Categories
Herbs & Plants

Betula Alnoides

[amazon_link asins=’B014K4128A,B008D4FF3W,1517901324,B009R298HS,B01F0228KW,1332154425,B004OW8MPA,B00HGULB6Y’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’37806c92-2bce-11e7-b039-1fcfa608d43c’][amazon_link asins=’B00VUS2XLK’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’9ab9b04b-2bcd-11e7-8150-79267f9a6fc9′]

Botanical Name : Betula alnoides
Family : Betulaceae
Genus : Betula
Synonyms :         Betula acuminata – Wall.
Other names: Betula alnoides Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don,Indian birch, Bhujpatra
Vernacular name:
English: Indian birch

Habitat : E. Asia – Himalayas to S.W. China..Forests, ravines and streamsides, Himachel Pradesh to S.W. China, 1500 – 2700 metres . Woodland Garden; Canopy; Secondary;


Description:

A decidious Tree growing to 40m at a fast rate.
It is hardy to zone 8. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in September. The flowers are monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and are pollinated by Wind.

click to see the pictures..>…...(01)....(1).....(2)….…(3).…....(4).….

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.

Studies on the antiinflammatory activity of Betula alnoides bark:-
The antiinflammatory activity of Betula alnoides extract was evaluated in acute and subacute inflammation models. The extract was also evaluated for antiinflammatory activity in sheep RBC induced sensitivity and in membrane stabilization models. Except for the sheep RBC induced sensitivity model, the extract showed significant antiinflammatory activity.

Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Inner bark.

Inner bark – can be dried, then ground into a powder and added to flour for use in making bread, cakes etc . Inner bark is generally only seen as a famine food, used when other forms of starch are not available or are in short supply

Medicinal  Actions & Uses:-

Antidote.

The plant has been used as an antidote in the treatment of snake bites. A decoction of the bark is used to treat dislocated bones.

The antiinflammatory activity of Betula alnoides extract was evaluated in acute and subacute inflammation models. The extract was also evaluated for antiinflammatory activity in sheep RBC induced sensitivity and in membrane stabilization models. Except for the sheep RBC induced sensitivity model, the extract showed significant antiinflammatory activity.

Other Uses
Paper; Wood.

The thin layer of outer bark is used as a paper. The juice of the bark is used for decorating wood. Wood – moderately hard, close grained, strong, durable. Used for minor construction.

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://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Betula+alnoides
http://www.heilpflanzen-welt.de/science/2002/12410550.htm
http://species.wikimedia.org/wiki/Betula_alnoides
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/99019647/abstract

http://vaniindia.org.whbus12.onlyfordemo.com/herbal/plantdir.asp

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

css.php