Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information
Uses | Formulas or Dosages | Warning | Resource Links
Scientific Names
- Alstonia scholaris
- Alstonia boonei
- Alstonia macrophylla
- Alstonia angustifolia
Common Names
- Devil Tree
- Blackboard Tree
- Milkwood Pine
- Dita Bark
- Bitter Bark
- White Cheesewood
- Indian Pulai
- Pattern Wood
- Stool Wood
Parts Usually Used
The bark, leaves, latex, and stems. The thick bark from mature trees is most commonly used medicinally.
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
A tall forest tree reaching 25-40m in height with a trunk diameter up to 1m. Has high, narrow, deep-fluted buttresses. The bark is pale brown to buff colored, smooth to scaly, with large horizontal lenticels, peeling in rectangular flakes. Inner bark is cream to yellow with copious white latex. Leaves are glossy dark green above, paler grey-green below, arranged in whorls of 4-8 leaflets. Flowers are yellowish-white, borne in terminal clusters. Fruits are pendulous paired follicles up to 16cm long containing seeds with silky brown floss for wind dispersal.
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Where Found
Native to tropical Asia including India, Southern China, Indochina, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and tropical Australia. Found in primary rainforest, secondary rainforest, and monsoon forest habitats. Prefers tropical and subtropical climate zones.
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Medicinal Properties
Alstonia has demonstrated antimalarial, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antitumor, anti-diabetic, analgesic, antipyretic, and antiparasitic properties. The plant shows particular promise against COVID-19 in recent studies.
Studies indicate potential therapeutic applications for cancer, autoimmune diseases, respiratory conditions, cardiovascular disorders, infectious diseases, and inflammatory conditions. The plant’s compounds have shown activity against drug-resistant pathogens and tumors.
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Biochemical Information
Contains over 400 bioactive compounds including alkaloids (particularly monoterpenoid indole alkaloids), triterpenes, flavonoids, iridoids, phenolic compounds, and essential oils. Key compounds include artemisinin, echitamine, alstonine, scholaricine, and various alkaloids with proven medicinal properties.
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Uses
Traditional and modern uses include:
- Treatment of malaria and fever
- Management of respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis
- Anti-inflammatory applications for arthritis and rheumatism
- Treatment of skin conditions and wounds
- Relief of gastrointestinal disorders
- Management of diabetes
- Treatment of parasitic infections
- Support of immune system function
- Antidote for snake, rat and scorpion poison
- Promoting lactation in nursing mothers
Formulas or Dosages
Traditional Chinese medicine recommends 4.5-9g of dried herb prepared as an infusion daily. For malaria treatment, artemisinin-based combination therapies are recommended by WHO.
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Warning
Side effects may include:
- Dizziness
- Hearing problems
- Not recommended for those with ulcers or stomach disorders
- Should be used cautiously during pregnancy due to potential embryotoxicity at high doses
- May interact with certain medications
- High doses through injection can be toxic
Resource Links
Discover Plant-Based Solutions for Combating Malaria Naturally
Singaproe Government Parks – Alstonia scholaris (L.)
Global Core Biodata Resource – Alstonia scholaris (L.)
