Garcina morella Desr. (TAMALA)

Tamala is not described in the ancient classies like Brihat Taryi. Tamala patra i.e.; Cinnamomum tamala is different (C.S.Ka.1/8) which is frequently quoted by the nighantus is identified as G. morella Desr. Another species G. hanburyi Hook f. is also used by some Vaids. K.C. Chunekar is of the opinion that Rheum emodi Wall. Is ‘KanKushtha’ (Revandchini) and G. morella is “Tamala”.

Botanical Description – It is a tree growing upto 15 m bearing white coloured flowers.

Major Chemical Constituents–

Seed coat- morellinol, morellin

Heartwood- Morellaflavone

Part Used– Gum-resin

Dosage– 50-125mg

Research–

(1)guttiferin and 1-guttiferin were found to be responsible for the cathartic activity of the gum-resin and seed coat extract of G. morella (Santhanan and Rao, 1968).

(2) Morellin has been widely used for Promoting wound healing. A 2% solution of morellin in olive oil was tried experimentally and clinically and has been found to enhance healing in the later phase of wound healing (Deshpande et al., 1970).