Kadam (Anthocephalus Cadamba)

October 28th, 2007

Botanical Name : Anthocephalus cadamba (Roxb.) Miq.

Common Name : Kadam, Kadamb (Hindi), Vellaikadambu (Tamil), Kadamba (Sanskrit)
Distribution :Throughout the Western ghats
Habitat: India, Nepal, Bangadesh,Sreelanka

Description:
Neolamarckia cadamba, commonly called Kadam is an evergreen, tropical tree native to South and Southeast Asia. The genus name “Lamarckia” is derived from the name of French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck.

The Kadam tree grows up to 45 m high. The trunk has a diameter of 100-160 cm, but typically less than that. Leaves are 13-32 cm long. Flowering usually begins when the tree is 4-5 years old. Kadam flowers are red to orange, occurring in dense, globe-like heads of approximately 55 cm. The fruit of N. cadamba occur in small, fleshy capsules packed closely together to form a fleshy yellow-orange infructescence containing approximately 8000 seeds. On maturing, the fruit splits apart, releasing the seeds, which are then dispersed by wind or rain.

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Kadam is a moderated sized graceful deciduous tree, grown as an ornamental. In Chhattisgarh, Kadam occurs as natural tree in dense forests. It is common belief among the natives that plantation of this tree near to lakes and ponds, brings happiness and prosperity in their life. Kadam is present in almost all villages of Chhattisgarh. It is one of essential features of any typical village. Now as the urbanization is increasing and flat culture is establishing deep roots in society, the place for Kadam is decreasing. The young generation, unaware of its importance, is not planting it nearer to home and public parks. The Chhattisgarh forest officials are also not promoting commercial plantation of Kadam. As result, its natural populations is decreasing and in near future, one can see it only in old pictures. This is really surprising that the natives and traditional healers do not have much knowledge about medicinal properties and uses of Kadam. During my ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have noted that the natives and healers are aware of its presence but not using it as medicine. I have noted very little information on medicinal uses of Kadam in Chhattisgarh. In present article, I am describing these uses. At first, I am describing botany and reported medicinal uses of Kadam. According to reference literatures , Kadam (Anthocephalus cadamba syn. A. chinensis syn. Cephalanthus chinensis syn. Nauclea cadamba) deciduous tree having height upto 10 meters. Leaves 12-25x 5-10 cm ovate or elliptic oblong, coriaceous, acute, pubescent beneath, sub cordate at base, stipules caduceus, lanceolate. Inflorescence as solitary terminal head. Flowers small, pentamerous, orange united by the confluent calyx tube. Calyx segments oblanceolate. Corolla funnel shaped, stamens 5, Ovary four celled above 2-celled below, stigma white. Pseudocarp large, fleshy, Seeds minute and angular, Flowering time May-July. Fruiting persisting till next year. As medicine, bark, sprouts and fruits are used most frequently. According to Ayurveda, bark is pungent, bitter, sweet, acrid, saline, aphrodisiac, cooling, indigestible, galactagogue, astringent to bowels, vulnerary, alexiteric and useful in treatment of uterine complaints, blood diseases, strangury, biliousness, burning sensation. Fruits are aphrodisiac and heating whereas sprouts are acrid, stomachic and cures leprosy and dysentery.

The Kadam tree is popularly associated with Lord Krishna, who is usually depicted playing his flute under it. Many of Lord Krishnaâ€™s â€˜Leelasâ€™ (His pranks) are said to have taken place under a Kadam tree.

In the southern part of India, the Kadam tree is associated with Goddess Parvati, who is believed to dwell in a Kadam forest (Kadamba-vana-vasini). The tree is hence referred to as â€˜Parvatiâ€™s treeâ€™ here. The worship of the tree is supposed to ensure wealth and progeny. The flower is also sacred to Lord Kartikeya. The twigs of the tree are offered to Lord Shiva.

The tree is also sacred to the Jains. Bhagwan Vasupujay, the 12th Jain Tirthankara is associated with the tree.

Medicinal Uses:
The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the Kadam bark in treatment of hoarseness of throat. After mixing the bark in cold water, honey and cumin (Zeera), it is given to the patients internally. It is considered as one of the promising remedies. The natives of Chhattisgarh, dip the bark in water used for bath. According to them this herbal bath makes the skin soft and free from all infections. The traditional healers of Bastar region use Kadam bark in treatment of eye diseases. The bark is collected and with the help of lemon juice, aqueous paste is prepared. This paste is applied externally on eyes, in order to reduce pain and inflammation. The healers of North Chhattisgarh use the decoction of Kadam bark in form of gargle to cure the gum related troubles. It is also used in case of stomatitis. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains prefer the decoction of leaves in place of bark for same purpose.

The fruit juice is given to children to treat gastric irritability. A decoction of the leaves is good for ulcers and wounds. The fruits are edible. The timber is used for making pulp and paper, boxes, crates and furniture. The wood is also used as fuel.

Click for TRADITIONAL ALLELOPATHIC KNOWLEDGE on Kadam (Anthocephalus cadamba).

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://botanical.com/site/column_poudhia/159_kadam.html
http://www.ecoheritage.cpreec.org/04_01_Sacred%20trees/kadamb.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neolamarckia_cadamba