Spondias pinnata (L.f.) Kurz. [Syn: S. acuminata Roxb. Or S. macrophylla Wall. Ex Hook.f. or Mangifera L.f.] (AMRATAKA)

Brhat trayi mentioned amrataka several times.  Caraka quoted it among hrdya dasaimani.  Though there is controversy in the identity of amrataka and kapitana as one or as different plants, author is of the opinion that both are different plants.  Amrataka is identified with Spondias pinnata Kurz. While, kapitana is some Ficus species.

Botanical description – A small, glabrous, deciduous tree; leaves crowded at the end of the branches, imparipinnate; leaflets 3-6 paris, oblong, elliptic-oblong, acuminate, shining; flowers polygamous, small, white, fasciculate on large, erect, diffuse and long panicles; drupes ovoid, smooth, fleshy, yellow when ripe; kernel woody, tough, ighant outside and rough with irregular furrows and cavities; seeds 1-3.  Flowering in February-April and fruiting occurs in May-June.  Found commonly in dry forests of many parts of India and often grown in the village areas.

Part used –  fruits, leaves, bark, root, gum.

Uses –

Bark – grounded with water and applied externally in case of sprain and arthritis.

Root – is useful in regulating menstrual disordres.

Gum- possess demulcent activity.

Chemical constituents –

Fruits – alanine, leucine, β-amyrin etc.

Bark, leaves –24-methylenecycloartanone, β-sitosterol and its glucoside etc.

Note – Spondias dulcis (Golden Apple, Wi-Tree, Otaheite Apple) is another species which is a medium sized tree which grows up to 40ft.