Nagkesar (Mesua Ferrea): Benefits, Uses, Side Effects & More!

Introduction

Mesua ferrea Linn, also known as Nagkesar in Hindi, and Ceylon ironwood in English is a tree with high ornamental value. Mesua ferrea or nagkesar is a medium to a large-sized evergreen tree with a short trunk widely distributed in Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Western, and the Eastern Ghats in India. The flowers and leaves of Nagkesar are used for a variety of conditions¹.

Properties of Nagkesar

• It may have beneficial properties for the liver
• It may be an appetizer.
• It may be an expectorant (used to treat cough)
• It may have diuretic (expelling excess water from the body) properties
• It may have antipyretic (reducing fever) properties 
• It may have analgesic (pain-relieving) properties
• It may have hemostatic (ceasing bleeding)properties
• It may have anti-inflammatory properties
• It may have antibacterial properties
• It may have anti-fungal activity
• It may show anti-arthritic properties
• It may have anti-oxidant activity². 

Potential Uses of Nagkesar

Different parts of Nagkesar may be used to treat a variety of conditions, either alone or in conjunction with other herbal remedies^1,3,4. Some of the potential uses of brinjal are described as follows.

1. Potential Uses of Nagkesar in Piles

Piles or hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels that can occur inside or around the anus. This makes defecating difficult with continuous throbbing pain accompanied by bleeding stools. Bleeding disorders occur due to an imbalance in pitta (heat) dosha. Nagkesar may have some effect in the management of bleeding piles as may help in pacifying pitta dosha, resulting in a balance in the body’s heat. Nagkesar may help to shrink pile lumps, decreasing inflammation, reducing pain, and arresting bleeding. The paste obtained from the flowers of Nagkesar can be used for treating piles⁵. However, more studies on humans are required to validate this claim.

2. Potential Uses of Nagkesar for Arthritis

Arthritis occurs due to an imbalance in Vata dosha and the gathering of Ama (toxins) in the joints. Nagkesar may help balance Vata dosha and it might aid in reducing joint pain due to its Ushana (heat) property⁶. However, every person has a different response to different herbs. Therefore, it is better to consult a doctor before you use tea tree oil for your acne problems.

3. Potential Uses of Nagkesar for Skin

The kernels of Nagkesar may be helpful in skin eruption. The oil obtained from Nagkesar can be used for skin infections, scabies, and wounds. Nagkesar also contains antiseptic and disinfecting properties. Nagkesar taken with red sandalwood might be made into a paste and used on the skin to fade away the dark marks on the face and to obtain glowing skin^1,7. It is better to consult a dermatologist for your skin-related problems. They will be the best person to guide you with your condition.

Other than medicinal uses, Nagkesar might be used to enhance beauty as well. It has several benefits for hair. It is believed that Nagkesar might aid in encouraging hair growth and thickness¹⁰.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

4. Potential Uses of Nagkesar on the Central Nervous System

Nagkesar contains potential anticonvulsant properties and may be used in curing seizures. Other central nervous system depressant effects like loss of muscle tone, ptosis (drooping of upper eyelids), and sedation might be observed with Nagkesar⁶. Though studies show the benefits of Nagkesar in different health conditions, these studies are insufficient and require further studies to establish the true scope of benefits of tea tree on human health. In addition, every person may respond differently to this herb. Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor before using Nagkesar for any medical condition.

How to Use Nagkesar

Mesua ferrea is available in different Ayurvedic formulations like dasamoolarishta, kanakasava, mahakaleshwara, lakshadi Taila, Nagakesaradi Churan, Kumaryasava, and various other churnas that are used to cure many conditions^3,6. The parts of Nagkesar used for treatment are Buds, bark, leaves, seeds, stamen, and fruits. Your Ayurvedic physician will prescribe you the form and dosage according to your health condition.

Your Ayurvedic physician will prescribe you the form and dose as per your requirement. However, we advise you not to replace or change your current medications with any ayurvedic or herbal preparations made from the nagkesar.

Nagkesar can be used as a supportive aid in women’s hygiene maintenance! Researchers believe that due to its anti-inflammatory action, Nagkesar might help in minimizing the extra vaginal discharge in women¹⁰.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Also Read: Red Sandalwood: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More By Dr. Smita Barode

Side Effects of Nagkesar

Nagkesar can be safely taken with other herbal medicines, vitamins, or remedies, and no side effects are observed³. However, if you see any side effects, seek immediate medical help from your physician who has prescribed it to you and get proper treatment to overcome your side effects.

Also Read: Trikatu Churna: Uses, Benefits and Side Effects by Dr. Rajeev Singh

Precautions and Warnings to be Taken with Nagkesar

Nagkesar must be taken under the supervision of a medical doctor in situations like pregnancy, breastfeeding, and diabetes⁹. There is a lack of research regarding the safety of nagkesar in pregnant and breastfeeding women, so its use should be avoided during these times⁴. It is better to keep nagkesar away from small children and older people to avoid harmful reactions in the body. Without consulting a doctor, you should not use nagkesar to self-medicate.

Nagkesar is believed to aid in irritable bowel syndrome. Ground Nagkesar consumed with the regular practice of Pranayama might relieve irritation and cramps. Nagkesar is said to have an anti-spasmodic nature¹⁰.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Also Read: Madhunashini (Gymnema Sylvestre): Uses, Benefits and Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Amit Sharma, Surbhi Sharma, Rohit, Naresh and Bharat Parashar; Mesua ferrae linn:- A review of the indian medical herb. Sys Rev Pharm. 2017 8(1): 19-23. Available from: https://www.sysrevpharm.org/articles/mesua-ferrae-linn-a-review-of-the-indian-medical-herb.pdf 
2. Research journal of pharmacognosy. Phytochemistry and pharmacology of Mesua ferrea Linn.- A Review. [Internet] Available from: https://rjpponline.org/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=Research%20Journal%20of%20Pharmacognosy%20and%20Phytochemistry;PID=2012-4-6-2 
3. Planet Ayurveda. Nagkesar, Ceylon Ironwood (Mesua ferrea). [Internet] Available from: https://www.planetayurveda.com/library/naga-kesar-mesua-ferrea/ 
4. Vikaspedia. Mesua ferrea. [Internet] Available from: https://vikaspedia.in/agriculture/crop-production/package-of-practices/medicinal-and-aromatic-plants/mesua-ferrea 
5. Planet Ayurveda. Nagkesar (Mesua ferrea)- Medicinal properties, benefits and uses. [Internet] Available from: https://www.planetayurveda.com/nagkesar-mesua-ferrea/ 
6. Research gate. Mesua ferrea Linn (Nagkesar): A potent antimicrobial plant species. [Internet] Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353573844_MESUA_FERREA_LINN_NAGKESAR_A_POTENT_ANTIMICROBIAL_PLANT_SPECIES 
7. Ayush division. Ayurveda offering herbal healing. [Internet] Available from: https://esic.gov.in/attachments/publicationfile/7d11b02e5abb4717d53b4ce05efabd21.pdf
8. Dr. Nidhi Bajpai; Baladi Churna in management of anovulatory factor of infertility (Avaranatmak Apana Vata Dushti): A case report. Available from: https://www.worldwidejournals.com/paripex/recent_issues_pdf/2020/July/baladi-churna-in-management-of-anovulatory-factor-of-infertility-avaranatmak-apana-vata-dushti-a-case-report_July_2020_1594803113_7308117.pdf 
9. Muhammad Asif, Seyedeh Fatemeh Jafari, Zafar Iqbal, Vageesh Revadigar, Chern Ein Oon, Aman Shah Abdul Majid, Amin Malik Shah Abdul Majid; Ethnobotanical and Phytopharmacological attributes of Mesua ferrea: A mini-review. Available from: https://www.japsonline.com/admin/php/uploads/2249_pdf.pdf 
10. Patangia U, Wal A, Gupta D, Singh I, Wal P. A review of the phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Nagkesar (Mesua ferrea Linn). Tradit Med Res. 2023;8(3):14. doi:10.53388/TMR20220620001. Available from: https://www.tmrjournals.com/public/articlePDF/20220914/b7566fbe8413f7f4af107cd97ec3c3a6.pdf

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