2022, Chaukhambha Prakashan, Prameha Chikitsa Prakaranam, verse no. 192-194, p. 737.</ref>
<ref name="SushrutaSamhita">Kaviraj Ambikadatta Shastri, Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Reprint 2015, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, chapter no. 17, verse no. 27-28, p. 101.</ref>
<ref name="CharakSamhitaVol2">Acharya Vidyadhar Shukla, Prof. Ravidatta Tripathi, Charaka Samhita Vol. 2, Reprint 2006, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan, Chikitsa Sthana, chapter no. 14, verse no. 188-192, p. 343.</ref>
<ref name="Sunishannaka">Acharya Vidyadhar Shukla, Prof. Ravidatta Tripathi, Charaka Samhita Vol. 2, Reprint 2006, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan, Chikitsa Sthana, chapter no. 14, verse no. 235-242, p. 349.</ref>
<ref name="Bains2005">{{cite journal |last1=Bains |first1=S. |last2=Puri |first2=D. |year=2005 |title=Hypolipidemic and antioxidant activity of Bombax ceiba flower extract |journal=Journal of Ethnopharmacology |volume=98 |issue=1 |pages=85–91}}</ref>
<ref name="Dar2006">{{cite journal |last1=Dar |first1=A. |last2=Faizi |first2=S. |last3=Naqvi |first3=S. |year=2006 |title=Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of Bombax ceiba constituents |journal=Phytomedicine |volume=13 |issue=3 |pages=202–207}}</ref>
}}


==Current researches ==
[[Category: Database of herbs and minerals | Herbs]]
[[Category: Database of herbs and minerals | Herbs]]
  This article is under development ..

Latest revision as of 17:26, 28 September 2026


Shalmali
Section/Chapter Herb database/Shalmali
Botanical name(s) Bombax ceiba L.
Family Bombacaceae
Availability Available
Contributors Team Dravyaguna
Year of publication 2026
Publisher Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre
DOI Awaited

Bombax ceiba L. (syn. *Bombax malabarica* D.C.), popularly known as Shalmali (Silk cotton tree), is a large, deciduous tree native to tropical regions of Asia, Australia, and Africa. It is widely revered in Ayurveda as a prominent cooling, astringent, and healing agent, traditionally utilized for managing internal hemorrhages, inflammatory skin conditions, burning sensations, and wound healing.

English name

Silk cotton tree

Therapeutic Uses

Intrinsic haemorrhage (Raktapitta), Wound (Vrana), Burning sensation (Daha), Acne & Pimples (Youvanapidaka).[1]

Other Varieties / Other Botanical names

  • Bombax aculeatum L.
  • Bombax ceiba Burm.f.
  • Bombax heptaphyllum Cav.
  • Bombax thorelii Gagnep.
  • Bombax tussacii Urb.
  • Gossampinus malabarica Merr.
  • Gossampinus rubra Buch.-Ham.
  • Gossampinus thorelii Bakh.
  • Melaleuca grandiflora Blanco
  • Salmalia malabarica (DC.) Schott & Endl.

Botanical Profile & Traditional Context

In traditional Indian medicine, Shalmali is classified under categories that support tissue regeneration, blood purification, and the pacification of Vata and Pitta doshas. Its gum exudate (Mocha rasa) and bark possess significant demulcent and astringent properties.

Bhavaprakasha Nighantu

Mentioned 2 types[2]

  1. Shalmali – Bombax ceiba L.
  2. Kuta Shalmali – Ceiba pentandra Gaertn.

Synonyms in Charak Samhita

Shalmali, Mocha, Pichhila, Sthirayu, Shalmaliniryasa (Mocha rasa), Shalmaliveshtaka, Pichha, Kantakadhya.

Additional Synonyms in Bhavprakasha Nighantu

Purani, Raktapushpa, Tulini.[3]

Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties

Properties
Sr.no. Pharmacological criteria Properties
1 Taste (rasa) Astringent (kashaya)
2 Potency (veerya) Cold (sheeta)
3 Post digestion effect (vipaka) Sweet (madhura)
4 Qualities (guna) Light (laghu), Unctuous (snigdha)
5 Actions (karma) Pacify Vata and Pitta

Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions

Herbs and their activities
Sr.no. Reference in Charak Samhita Activity
1 Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 4/9(32) Purishvirajaniya mahakashaya
2 Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 4/9(46) Shonitasthapana mahakashaya
3 Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 4/9(47) Vedanasthapana mahakashaya
4 Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 27/99 Shaka Varga
5 Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 27/104 Shaka Varga
6 Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/135 Vamana dravyani
7 Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/144 Kashaya-skandha
8 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 3/258 As an ingredient of Chandanadi taila
9 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 4/39 As pathya ahara
10 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 4/76 As an ingredient of kiratatiktadi churna
11 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 4/86 Used in gudagata raktapitta
12 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 4/99 Used in Nasagata raktapitta for Avapida nasya
13 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 14/189 Used in kutajadi rasakriya
14 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 14/193 Used in raktarsha
15 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 14/202 Dadhisara yoga is used in rakta arsha
16 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 14/225 As an ingredient of pichcha basti
17 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 14/236 As an ingredient of sunishannaka changeri ghrita
18 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/113 Used as ingredient of yavagu
19 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 19/53 As a yoga dravya in treatment of pittaj atisara
20 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 19/75 As an ingredient in nilotpaladi yoga
21 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 19/110 As a yoga dravya
22 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 25/63 Used for avpeedana
23 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 27/29 As an ingredient of Urustambha nashak Yoga
24 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 30/75 As an ingredient of Udumbaradi taila
25 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 30/91 As an ingredient of Pushyanuga churna
26 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 30/122 Used in the treatment of Pichhila yoni

Dose

  • Churna (Powder): 5–10 g.[1]

Important Formulations

  • Ayaskriti[4]
  • Pushyanuga Churna[5]
  • Shalmali Ghrita[6]
  • Kumbhikadi Taila[7]
  • Kutajadi Rasakriya[8]
  • Sunishannaka Changeri Ghrita[9]

Current Availability

Available

  • In India: Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam.
  • Out of India: Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, China, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia, Africa.

Phytochemical Composition

The therapeutic potential of *Bombax ceiba* stems from its diverse secondary metabolites:

  • Tannins and Phenolic Compounds: High concentrations of condensed tannins and gallic acid derivatives providing strong astringency.
  • Flavonoids: Lupeol, mangiferin, and quercetin derivatives.
  • Mucilage and Polysaccharides: Present extensively in the gum resin (Mocha rasa), facilitating demulcent and soothing actions.

Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy

Hemostatic and Wound Healing Actions

  • Mechanism: The rich tannin content acts as a natural astringent, precipitating proteins on mucosal surfaces and open wounds to arrest bleeding, reduce exudation, and accelerate cellular repair.
  • Scientific Evidence: Preclinical studies demonstrate significant reduction in bleeding time and improved wound contraction rates when utilizing bark and resin extracts.[10]

Anti-Inflammatory and Demulcent Efficacy

  • Mechanism: The mucilaginous polysaccharides coat irritated gastrointestinal and urogenital linings, minimizing inflammation and providing relief from burning sensations (*daha*).
  • Scientific Evidence: Experimental models confirm its substantial anti-inflammatory capacity and protective effects against mucosal irritation.[11]

Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage

  • Acute Toxicity: *Bombax ceiba* extracts exhibit a very favorable safety margin in standard experimental evaluations.
  • Precautions: No major adverse contraindications are noted under standard dosages; however, excessive ingestion of crude gum without fluid can cause mild digestive heaviness.


Summary of Therapeutic Profile

Therapeutic Applications of *Bombax ceiba*
Indication Active Biomolecules Primary Pharmacological Action
Intrinsic Haemorrhage (Raktapitta) Condensed tannins, Gallic acid Hemostatic, Astringent
Wounds & Skin Irritations Flavonoids, Lupeol Wound healing, Anti-inflammatory
Burning Sensation & Ulcerations Mucilage polysaccharides Demulcent, Cytoprotective

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume III:81.
  2. ↑ Prof. K.C. Chunekar, Bhavprakasha Nighantu, Reprint 2015, Chaukhambha Vishvabharti, Vatadi Varga, ch. 29, 30, p. 525, 527.
  3. ↑ Prof. K.C. Chunekar, Bhavprakasha Nighantu, Reprint 2015, Chaukhambha Vishvabharti, Vatadi Varga, verse no. 54-55, p. 525.
  4. ↑ Dr. Brahmanand Tripathi, Ashtanga Hridayam, Chikitsa Sthana, Reprint 2014, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthana, chapter no. 12, verse no. 18-30, p. 718.
  5. ↑ Kaviraj Ambikadatta Shastri, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, ed. 2022, Chaukhambha Prakashan, Pradara Roga Chikitsa Prakaranam, verse no. 25-31, p. 1032.
  6. ↑ Kaviraj Ambikadatta Shastri, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, ed. 2022, Chaukhambha Prakashan, Prameha Chikitsa Prakaranam, verse no. 192-194, p. 737.
  7. ↑ Kaviraj Ambikadatta Shastri, Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Reprint 2015, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, chapter no. 17, verse no. 27-28, p. 101.
  8. ↑ Acharya Vidyadhar Shukla, Prof. Ravidatta Tripathi, Charaka Samhita Vol. 2, Reprint 2006, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan, Chikitsa Sthana, chapter no. 14, verse no. 188-192, p. 343.
  9. ↑ Acharya Vidyadhar Shukla, Prof. Ravidatta Tripathi, Charaka Samhita Vol. 2, Reprint 2006, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan, Chikitsa Sthana, chapter no. 14, verse no. 235-242, p. 349.
  10. ↑ Bains, S.; Puri, D. (2005). "Hypolipidemic and antioxidant activity of Bombax ceiba flower extract". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 98 (1): 85–91. 
  11. ↑ Dar, A.; Faizi, S.; Naqvi, S. (2006). "Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of Bombax ceiba constituents". Phytomedicine. 13 (3): 202–207. 
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