Gandhpuro oil ( Gaultheria fragrantissima )

Gandhapura oil, derived from the leaves of Gaultheria fragrantissima, is a natural essential oil traditionally used for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. Known for its characteristic methyl salicylate content, the oil is highly effective in treating muscular pain, joint stiffness, rheumatism, and headaches.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Gaultheria
Species: Gaultheria fragrantissima

Common Names

English: Wintergreen Oil, Sweet Birch Oil
Sanskrit: Gandhapura Taila
Hindi: Gandhapura Ka Tel
Tamil: Gandhapura Ennai
Telugu: Gandhapura Tailam
Bengali: Gandhapur Tel
Marathi: Gandhapur Tel

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

Musculoskeletal Pain Relief - Used topically to relieve arthritis, joint pain, muscle cramps, and backaches.

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Use - Contains methyl salicylate, which mimics the effects of aspirin to reduce inflammation and pain.

Skin Care and Antiseptic Use - Used in treating minor wounds, insect bites, and skin infections due to its antiseptic nature.

Respiratory Aid - In vapor form, it helps relieve nasal congestion and sinusitis.

Dental Applications - Incorporated into mouthwashes and toothpastes for its antimicrobial and flavoring properties.

Gandhapura oil’s primary bioactive compounds include:

Methyl Salicylate (90–98%) – Major compound responsible for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity.
Gaultherin - Methyl salicylate is produced by hydrolyzing a glycoside.
Eugenol – Minor constituent with antiseptic properties.
Linalool & Cineole - Provide mild antimicrobial and aromatic qualities.

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part 1, Volume II, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India.

Indian Materia Medica – Nadkarni, K.M. (1954). Popular Prakashan, Mumbai.

Khare, C.P. (2007). Indian Medicinal Plants – An Illustrated Dictionary. Springer.

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 4136, Methyl Salicylate.

Tiwari, R. et al. (2010). “Pharmacological Aspects of Gaultheria fragrantissima.” Pharmacognosy Reviews, 4(8), 187–190.

European Pharmacopoeia, 10th Edition.

Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.

Gandhpuro oil ( Gaultheria fragrantissima )

Scientific Classification

Common Names

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

References

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