"The slow-growing, evergreen Nagkeshar (Mesua ferrea) tree is well-known for its medicinally beneficial blooms and stamens. It is sometimes referred to as Ceylon Ironwood or Indian Rose Chestnut. It is commonly found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. In traditional Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine, Nagkeshar has been used to treat bleeding disorders, inflammation, digestive problems, and skin diseases. The tree's dense, durable wood and aromatic flowers also make it significant in cultural and religious rituals.
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Scientific Names
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms
- Class: Eudicots
- Order: Malpighiales
- Family: Calophyllaceae
- Genus: Mesua
- Species: Mesua ferrea
Common Names
- English: Ceylon Ironwood, Indian Rose Chestnut
- Sanskrit: Nāgakeshara, Nāgapuspa
- Hindi: Nāgkesar
- Marathi: Nāgkesar
- Tamil: Nagalingam
- Malayalam: Nākappū
- Telugu: Nāgakesaramu
- Bengali: Nāgkesar
Traditional and Medicinal Uses
- Hemostatic Activity - Used to stop bleeding in conditions like piles, excessive menstruation, and nosebleeds (epistaxis).
- Anti-inflammatory and Wound Healing - Acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, reducing swelling, promoting tissue repair, and aiding wound healing.
- Digestive and Metabolic Support - Because of its deepana (appetizer) and pachana (digestive) qualities, it is helpful in treating diarrhea, dysentery, and controlling metabolism.
- Skin and Hair Health - Traditionally used to manage skin allergies, acne, and promote hair growth.
- Antioxidant and Anti-microbial - Exhibits antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, protecting against microbial infections and oxidative stress.
References
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Volume III, Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH.
Kirtikar, K.R., & Basu, B.D. (2001). Indian Medicinal Plants, Vol. II, 2nd Edition. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehradun, India.
Pandey, G., & Chandra, P. (2014). Herbal Biomedicine and Traditional Healing Systems, New Delhi: Springer.
Sharma, P.C., Yelne, M.B., & Dennis, T.J. (2001). Database on Medicinal Plants Used in Ayurveda, Vol. 5. Central Council for Research in Ayurveda & Siddha, Department of ISM&H, Govt. of India.
Jain, S.K. (1991). Dictionary of Indian Folk Medicine and Ethnobotany, Deep Publications, New Delhi.
Mukhija, M., & Sharma, V. (2010). “Pharmacognostical and phytochemical investigation of Mesua ferrea Linn.” International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research, 2(1), 10-14.
Joshi, A., & Bhatia, R. (2015). "A Review on Mesua ferrea Linn.: A medicinal plant with diverse pharmacological potential." International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research, 30(1), 70-75.
European Pharmacopoeia, 10th Edition, Council of Europe.
Nadkarni, K.M. (1976). Indian Materia Medica, Vol. 1, Bombay Popular Prakashan.
Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.
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