Shleshmataka: A Potential Plant for its Folklore and Therapeutic Uses

Abstract

Shleshmatak (Cordia dichotoma Forst.) is a well-known yet one of the lesser explored medicinal plants in Ayurveda mentioned in the group of Vishgna dravyas (Ch.) and Phalavarga (Su.) in various Ayurvedic Samhitas and literature. Mother nature has been generous enough to grant mankind with various medicinal plants and herbs which are commonly used in Ayurveda to cure innumerable ailments. A medicinal plant is used with the intention of sustaining health both in modern medicine as well as in traditional medicine. Currently, millions of people in the developing world depend on traditional medicinal plants for its primary healthcare. Various parts of the plant like barks, seeds, fruit etc. have led to awareness of medicinal plants usage for treating numerous illnesses. Cordia dichotoma , commonly known as Lasoda ,a very valuable plant has a lot of vernacular names like Shelu, Uddalaka, Gandhpushpa, Bhonkar, ,Challangai, Sapistan Fragrant Manjack etc. It has been employed in the folklore medicines in India and also all over the world. Lot of researches has been done on this plant till date like Anti-ulcer activity, Antidiabetic, Wound healing, Contraceptive effect, Hepato-protective, Lipid Lowering, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory and Anthelmintic activity. This article is going to provide brief information about history, botanical description, phyto-chemical constituents, folklore and medicinal uses of Cordia dichtoma which will certainly help to gain a more thoughtful understanding into this plant.