Drug Review

DRUG REVIEW OF SAPTAPARNA

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
VEDA:
Perhaps the Vedas are considered to be the oldest scriptures, most important
and highest written authority, but in Vedic literature there is no reference regarding
the drug Saptaparna.
PURANA:
REFERENCES MENTIONED IN RAMAYANA
Ref. as ‘Saptachada’ Ref. as ‘Saptaparna’
Kishkindha Kanda 30/30 Aranya Kanda 75/24 Uttara Kanda 22/57
Kishkindha Kanda 30/35 Kishkindha Kanda 30/62 Uttara Kanda 39/3
Kishkindha Kanda 32/13 Kishkindha Kanda 49/17 Uttara Kanda 42/24
Sundara Kanda 02/10 Sundara Kanda 14/36 Sundara Kanda 15/9
SANSKRIT LITERATURE:
Kalidasa a great poet of Sanskrit literature has written many works. One among
them is Raghuwansha mahakavya, which contains a poetic description of Saptaparna
with regards to the Mada gandha of its Pushpa and Ksheera.
SAMHITA:
A detailed description of Saptaparna with regards to its synonyms, therapeutic
uses and different Bhaishajya Kalpanas indicated in various diseases has been
mentioned in different Samhitas.
REFERENCES MENTIONED IN CHARAKA SAMHITA
Maximum number of references is quoted in Asthanga Samgraha (37)
followed by Charaka Samhita (31). Asthanga Hridaya has listed minimum number of
references of Saptaparna in comparison to others.
In Charaka Samhita totally 31 references were found in 16 different Adhyayas
of 4 different Sthanas. In Sutra Sthana 5, Vimana Sthana 4, Chikitsa Sthana 19 and in
Siddhi Sthana 3 references were mentioned. Out of 19 references in Chikitsa Sthana
maximum 8 times it is used in Kushtha Chikitsa.
Chakrapani in his Charakatatparya tika has quoted that “Patha” and
“Saptaparna” as the drugs having Rasayana property in Swastha and Rogahara
property in Arta (Patient). Thus they have a potential of performing “Ubhayaarthakrita
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karma”. (Ch. Ck. Chi. 1/1/5)

REFERENCES MENTIONED IN SUSHRUTA SAMHITA

In Sushruta Samhita total 28 references are scattered in 17 Adhyayas of 4

Sthanas. In Sutra Sthana 6, Chikitsa Sthana 16, Kalpa Sthana 2, Uttaratantra 4
references are quoted. In Kushtha Chikitsa maximum 8 references were found.
Dalhana in his Nibhanda Samgraha Tika has described morphological
description of Saptaparna in detail.
REFERENCES MENTIONED IN ASHTANGA SAMGRAHA

In Asthanga Samgraha total 37 references are mentioned In Asthanga

Samgraha total 37 references are mentioned in 21 different Adhyayas of 4 Sthanas.

Out of which in Sutra Sthana 11, Chikitsa Sthana 16, Kalpa Sthana 1 and 9 in
Uttaratantra are quoted. Vriddha Vagbhata has used Saptaparna abundantly in
Kushtha Chikitsa 10 times

REFERENCES MENTIONED IN ASHTANGA HRIDAYA

In Asthanga Hridaya total 20 numbers of references are divided into 13

different Adhyayas of 4 different Sthanas. Maximum 13 references are found in
Chikitsasthana followed by Uttaratantra 4 and Sutrasthana 2. Kalpasthana states only
1 reference regarding a content of Panchatikta Panchaprasutik Basti.

Table–1 SYNONYMS MENTIONED IN BRIHATTRAYI

No. Synonyms Ch. S. Su. S. A. S. A. H.

1. Saptaparna + + + +
2. Saptachchada + + + +
3. Saptavaha _ _ + _

4. Saptavha _ + + _
Maximum 4 synonyms of Saptaparna are stated in Asthanga Hridaya followed
by 3 in Sushruta Samhita while Charaka and Asthanga Samgraha have mentioned
only 2 synonyms.

Table–2 PRAYOGYA ANGA OF SAPTAPARNA IN BRIHATTRAYI

 Drug Review

No. Prayojya Anga Ch. S. Su. S. A. S. A. H.

1. Mula + + + +

2. Twaka + + _ _

3. Sara + _ _ _

4. Swarasa + _ _ _

5. Kshara + + + _

6. Ksheera _ + + _

7. Phala _ + _ _

8. Pushpa + + + +

9. Patra _ + _ _

10. Beeja* _ _ + _

Out of 18 Prayojya Anga in Audbhida Gana of Charaka Samhita total 9

Prayojya Anga of Saptaparna have been mentioned in Brihattrayi and Asthanga
Samgraha has mentioned *Beeja of Saptaparna as Shirovirechana Dravya which is not
included in Audbhida Gana mentioned by Charaka. Mula and Pushpa are both
mentioned in all the 4 Samhitas.

Table–3 AUSHADHA PRAYOGA MARG IN BRIHATTRAYI

It is evident from below table that Saptaparna when indicated for internal
administration was used in Pana form followed by Leha form, while indicated for
external application it was mainly in the form of Abhyanga.

No. Prayoga Marga Ch. S. Su. S. A.S. A.H.

Antah Parimarjana

1. Vamana 1 _ 2 2

2. Virechana 1 _ 1 1
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3. Basti 3 1 1 1

4. Nasya _ 1 _ _

5. Gandusha _ 1 _ _

6. Pana 15 10 11 11

7. Leha 4 4 5 5

Total 24 17 20 20
Bahir Parimarjana
1. Varnaka 1 _ 1 _
2. Udgharshana 1 _ 1 _
3. Snana 3 1 1 _
4. Alepana 2 1 2 _
5. Pragharshana 1 _ 1 _
6. Avachurnana 1 _ 1 _
7. Abhyanga 3 7 3 3
8. Prachachadya _ 1 _ _
9. Lepa 1 _ 2 2
10. Pradeha 1 _ 1 _
11. Pratisarana _ 2 3 1
12. Udvartana _ _ 1 _
13. Prakshalana _ _ 2 _
Total 14 12 19 06
Table-4 Therapeutic Indications of Saptaparna in Brihattrayi
No. Vyadhi Ch. S. Su. S. A.S. A.H.
1. Prameha + + + +
2. Kushtha + + + +
3. Apasmara + + + +
4. Grahani + _ _ +
5. Shwasa + + + +
6. Visarpa + _ _ +
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7. Kaphaja Mutrakricha + _ + +
8. Stanyadushti + _ + _
9. Vrana _ + + _
10. Bhagandara _ + _ _
11. Prameha Pidaka _ + _ _
12. Kaphaja Vruddhi _ + _ _
13. Sthaulya _ + _ _
14. Danta Kashtha- gata Visha _ + + _
15. Jwara _ + + _
16. Sa-Krimi Vrana _ _ + +
17. Dundubhi Kashara Agada _ + + _
18. Karnaroga _ _ _ +
19. Krumidanta _ _ + +
20. Mukhapaka _ _ _ +
21. Dusta Vrana _ _ + _
22. Hasira Mushaka Visha _ _ + _
Total 8 12 14 12
All Acharyas have indicated the use of Saptaparna in Prameha, Kushtha,
Apasmara, and Shwasa. Some opine its use in different types of Vrana as shown in
table no. 10.

Table-5 CLASSIFICATION OF SAPTAPARNA IN BRIHATTRAYI

No. Gana/Varga Ch. S. Su. S. A. S. A. H.

1. Churna Pradeha + _ _ _
2. Kushthaghna Mahakashaya + _ + _
3. Udardprashamana Mahakashaya + _ + _
4. Santarpana Samuthita vyadhihara + _ _ _
5. Sarasava +Sara _ _ _
6. Vaman Dravya +Mula _ +Mula _
7. Tikta Skandha + + + _
8. Kashaya Skandha + _ + _
9. Shirovirechana Dravya +Pushpa _ +Beeja _
10. Aragwadadi Gana _ + + +
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11. Lakshadi Gana _ + _ _

12. Adhobagahara Dravya _ +Kshara +Ksheera _
13. Pratisaraniya Kshara _ +Kshara +Kshara _
*With specification of prayojya anga (part used).
Acharya Charaka and Vriddha Vagbhata have used two different parts of
Saptaparna for the purpose of Shirovirechana, which are Pushpa and Beeja
respectively. Except Vagbhata all Acharyas mentioned Saptaparna in Tikta Skandha.

All Acharyas have indicated the use of Saptaparna in Prameha, Kushtha,

Apasmara, and Shwasa. Some opine its use in different types of Vrana as shown in
table no. 10.

Table-6 Kalpanas Of Saptaparna In Brihattrayi:

No. Kalpana Ch.S. Su.S. A.S. A.H. Total

1. Swarasa 1 - 1 1 3
2. Kalka - 1 1 - 2
3. Kashaya 9 4 11 3 27
4. Phanta - - - - -
5. Sheeta - - 1 - 1
6. Yavagu 1 - - - 1
7. Peya - 1 - 1 2
8. Churna 4 4 6 4 18
9. Taila 2 7 3 3 15
10. Ghrita 5 4 4 4 17
11. Asava 1 - - - 1
12. Kshara 1 2 2 - 5
13. Lepa 4 1 3 2 10
14. Ksheera - 1 1 1 3
15. Avaleha - - 2 - 2
16. Varti - - 1 - 1
Total 28 25 36 19 108
In Brihattrayi Kashaya, Churna, Ghrita and Taila Kalpanas of Saptaparna are
used most abundantly among which Charaka and Vriddha Vagbhata have used
Kashaya Kalpana, Sushruta has used Taila Kalpana and Vagbhata has used Churna
 Drug Review

and Ghrita Kalpana in abundance. Only Charaka has mentioned Yavagu and Asava
Kalpana of Saptaparna. Astanga Samgraha quotes Sheeta, Avaleha and Varti
Kalpanas of Saptaparna. Among the Panchavidha Kashaya Kalpanas Phanta Kalpana
of Saptaparnahas not been prepared by any of the four Granthakaras.

Table-7 PRADHANA YOGA OF SAPTAPARNA IN BRIHATTRAYI:

No. Pradhana Yoga Ch.S. Su.S. A.S. A.H.

1. Kanakakshiri Taila + _ + _
2. Vajraka Taila _ + + -
3. Mahavajraka Taila _ + _ _

4 Syandana Taila _ + + _

5. Chandanadya Ghrita + _ _ _

6. Panchagvya Ghrita _ + + _

7. Mahatiktak Ghrita + _ _ +

8. Mahakhadira Ghrita + _ _ +

9. Mahapanchagavya Ghrita + _ _ _

10. Lakshadi Ghrita _ _ + +

11. Mustadi Churna + _ _ +

12. Pathadi Churna _ _ + +

13. Vachadyadi Churna + _ _ _

14. Triphaladi Churna _ _ + _

15. Kshara Agada _ + + _

16. Duralabhadya Kshara + _ _ _

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17. Yogaraja Rasayana _ _ + _

18 Siddharthaka Snana + _ + _

19. Saptachchadadi Yavagu + _ _ _

20 PanchtiktaPanchaPrasuticBasti + _ + +

All Acharyas have quoted the use of Mahatiktaka Ghrita. Only Charaka
mentions Vachadyadi Yoga, Duralabadya Kshara and Saptachchadadi Yavagu.
Except Charaka all have quoted Vajraka Taila. Only Sushruta has mentioned
Mahavajraka Taila and Syandana Taila. Except Sushruta all have mentioned
Pancatikta Pancha Prasutic Basti.

NIGHANTU KALA:

Table-8 CLASSIFICATION OF SAPTAPARNA IN NIGHANTUS

No. Nighantu Varga

1. Dhanvantari Chandanadi Varga

2. Sodhala Chandanadi Varga

3. Hridayadipaka Ekapada Varga

4. Siddhamantra Doshaghna Varga

5. Madanpala Vatadi Varga

6. Kaiyadeva Aushadhi Varga

7. Bhavaprakasha Vatadi Varga

8. Raja Chandanadi Varga

9. Abhidhana Ratnamala Tikta Skandha

10. Shaligrama Vatadi Varga

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11. Nighantu Aadarsha Kutajadi Varga

Table-9 SYNONYMS OF SAPTAPARNA MENTIONED IN NIGHANTUS

No. Synonyms Dh. So. M. Kai. Bha. Raj. Sha. Abhi. Shi.
Ni. Ni. Ni. Ni. Ni. Ni. Ni. Ratna
1. Ayugmaparna +
2. Gandhiparna +
3. Guchapatra +
4. Guchapushpa + +
5. Guchapushpaka +
6. Gudhapushpa +
7. Guhashayana +
8. Chatraparna + +
9. Chatri + +
10. Triparna +
11. Patravarna +
12. Parni +
13. Pruthakapatra +
14. Bahuchada +
15. Bahucheda +
16. Bahutwaka +
17. Bahuparna +
18. Bruhat-twaka + + +
19. Bruhat-patra +
20. Madagandha +
21. Munichada +
22. Yugmapatra +
23. Yugmapushpa +
24. Vankibhumita +
25. Vishalatwaka + + +
26. Vishamachada + + +
27. Vidyneya +
28. Sharada + + + + +
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29. Shalmalichada + +
30. Shalmalipatraka + + + +
31. Shalmaliparnaka +
32. Shuktipatra +
33. Shuktiparna + + +
34. Saptanga +
35. Saptachada +
36. Saptaparna +
37. Sapthavaha +
38. Sudirgha +
39. Suparnaka + + + +
40. Suvarna +
41. Sthulapatra +
42. Sharadiya +
43. Madagandhi +
44. Shiroruja +
NIRUKTI OF SYNONYMS:
A tree generally with seven leaves together in petiole.
The bark of which is thick and large.
The leaves of which are spread like umbrella.

Seven leaves appearing like oyster shell.

A tree bearing seven leaves together like that Shalamali.

Flowers are in cluster.
The flowers are having strong fragrance.
It bears flowers in autumn.
Flowers are having a strong fragrance which causes headache.
The plant has capacity to overcome evil caused as a result of Grahabadha.
The plant is a potent drug for Vishama Jwara.
The leaves are mostly odd in number.
CLASSIFICATION OF SYNONYMS:
Here the synonyms have been mentioned Morphologically, Oraganoleptically and
therapeutically.
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Morphological Characters:
Leaves : Saptaparna, Ayugmaparna, Shalmalipatra, Suparna, Sthulapatra,
Chhataparna, Gandhiparna, Prithakapatra, Chhatri, shuktiparna
Flower : Guchchapushpaka, Guchchapushpa
Bark : Vishalachchada
Oraganoleptically evaluation:
Shabda : ----
Sparsha : Vishala Twaka, Vishamachchada, Sthulapatra,
Rupa : Suvarna, Shalmalipatra, Guchchapushpaka, Saptaparna,
Rasa : ----
Gandha : Madagandhi, Gandhiparni
Therapeutic indication:
Grahanashana, Shiroruka, Shiroruja,
Others:
Sharda, Sharadiya, Saptanga
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Table-10 GUNAKARMAS OF SAPTAPARNA IN NIGHANTUS

No. Rasapanchaka Dh.Ni. M.Ni. Kai.Ni. Bha.Ni. Raj.Ni. Sha.Ni.

Kashya + + +

1. Rasa
Tikta + +

Singdha + + +

Sara + + + + +
2. Guna
Surabhi +

Madagandhi + +

3. Veerya Ushna + + + +

4. Vipaka Katu*

Deepana + + + + +

5. Karma
Hridya + + + +

*Katu Vipaka of Saptaparna is not mentioned in the above Nighantus but Acharya
Priyavrat Sharma mentions it in his textbook on Dravyaguna.
PANCHBHUTIK CONSTITUTION:
Every drug has Panchabhautika properties (Ch.Su.26) And the panchabhautika
Samgathana of the drug can be detected on the basis of Rasapanchaka. After referring

all texts we concluded that the drug Saptaparna having these type Rasa-Panchaka and
Panchbhautika Constitution:

RASA-PANCHAKA PANCHBHUTIKA CONSTITUTION

Kashaya Vayu + Prithvi

Rasa Tikta Vayu + Aakash

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Snigdha Jala

Guna Sara Jala

Veerya Ushna Agni

Vipaka Katu Vayu + Agni

Table-11 THERAPEUTIC INDICATIONS OF SAPTAPARNA IN NIGHANTUS

No. Diseases Dh.Ni. M.Ni. Kai.Ni. Bha.Ni. Raj.Ni. Sha.Ni.
1. Krima + - + + + +
2. Shwasa - - + + - +
3. Kushtha + + + + - +
4. Gulma + - + + - +
5. Vrana - + + + + +
6. Raktamaya - - - - + -
7. Shoola + - - - - +
8. Raktarujapaha - - - - - +

In all the above Nighantus the therapeutic use of Saptaparna in Kushtha is

indicated. In Krimi and Vrana Saptaparna is also widely prescribed followed by
Gulma and Shwasa. Dhanvantari and Shaligram Nighantu have indicated its use in
Shula. Regarding the therapeutic action of Saptaparna on Rakta Dhatu Raja Nighantu
and Shaligram Nighantu have termed it Raktamaya and Raktarujapaha respectively.
ADHUNIKA KALA:
Nighantu Adarsh : (1928 A.D.)
The book is written by Bapalal Vaidhya. He has given compilatory description
with scientific approach regarding the drug Saptaparna. He has given Nirukti of some
important synonyms.
Dravya guna Vignan :
Two writers (1) P.V Sharma (2) Y. T. Acharya have written the book namely
Dravya Guna Vijnana. Both have described the drug in detail with Synonyms,
Vernacular names, Classification, Rasa Panchaka, and Utility of the drug. But P.V.
Sharma has given detailed drug action on different systems of the body.
Flora of British India:
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The book was written by J.D.Hooker. He has mentioned the morphological,

Pharmacological, Chemical and therapeutical description of A. sholaris R. Br.
Wealth of India:
In this book the morphological, Pharmacological, Chemical and
therapeutically description of A. sholaris R. Br. has been found.
Indian Materia medica:
Sanskrit & Vernacular names have been given in this book.
Indian Materia Medica (A.K. Nadkarni) :
Vernacular names, Uses etc had been given.
Indian medicinal plants:
In this book, which is written by Kirtikar & Basu. The Family, Genus
characters and morphology of the plant, vernacular names have been described
elaborately, along with its uses and therapeutic applications.
Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants:
In this book Chopra and Nayar have described properties and various uses of
the plant.
TAXONOMIC POSITION:
Kingdom – Plantae
Division – Phanerogam
Subdivision – Angiosperm
Class – Dicotyledon
Sub-Class – Gamopetalae
Group – Bicarpetatae
Natural Order – Gentianales
Family – Apocynaceae
Sub family – Plumieroideae
Genus – Alstonia
Species – Scholaris
VERNACULAR NAMES:
Indian :-
Gujarati - Saptaparna, Satvana
Hindi - Chatian, Saitankajhad, Satium, Satni, Satwin
Kanada - Hale, Maddale
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Konkani - Santon
Khond - Chotina
Kumaon - Chatiun
Assam - Chatian, Satiana
Bengal - Chatian, Chatwan, chhatim
Bombay – Satvin
Kolami - Bimudu, Chatin
Magahi - Chaile Chalain
Malay – Pulai
Malaya – Chhatnia
Malayalam - Daivapala, Elilampala, Kotapala, Mangalappala,
Mukkampala.
Marathi - Saptaparni, Satuin, Satvin, Satwin
Punjabi - Sathi, Satanna
Tamil - Elilappalaim, Maranallari, Mukkanbalai, Palai,
Vadirasi.
Nagori – Catianidaru
Telugu - Edakulapala, Edakulaponna, Edakularati,
Elaramu, Devasuppi, Palagaruda.
Oriya - Chhotina, Kumbaro, Soptorposi
FOREIGN :-
English - Ditabark, Devil Tree
Annam - Cay Sua
Burma - Lettok, Lettop, Toungmeok, Toungamayobeng
Cachar – Sattni
Cagayan – Andarayan
Combodia - Popeal he
French - Alstonie des ecoliers, Dita, Dito
Hasada – Catinidaru
Ilocano - Dalipaoen, Dallaparen, Laya
Lepcha – Purbho
Macassar - Gaboes, Poele, Poelepandak
Nepal – Chatiwan
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Philippines - Ditta, Oplay

Sinhalese – Rukattana
Tagalog – Dita
Tiawan – Pasnit
Tulu – Palembu
Visayan - Bita, Dita
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF APOCYNACEAE FAMILY:
This family has about 300 genera and 1300 species, of almost cosmopolitan
distribution but most abundant pantropically. Of these 46 genera and 203 species are
indigenous or naturalized in North America with only 9 genera and 33 species
indigenous to this country. The Apocynaceae are closely related to the Asclepiadaceae
and differ in the presence of a single style, the absence of a corona, the pollen grains
distinct or in translators connecting the content of adjoining anothersacs.
Vegetative Characters:
Habit - Trees, Shrubs, or herbs sap usually milky.
Leaves- Opposite and decussate, sometimes alternate or whorled simple,
entire, mostly estipulate.
Flowers - Bisexual, actinomorphic (some times weakly zygomorphic) solitary
or racemose to cymose, bracteate and bracteolate, typically pentamerous.
Calyx - 5 lobed (rarely 4 lobed) imbricated often glandular.
Corolla - Gamopetalous, contorted in bad usually salverform or funnelform
the tube often appendaged.
Stamens - As many as corolla lobes and alternate with them epipetalous,
distinct.
Anthers - 2 celled at anthesis, introse, often sagittate, free or adherent.
Ovary - Superior to subinferior, usually unilocular and unicarpellate with the
placentation parietal in each ovary. The ovales few to many anatropous or
compylotropous.
Style & Stigma - Style usually, the stigma or clavuncle massive and variable
in form.
Fruit - Fruit is a fallicle, capsule, berry or drupaceous.
Seed - Seeds are naked, compose or with a paper wing occasionally arillate,
endosperm straight, fleshy to firm fleshy.
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ALSTONIA R. Br. (APOCYNACEAE)

A genus of erect shrubs or trees, distributed from Africa to the Polynesian and
Pacific Island found mainly in the Indo- Malaysian region. About six species occur in
India. Some species yield a medicinal bark and a few yield a corkwood, gutta-percha
like resin, and a glutinous rubber like substance. Some are planted for its ornamental
and other for its scented flowers. The genus is rich in indole alkaloids of multifarious
skeletal patterns. The unique feature of the genus is that it can be divided into three
well- marked groups on the basis of the major alkaloid (or its structural skeleton)
present in the stem bark of various species. All the three groups occur in the Indian
species. (Wealth of India, Vol. - I, 1985)
1 ) Villalstonine Or Dimeric indole type : A. Villosa Blume, A. Macrophylla
Wall, A. Muelleriana Domin, etc
2) Echitamine type : A. Neriifolia D. Don, A. scholaris R. Br., etc
3) *Yohimbine or Yohimbinoid type : A. Constricta F.Muel, A. Venenata R.
Br., etc
* This group is so far restricted to two species only. The chief alkaloid of one group
does not occur in the other.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Distribution and Habitat:
Throughout India, upto an altitude of 600m in deciduous and evergreen forests and
also in plains. (Data base, Vol.-I)
Habit and general features:
Alstonia scholaris R. Br. is a very large evergreen tree, Sixty to eighty feet or
more in height.
A tall unbranched bole three feet or more in diameter
In most case prominently but stressed at base and the branches in three or
more tiers arranged in whorls.
Bark of trunk and older branches thick dark gray to grayish brown, somewhat
rough, uneven and much fissured.
Leticellate and abounding in bitter milky latex.
The branches profusely lenticellate with whorls of five to seven smooth
shining pinnately parallel coriaceous leaves.
Flowers numerous, small, greenish white in corymbose umbellate panicles and
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very strongly scented.

EXTERNAL MORPHOLOGY
Leaves: Simple, Short Petioled in whorls of four to seven ellipticoblong,
oblanceolate or oblong lanceolate 4'' to 8'' long 1'' to 2 ½” broad, base acute. Apex
obtuse rounded or obtusely acuminate or rarely emarginated, entire, coriaceous.
Upper surface bright green and shining, lower surface paler and with whitish bloom.
Midrib prominent with nearly sixty pairs of fine, slender, subdued, closely parallel,
transverse nerves connected distally to an intra marginal nerve. Petiole stout, less than
a quarter inch long with an intra petiolar stipule.
Flowers: Almost sessile or sub capitate, numerous, small 1/2'' long, greenish
white, pubescent, regular, bisexual, very strongly scented, arranged in nearly globose
composite corymbose umbellate cymes at the ends of the branches of erect terminal or
subterminal panicles 3'' to 5'' long. Peduncle 1'' to 3'' long often occurring in groups of
3 or 4. Calyx 1/10'' long, gamosepalous, pubescent, with a short tube and 5 glandular
oblong obtuse ciliate lobes which are imbricate in bud.
Corolla: silver shaped, 1/3'' to 1/2'' in diameter, five lobed, tube cylindric,
dilated opposite to the stamens and devoid of scales; throat - villous or hairy within;
lobes rounded twisted in bud.
Stamens: Five included within the tube near the upper end with very short
epipetalous filaments and ablong lanceolate acute anthers, which are cordate at the
base. Disc annular or two lobed, the lobes alternating with carpels.
Pistil: bicarpillary; ovaries diatinct, hirsute with a common filiform style
ending in an oblong or cylindric bifid stigma.
Ovules: Many seriate in each carpel.
Fruit: A pair of pendulous, linear, very narrow, terete, follicular mericarps, 1
to 2 feet long and about 1/8'' thick.
Seeds: Many, 1/3'' long, peltately attached, linear, oblong, flattened, slightly
grooved, some what rough and with tufts of very fine silky brownish hairs at each
end.
Testa: Thin, rough and generally papillose, albumin scanty, cotyledons -
oblong, radicle superior.
Bark: Patches of lichens that give a mottled effect to the entire bark very
often mask dark slate gray to grayish brown but this basic colour. The external surface
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is uneven and rough due to formation of vertical fissures of varying lengths,

prominent transverse lenticles bordered by a cream coloured spongy tissue and partial
exfoliation of the outer rind in flakes of different size and thickness.
The thickness of the entire bark varies from 1/4'' to 1/2'' or more,
according to the age and size of the branch or trunk. In the fresh condition its inner
surface is cream white but the colour gradually turns pale brown on exposure. The
outer bark or rind is 1/10'' to about 1/4'' in thickness slightly hard and brittle and can
be easily separated or peeled off in thick flakes, exposing smooth cream yellow
patches. It is devoid of any speial taste or smell.
In transverse sections the rind has light cream yellow color and is
faintly lamellate. The officinal tissue is fairly thick and can be differentiated into a
narrow cream white to light yellowish brown region nearest the rind, a very broad,
intermediate gritty region speckled with numerous light brown spots or smell patches
and a whitish leathery inner region from which exudes plenty of latex when cut.
Flowering: November - January (Sharad Ritu).
Fruiting: May – July.

ALKALOIDS OF Alstonia scholaris R. Br.

Alkaloids Mol formula Plant
part
Echitamine group
*Echitamine1, 2 C22H28N2O4Cl *stembark
(as chloride) *rootbark
N6-Demethylechita-mine C21H25N2O4 stembark rootbark
(+) Scholarine [(+)-12 methonyechitamidine] Leaves
(-) Scholarine [(-)-12 methonyechitamidine] Leaves
(+) Scholarine [(-)-12 methonyechitamidine] Leaves
Akuammicine group
Akuammicine C20H22N2O2 Rootbark
-N6-oxide Rootbark
-N6-methiodide Rootbark
Echitamidine C20H22N2O22 Stembark Rootbark
Tubotaiwine C20H24N2O2 Stembark
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Akuammigine group
*Pseudo akuammigine3 C22H26N2O2 *Leaves Rootbark
*Picrininc4,5 C20H22N2O3 Stembark *Leaves
*Picralinal6 C21H22N2O4 *Leaves
*Stricatamine5 C20H22N2O3 *Flower
Akuammidine type
*Akuammidine7 (rhazine) C21H24N2O3 *Stembark *Fruits
Yohimbinoid type
*Tetrahydroaslsto mine5 C21H24N2O3 *Flowers
New type (Indole)
Nareline8 C20H20N2o4 Leaves
Ill defined and uncharacterized
Ditamine9 C16H19NO2 Stembark
Echitenine9 C20H27NO4 Stembark
an indole alkaloid5- Flowers
References:
1-Siddappa, J Mysore Univ., 1945.5, 59;
2-Talapatra and Talapatra J. Indian Chem. Soc. 1967.
3-Banerji and Banerji, Indian J. Chem, 1977, 15B, 390;
4-Chaterjee et al, Tetrahedron Lett, 1965, 3633;
5-Dutta et al. Planta med, 1976,30 86;
6-Rastogi et al Experientia, 1970, 265 1065;
7-Chaterjee et al, J Indian Chem
8-Morota et al. Helv chil ecta, 1977,60,1419,
9-Henry 720.
*Denotes the alkaloids and parts of Indian plants from which they are isolated.
+Unless otherwise stated the solvent is chloroform.
(Data base, Vol.-I).
PROPAGATION AND CULTIVATION:
It is easily propagated through seeds and prefers fairly moist conditions. (Data base,
Vol.-I)
The tree is often fluted and buttressed and is found in a variety of climate of
India, such as the drier and sub-alpine, as well as in deciduous and evergreen forests
 Drug Review

in the tropical region of western Himalaya, through the sub-Himalayan tract, in

eastern India, on the West Cost and in other moist part and in the Andaman. It is
found where the rainfall is about 125 cm, preferring fairly moist regions. The tree is
abundant or gregarious. The tree is planted in gardens for ornament and
oftencultivated as an avenue tree. It is easily raised through seeds. (Wealth of India,
Vol.-I,
1985)
These subtropical to tropical trees are largely frost-tender and should be grown
in a mild, moist climate with humid, well-drained soil. They will grow in sun or part
shade. Propagate by cutting or from seed, which should be shown immediately after
ripping. (Konemann, Botania- 2004)
PART USED:
Bark, leaf, latex (Data base, Vol.-I)
DOSES:
Bark powder: 4 to 8 gm
Decoction: 20 t0 3 0 gm drug. (Data base, Vol.-I)
PHYSICAL CONTENTS:
Foreign matter – not more than 2%,
Total Ash - not more than 11%,
Acid insoluble ash - not more than 3%,
Water soluble extractive - not less than 12 %
Alchohol soluble extractive - not less than 4% (Data base, Vol.-I)
SUBSTITUTE AND ADULTERANT:
Trachelospermum fragrans Hook. f. (Apocyneceae) H.
Trachelospermum lucidom (Don) Schum. syn.
Tall woody climbing shrub, leaves elliptic and pointed, flowers white and fragrant.
Distr. Tropical and sub tropical Himalayan tract, Arunachala Pradesh, Assam and
Meghalaya.
[Remarks :- It is medicinal plant which used as a substitute for Dita bark, (Alstonia
scholaris R. Br.) Polunin & stainton, Kirtika & Basu-II, 1589]
TRADE AND COMMERCE:
Retail market price – Bark Rs. 50 to 60 per kg (2007)
The timber is mostly used for packing cases, writing board, lamin boards, mild
 Drug Review

furniture, scabbards, coffins, etc. It is also employed for various plywood. The wood
is suitable for match-spits and inferior quality pencils. In Pakistan, it has been used to
prepare high and medium quality paper. The young wood is recommended for making
wood charcoal which is used for preparing gun powder. (Wealth of India, Vol.-I,
1985)
DISEASES AFFECTING THIS TREE
Diseases caused by collectotrichum glocosporioides (Penz) Sacc. Sordaria
humana (Fuckel) wint, and other fungi have been reported on this tree.
Parasites:The angiospermic parasite, dendrophthoe falcata has also been recorded.
Pauropsylla tuberculata Crawford causes hard, barrel- shaped, semi woody galls on
the leaves. The larvae of several insects, 'Caprinia Conchylalis Guenee, Glyphodes
bicolor swains etc. defoliate the tree.
THERAPEUTIC INDICATIONS
According to various research papers, journals & Modern books etc.
therapeutic uses of the different parts of Saptaparna are briefly summarized here as
follows,
Leaves:
Decoction used in beriberi in eastern Malaysia. (Wealth of India I-A)
In congestion of liver decoction is used. (Wealth of India I-A)
Bruised leaves boiled in oil given internally in dropsy. (The treatise on Indian
medicinal plants.)
Juice mixed with that of ginger prescribed after confinement. (The treatise on
Indian medicinal plants.)
The tender leaves roasted and pulverized and made into poultices, act as a
useful local stimulant to unhealthy ulcers with foul discharges. (Indian
medicinal plants.)
The tender leaves in the form of poultice are good for ulcers with foul
discharge. The decoction of leaves is reported to be given in beri beri and used
again liver congestion. (Data base, Vol.-I)
Bark:
It is reputed to be valuable remedy in chronic diarrhea and in advanced stages
of dysentery. (Indian Pharmaceutical Codex)
The drug seems to produce good effect in cases where the catarrhal condition
 Drug Review

of the mucous membranes of the intestine has lasted for sometime. (Indian
Pharmaceutical Codex)
In cases of malaria it causes the temperature to fall steadily to normal in a
short time. (Indian Pharmaceutical Codex)
The mundas of Chota Nagpur use the bark as remedy in stomachache.
The bark is ground with water. The water is strained off and drunk. (Indian
medicinal plants.)
In Konkan the bark is given in leprosy, an extract being prepared from the
fresh bark and given with milk. (Indian medicinal plants.)
The bark is bitter, astringent, acrid, thermogenic, digestive, laxative,
anthelmintic, antipyretic, febrifuge, stomachic, cardiotonic and tonic. It is used
in a malarial fever, abdominal disorders, diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia,
leprosy, skin disease, asthma, bronchitis, chronic and foul ulcers, cardiopathy
and disabilities. (Data base, Vol.-I)
It is prescribed in chronic paludism with enlargement of the spleen.
It is said to be useful in cancer like conditions.
Latex:
Milky juice is applied in rheumatic pains, sores, toothache, tumours and
ulcers. (The treatise on Indian medicinal plants.)
Mixed with oil used as eardrop. (The treatise on Indian medicinal plants.)
The latex is applied to ulcers, sores, tumors, rheumatic pain, an itching and in
earache. (Data base, Vol.-I)
Wood:
Paste with water applied in rheumatism and wounds. (The treatise on Indian
medicinal plants.)
Root:
The root is given in enlarged liver with pain. (Wealth of India I-A)
Fruit:
The ripe fruits are used in syphilis, insanity and epilepsy. (Wealth of India I-A)
GENERAL PHARMACOLOGY
The 50 percent ethanolic extract of the stem bark in a preliminary biological
screening revealed effect on CVS in dog/cat and anticancer activity against
HIS human sarcoma in the embryonated egg. The extract was devoid of
 Drug Review

antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, anthelminitic, antivitral,

antispirochaetal and hypoglycaemic activities and effects on respiration and
CNS in experimental animals. The MTD of the extract was 1000 mg./kg. bw
i.p. in mice (Dhar et al. 1968).
The 50 percent ethanoloc extract of the leaves was devoid of antibacterial,
antifungal, antiprotozoal, antiviral, diuretic and antifertility activities and
effects on isolated guinea pig ileum, rat uterus, respiration, pre-ganglionically
stimulated nictitating membrane. CVS and CNS in experimental animals. The
LD50 of the extract was found to be >1000mg./kg. i.p. in mice (Aswal et al.
1996).
Antileishmanial:
At a dose of 1 g./kg/day for 5 days orally, the crude alcoholic extract of the
stem bark revealed 67.35 percent inhibition of multiplication of Leishmania
donovani in golden hamsters on day 7 and 83.30 percent inhibition on day 28
with an increased survival period. The ED50 of the extract was found to be
590 mg./kg. The survival of the treated animals was more as compared to the
untreated controls (Singha et al. 1992).
Antimicrobial
The alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the bark were devoid of antibacterial
activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (George et al.
1947).
The 80 percent ethanol extract of the root bark revealed antibacterial activity
against cultures of Escherichia coli. Pseudomonas aerugionosa, Bacillus
subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus at a concentration of 25mg./ml. using the
agar diffusion method. However, A. venenata revealed activity only against
Bacillus subtilis at the same concentration (Valsaraj etal. 1997).
The fractions containing alkanes, alkanols, sterol, as also steryl acetate,
sitosteryl acetate and stigmasteryl acetate isolated from the leaf extract were
found to have antibacterial activity against some gram negative and grampositive
bacteria in-vitro. Alkanol fraction was inactive, Sterol fraction was
the most active one, exhibiting activity against both Staphylococcus aureus
and Escherichia coli (Goyal and Varshney, 1995).
Anthelminitic:
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The alcoholic extract of the rhizome revealed in vitro anthelminitic activity

against human Ascaris lumbricoides (Kaleysa Raj, 1975).
Antiviral:
The stem bark extract inhibited the potato virus X (Singh and Singh, 1972).
PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES:
Hypotensive, anti cancer, anti microbial, anti malarial, CNS depressant, Strictamine
showed monoamine oxidase inhibitory as well as anti depressive activities. (Data
base, Vol.-I).
PHARMACOLOGICAL AND BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Antimalarial:
Echitamine chloride obtained from the bark show antimalarial activity in a
rodent test system infected with Plasmodium berghei at both 320 ug and 1.6
mg/kg levels (Goyal et al. 1981, Vasant et al. 1990) while it did not affect the
coagulation activity of blood in an in-vitro study at various doses of 100, 50
and 25ug. (Gopal and Purushothaman 1984).
However the petroleum ether and methanol extracts of the bark from samples
procured from Jammu and Kolkata at an oral dose equivalent to 42 grms. /kg.
Crude bark was found to be devoid of anti-malarial activity in mice infected
with Plasmodium berghei.
A dose dependant improvement of conditions and delayed mortality amongst
animals receiving methanol extract of the plant was seen (Gandhi and
Vinayak, 1990).
Anti-tumour:
Echitamine chloride from the bark showed 80 and 53 percent regression of
tumours in methylchloanthrene induced fibrosarcoma in Wistar strain of rats
when given subcutaneously in doses of 7.5 mg. and 5mg./kg. respectively. It
was also reported to be active against P388 lymphocytic leukaemia at 16
mg./kg. bw. The compound did not show any severe toxicity at 4 mg./kg. bw
dose level after six weeks of feeding. The ED50 of echitamine chloride for
fibrosarcoma was found to be 2.2mg./kg. bw in rats (Krishnaswamy and
Purushothaman. 1983; Krishnaswamy et al.1985).
Further in chronic toxicity studies, echitamine chloride did not show any
microscopical change in 6 months after the administration of the drugat 3 and
 Drug Review

4 mg./kg. bw in rats (Krishnaswamy et al. 1991).

In another study, echitamine chloride from the bark dissolved in saline (10
mg./kg.bw) and injected subcutaneoulsy for 20 days in methylcholanthrene
induced fibrosarcoma rats exhibited significant regression in tumour growths.
The altered activities of plasma and liver transaminases and γ- glutamyl
transpeptidase and lipid peroxidation in fibrosarcoma were corrected to near
normal after echitamine chloride treatment. The decreased liver glutathione
content and the lowered activities of glutathione peroxidase. Superoxide
dismutase and catalase reversed to near normal (Kamarajan et al.1991).
The effect of echitamine chloride on the microsomal drug detoxifying system
was studied in sarcoma-180 induced mice when given subcutaneously at a
dosage of 5 mg./kg. bw. It was able to alter the impaired drug detoxifying
system in sarcoma-180 bearing mice. The levels of various metabolizing
enzymes which were decreased in sarcoma-180 bearing mice were brought to
near normal levels by echitamine chloride. The mechanism of action was
studied (Saraswathi et al 1999).
Further the echitamine chloride affected both cellular and mitochondrial
respiration, leading to reduction of the cellular energy pool and thereby
resulting in the loss of viability of sarcoma-180 cells (Saraswathi et al.,
1998b).
Antifertility:
The ethanolic extract of the leaves at a dose of 100 mg./kg./day/ animal for 21
days showed antifertility activity in male albino rats. The extract did not
interfere with spermatogenesis but females mated with males treated with the
extract showed significant luteolytic and anti-implantation effect (Choudhary
et al. 1991).
Short term feeding experiments in immature laboratory mice with the bark in
dried and pulverized forms (200g/10 mice for one month) exhibited significant
(p<0.05) growth in mammary glands (both area and duct junction) measured
on whole mount preparation compared to respective controls suggesting
mammogenic effect of the plant (Bhattacharya and Biswas, 1991).
CNS Activity:
The psychopharmacological action of picrinine, the major alkaloid of the
 Drug Review

flowers produced moderate to marked sedation in albino mice. It potentiated

hexobarbitone narcosis, morphine analgesia and anticonvulsant action of
diphenylhydantion in albino rats. It showed antagonism to amphetaminetoxicity
and metrazol - convulsion in rats. It inhibited both the conditioned
(buzzer) as well as unconditioned response (electroshock) in trained rats
(Dutta et al 1976).
Strictamine, the other indole alkaloid isolated from the flowers showed
monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity both in-vivo and in-vitro tests. The
alkaloid is considered to be the biogenetic precursor of picrinine. However,
unlike picrinine, which was reported to be a CNS depressant, strictamine
exhibited antidepressant activity (Bhattacharya et al. 1979).
CLINICAL STUDIES
Antifilarial:
Scholaris bark is one of the constituents of an Ayurvedic drug 'Ayush 64'
(other constitutents being Swetia chirayita (whole plant). Picrorhiza kurrooa
(rhizome) and Caesalpinia bonducella (seeds) which has been reported to have
antfilarial (Venkataraghavan et al., 1980 ; Prem Kishore and Chaturvedi,
1986) and antimalarial (Sharma et al., 1981) activities in clinical trials.
In a subacute toxicity study, it did not produce any toxic effects
haematologically, biochemically and histologically at a dose of 500 mg/kg for
30 days in rats (Seshadri et al., 1981).
In a later study A. Scholaris (saptaparnaghana vati) appeared to have better
response compared to Ayush 64 in a clinical trial involving 7 and 21 cases,
respectively of microfilaraemia (Pandey and Kishore, 1991).
ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDIES:
The parts of Saptaparna are used in
Intermittent fever, skin disease, dyspnoea, ulcer and cough (Srivastava et al.,
1986).
Anti tuberculosis (Bark) (Tiwari et al. 1979)
In stomachache (Ghosh and Sensarma. 1997).
Antidiarrhoeal and antidysenteric (Ahulwalia, 1986: Sharma et al. 1979;
Ahmad and Siddiqui. 1985); Das and Kant. 1988; Jha et al., 1989; Tewari et
al. 1990: Siddiqui and Husain, 1991; Kumar, 1992).
 Drug Review

Galactagogue (Borthakur, 1993; Girach and Aminudddin 1995).

Anti-inflammatory and for rheumatic pains (Hemadri and Rao,1989;
Mohapatra, 1991).
Astringent, anthelmintic, antiperiodic, in leprosy, dyspepsia (Choudhury et al.
1993).
Post delivery complaints (Chandra and Pandey, 1985; Chandra et al. 1985).
Antispasmodic (Chandra et al. 1987);
Anti asthmatic (John, 1984; Tiwari and Majumder, 1996);
Pneumonial and malarial fever, leucoderma (Sharma et al 1979; Maheshwari
et al. 1980; Ahmad and Siddiqui, 1985; Singh and Prakash, 1994).
Applied for massage (Singh and Dhar, 1993).
Wounds healing properties (Sen and Pradhan, 1999).
The latex finds use in spermatorrhoea (Saxena et al 1988).
Post partum abdominal pains (latex) (Singh andKrishna. 1983).
Both stem and root bark is used for leucorrhoea (Bhandary et al. 1995).