Anogeissus latifolia (Dhava)

Caraka did not include it in the vargas but quoted it several times. Sushruta and Vagbhatahave included it in the Salasaradi/Asanadi and Mushkakadi gana respectively. Thakur Balvant Singh reported that “it may be interesting to note that the popular names Bakali and Dhauri are also used for Lagerstroemia parviflora Roxb. In some places. It may indicate the similarity in the timber of two trees.

Botanical Description – It is large tree growing upto 80ft. height bearing yellowish green flowers. It is found in all the ever-green forests.

Major Chemical Constituents­– Ellagic acid, gallotannin, corilagin, ghattic acid etc.

Part Used– Bark, heartwood, gum.

Dosage– Decoction 50-100ml, gum 1-2g.

Research–

The alcoholic extract of stem bark was found to have CNS depressant activity in mice. It produced hypothermia and also responded to amphetamine hyperactivity test (Bhakuni et al; 1971).