Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh , India having less known traditional uses VI. Kadam (Anthocephalus cadamba, family Naucleaceae)

Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia
© 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved

Kadam is a moderated sized graceful deciduous tree, grown as an ornamental. In Chhattisgarh, Kadam occurs as natural tree in dense forests. It is common belief among the natives that plantation of this tree near to lakes and ponds, brings happiness and prosperity in their life. Kadam is present in almost all villages of Chhattisgarh. It is one of essential features of any typical village. Now as the urbanization is increasing and flat culture is establishing deep roots in society, the place for Kadam is decreasing. The young generation, unaware of its importance, is not planting it nearer to home and public parks. The Chhattisgarh forest officials are also not promoting commercial plantation of Kadam. As result, its natural populations is decreasing and in near future, one can see it only in old pictures. This is really surprising that the natives and traditional healers do not have much knowledge about medicinal properties and uses of Kadam. During my ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have noted that the natives and healers are aware of its presence but not using it as medicine. I have noted very little information on medicinal uses of Kadam in Chhattisgarh. In present article, I am describing these uses. At first, I am describing botany and reported medicinal uses of Kadam. According to reference literatures , Kadam (Anthocephalus cadamba syn. A. chinensis syn. Cephalanthus chinensis syn. Nauclea cadamba) deciduous tree having height upto 10 meters. Leaves 12-25x 5-10 cm ovate or elliptic oblong, coriaceous, acute, pubescent beneath, sub cordate at base, stipules caduceus, lanceolate. Inflorescence as solitary terminal head. Flowers small, pentamerous, orange united by the confluent calyx tube. Calyx segments oblanceolate. Corolla funnel shaped, stamens 5, Ovary four celled above 2-celled below, stigma white. Pseudocarp large, fleshy, Seeds minute and angular, Flowering time May-July. Fruiting persisting till next year. As medicine, bark, sprouts and fruits are used most frequently. According to Ayurveda, bark is pungent, bitter, sweet, acrid, saline, aphrodisiac, cooling, indigestible, galactagogue, astringent to bowels, vulnerary, alexiteric and useful in treatment of uterine complaints, blood diseases, strangury, biliousness, burning sensation. Fruits are aphrodisiac and heating whereas sprouts are acrid, stomachic and cures leprosy and dysentery.

The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the Kadam bark in treatment of hoarseness of throat. After mixing the bark in cold water, honey and cumin (Zeera), it is given to the patients internally. It is considered as one of the promising remedies. The natives of Chhattisgarh, dip the bark in water used for bath. According to them this herbal bath makes the skin soft and free from all infections. The traditional healers of Bastar region use Kadam bark in treatment of eye diseases. The bark is collected and with the help of lemon juice, aqueous paste is prepared. This paste is applied externally on eyes, in order to reduce pain and inflammation. The healers of North Chhattisgarh use the decoction of Kadam bark in form of gargle to cure the gum related troubles. It is also used in case of stomatitis. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains prefer the decoction of leaves in place of bark for same purpose.

The above mentioned traditional knowledge is rare and not documented by the early workers. The herb traders at regional and national level are not aware of medicinal properties and uses of Kadam. It is not in the list of non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh but many traders informed that they receive frequent inquiries regarding different parts of this herb and in such cases, they do not miss the chance to supply it.
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