Borassus flabellifer (tAla)

Sushruta quoted ‘Tala’ under Salasaradi gana and Brihat Trayi have mentioned its fruit under phala varga. The growing stem apex is called Talamastaka and its pith is called Mastakamajja. Both of them are used in therapeutics.

Botanical Description – It is a tree (30 ml. high) bearing large leaves at the tip of the main stem. It is found in the dry and hot areas in India.

Part used– Flowers, root, toddy juice, fruit.

Dosage– Root powder 10-20g.

Research–

Aqueous infusion of roots produced initial stimulation followed by depression of spontenous motor activity in mice; its LD50 value>2.0g/kg i.p. Ethanolic extract inhibited granulation tissue formation in cotton pellet implanted rats. It also produced hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolaemic effects in rats; LD50 1.68g/kg, i.p. (J. Res. Ay. & Siddha 1989, 10, 75).