English: Sago palm, fern palm, Pitogo
Sanskrit: Hintalah
Hindi: Jangli madan must ka phul
Tamil: Madana kama raja
Malayalam: Eenthu- ഈന്ത്
Queen Sago is an endemic tree of Western ghat area, it is a single trunk tree resembles with palm trees, the trunk grows up to 7 m height and trunk 12 to 27 cm in diameter, trunk covered with a corky bark. The leaves are arranged pinnate, grow up to 8 ft long, bright green colour or, glossy and smooth, long and bears up to 110 flat leaflets, arranged opposite and in a rosette manner. The male plants bear a yellowish-brown cone, which are ovate to conical in shape measure up to 48 cm. long, the female carry ovules and seeds on large sporophylls. The seeds are small, up to 39 mm. long with a light green color, when ripe it turns yellow fleshy covering with a pleasant fragrant smell, which is poisonous to livestock.
We can calculate the age of a plant by counting its ring on the stem as one per year. In South Kerala especially in Malabar and Idukki district, the fruits are consumed after a processing method, The tribals cast named ‘Mannan’ people of Idukki district will collect the young fruits and cut to small pieces and allowed to boiled in water and repeat this process two or three times, till its poison removed and consumed As food, it is said to be good for health.
Cut the ripe fruits into two pieces and allowed to dry in sunlight, then the inner part (White and thick seed) will come out from the shell. After removing the hard shell, again allowed to dry well to be preserved for a long period. Afterward it will keep in plenty of water for one day, and the next day the water will remove and pour fresh water, this process will continue till the foam end ( five to seven days).
Useful plant parts:
Leaf, Fruits, seed
Medicinal uses:
Cycas circinalis Linn., commonly known as Queen Sago Palm or Pindrow Palm, is a plant that has been used in traditional medicine, including Ayurveda. Here are some of the Ayurvedic uses associated with Cycas circinalis:
1. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Cycas circinalis is believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties. It may be used to alleviate inflammation-related conditions and discomfort.
2. Rheumatism and Arthritis: In Ayurvedic medicine, this plant may be used to address conditions like rheumatism and arthritis. It is believed to have properties that can help reduce joint pain and inflammation.
3. Digestive Disorders: Some traditional practices suggest that Cycas circinalis may be used to address digestive issues. It is believed to help improve digestion and alleviate stomach discomfort.
4. Respiratory Disorders: The plant may be used in Ayurvedic remedies for respiratory conditions. It is believed to have properties that can help alleviate symptoms associated with coughs, colds, and respiratory infections.
5. Wound Healing: Cycas circinalis may be used topically in traditional medicine to promote wound healing. It is applied externally on wounds to aid in the recovery process.
6. Anti-parasitic Properties: Some traditional uses of this plant involve its potential as an anti-parasitic agent. It may be used in remedies to combat parasitic infections.
7. Nervine Tonic: It is believed that Cycas circinalis may have properties that act as a nervine tonic. It may be used to support the nervous system and promote overall mental well-being.
8. Anti-convulsant Properties: In some traditional practices, this plant is believed to have anti-convulsant properties, which may be beneficial for individuals with certain types of seizures.
9. Neurological Disorders: Cycas circinalis may be used in traditional medicine for certain neurological disorders. It is believed to have properties that can support brain function.
10. Anti-cancer Properties: Some research suggests that certain compounds found in Cycas circinalis may have potential anti-cancer properties. However, more scientific studies are needed to confirm this.
11. Hair Health: In certain traditional practices, Cycas circinalis is used for its potential benefits for hair health. It may be included in formulations aimed at promoting hair growth and maintaining healthy hair.
It’s important to note that while Cycas circinalis has been used in traditional medicine, scientific studies on its efficacy and safety are limited. As with any herbal remedy, it should be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. Specific dosages, formulations, and methods of preparation may vary based on individual circumstances and the expertise of the practitioner. Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy.
Chemical contents:
Bi-flavonoids, Tetra-hydro-isoginkgetin, neurotoxins.
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