Introduction
Teak, scientifically known as Tectona grandis Linn. f., belongs to the Verbenaceae family. It is a large and deciduous tree found in various regions such as the Western Peninsula, Central India, and Bihar. Teak tree is highly valued for its versatile use in construction, furniture making, and as a source of medicinal compounds.
Commonly referred to as Teak in English, this plant has different names in various traditional systems of medicine. In Ayurveda, it is known as Shaaka, Bhuumisaha, Dwaaradaaru, Varadaaru, Kharachhada, Saagawaan, and Saagauna. In Siddha and Tamil traditions, it is called Thekku.
Medicinal properties
Teak tree has multiple medicinal properties that have been recognized and utilized in different herbal remedies. The flowers of Teak tree are used in the treatment of bronchitis, biliousness, and urinary discharges. Both the flowers and seeds of the tree have diuretic properties. The wood of the Teak tree acts as an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antibilious, and anthelmintic agent. It is commonly used for treating inflammatory swellings. The bark of the tree has astringent properties and is used in the treatment of bronchitis. The roots of the Teak tree are used for treating anuria and retention of urine. The nut oil derived from the tree is employed in the treatment of scabies and other skin diseases, as well as for promoting hair growth.
Phtyochemical Constituents
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India suggests the use of Teak tree heartwood in the treatment of lipid disorders and threatened abortion. The heartwood of Teak tree is known to be rich in various compounds like anthraquinones, naphthalene compounds, triterpenic compounds, and hemi-terpenic compounds. These chemical constituents contribute to its medicinal properties and therapeutic effects.
Tectoleafquinone is a compound found in the leaves of the Teak tree. The bark of the tree contains around 7.14% tannin. The seed oil derived from Teak tree seeds is composed of linoleic acid (approximately 53%), along with other fatty acids like lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linolenic, and arachidic acids. The kernels of the seeds yield about 44.5% of a fatty oil.
Dosage
To benefit from the medicinal properties of Teak tree, the recommended dosage of its heartwood is 3-6 grams in powdered form. This dosage can be used in various medicinal applications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Teak tree (Tectona grandis Linn. f.) is a valuable plant known for its medicinal properties. It has been used in traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda and Siddha to treat various ailments, including bronchitis, biliousness, urinary discharges, inflammatory swellings, and skin diseases. The different parts of the Teak tree, such as flowers, seeds, wood, bark, roots, and nut oil, possess specific therapeutic effects, making it a versatile medicinal plant. Its chemical composition, including compounds like tectoleafquinone, tannins, and various fatty acids, contributes to its healing properties. By incorporating Teak tree into herbal remedies and therapies, one can harness its potential for improving overall health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name of the Teak tree?
The scientific name of the Teak tree is Tectona grandis Linn. f.
What family does the Teak tree belong to?
The Teak tree belongs to the Verbenaceae family.
Where is the Teak tree commonly found?
The Teak tree is commonly found in regions such as the Western Peninsula, Central India, and Bihar.
What are some traditional names of the Teak tree in Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda, the Teak tree is known as Shaaka, Bhuumisaha, Dwaaradaaru, Varadaaru, Kharachhada, Saagawaan, and Saagauna.
What are some traditional names of the Teak tree in Siddha and Tamil traditions?
In Siddha and Tamil traditions, the Teak tree is called Thekku.
What are the medicinal properties of the Teak tree flowers?
The flowers of the Teak tree are used in the treatment of bronchitis, biliousness, and urinary discharges.
What are the diuretic properties of the Teak tree?
Both the flowers and seeds of the Teak tree have diuretic properties.
How is the wood of the Teak tree used medicinally?
The wood of the Teak tree acts as an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antibilious, and anthelmintic agent, and is commonly used for treating inflammatory swellings.
What medicinal properties does the bark of the Teak tree have?
The bark of the Teak tree has astringent properties and is used in the treatment of bronchitis.
How are the roots of the Teak tree used medicinally?
The roots of the Teak tree are used for treating anuria and retention of urine.
What is the nut oil derived from the Teak tree used for?
The nut oil derived from the Teak tree is used in the treatment of scabies and other skin diseases, as well as for promoting hair growth.
What does the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India suggest the use of Teak tree heartwood for?
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India suggests the use of Teak tree heartwood in the treatment of lipid disorders and threatened abortion.
What compounds are found in the heartwood of the Teak tree?
The heartwood of the Teak tree is known to be rich in compounds like anthraquinones, naphthalene compounds, triterpenic compounds, and hemi-terpenic compounds.
What is tectoleafquinone and where is it found?
Tectoleafquinone is a compound found in the leaves of the Teak tree.
How much tannin is present in the bark of the Teak tree?
The bark of the Teak tree contains approximately 7.14% tannin.
What fatty acids are present in the seed oil derived from the Teak tree?
The seed oil derived from the Teak tree is composed of linoleic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linolenic acid, and arachidic acid.
What percentage of fatty oil is obtained from the kernels of the Teak tree seeds?
Approximately 44.5% of a fatty oil is obtained from the kernels of the Teak tree seeds.
What is the recommended dosage of Teak tree heartwood?
The recommended dosage of Teak tree heartwood is 3-6 grams in powdered form.
What are some ailments that the Teak tree is used to treat?
The Teak tree is used to treat ailments such as bronchitis, biliousness, urinary discharges, inflammatory swellings, and skin diseases.
How can the medicinal properties of the Teak tree be harnessed?
The medicinal properties of the Teak tree can be harnessed by incorporating it into herbal remedies and therapies.
