Salmalia malabarica (SALMALI)

Caraka documented the heamostatic/styptic property and analgesic effect of Salmali. In fact he documented the utility of different parts of this tree viz., flower, gum, stem bark, petiole or peduncle and prikles/thorns. The thorns are pounded with milk and the paste is applied over pimples. It is a famous remedy for Acne infestation. Salmali Niryasa (gum) is known as Moca Rasa and is used as styptic agent as well as haemostatic.

In one of his ‘discoveries’ Dr. Koppula Hemadri of Vijayawada, A.P. identified that the tender fruits of Salmali are being used as ‘Marathi Mogga’. This is considered as an aphrodisiac in Punjab area and is a common ingredient in Pulav and other puddings. Some of the Vajikarma Combinations available in the market do possess Marathi Mogga but the botanical source is not provided by many.

Different varieties–Bhavamishra described two varieties of Salmali under Vatadi varga. They are:

Salmali            –    Bombax malabaricum Dc

Kuta Salmali    –    Ceiba pentandra (Linn.) Gaertn. (Eriodendron anfractuosum Dc)

Botanical Description–

• malabarica– A large deciduous tree, armed with prickles. Leaves-digitately compound, deciduous. Flowers-crimson red, axillary or subterminal, solitary or clustered, appearing before the leaves. Bark-grey. Stamens many. Fruit-a 5-valued capsule; valves woody. Seeds-many, globose, pale black, (Flowers in spring and early summer and fruits during winter).

(ii) C. pentandra– A medium-sized deciduous tree, 15.2-30.5 m. high. It yields dark-red, almost opaque gum. Bark-grey or green when young. Leaves-digitally compound, deciduous. Flowers-white, tufted at the end of branches or axillary. Fruit-oblong, 5-valved capsule, 12.2 x 5.1 cm. size. (flowers during January-February and fruits in March-April).

Major chemical constituents–

Bark exudate (simul gum)–gallic & tannic acids, D-galactopyranose etc.

Bark-root bark-seeds- lupeol.

Flowers- hentriacontane, hentriacontanol, gossypol etc.

Part Used–Root, Stem bark, flowers, petioles, spines, gum, unripe/tender fruits (Marathimogga)?

Dosage–Root powder 3-5 g; gum 1-3 g; flower juice 10-20 ml.