Babool: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and more!
By Dr Ashok Pal +2 more
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By Dr Ashok Pal +2 more
Table of Contents
Babool, also called Acacia arabica, belongs to the family Leguminosae. Babool is a spiny, medium-sized, perennial tree commonly found throughout India.1 The bark of the tree is known as Babur or Babul in Hindi. Today, it is widely known as Gum Arabic as it was imported in large quantities in Arab.2
In India, babool is very commonly found in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and other dry regions of the country. Also, the thorny babool tree is seen in the neighbouring Asian countries of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Burma. It is native to North Africa and commonly seen in Egypt. It is more common in the western states of the peninsula.2
The vernacular names of babool are Babura, Kikar, Babula in Hindi; Kaloabaval, Baval in Gujarati; Babala, Babula in Oriya; Babhula, Babhul in Marathi; Babla in Bengali; Babala in Assamese; Indian gum Arabic tree, babula tree in English; Kari Jail, Kari gobli, Sharmeeruka, Pulai Jali in Kannada; Kikkar in Punjabi; Sak in Kashmiri; Thumma, Nallatumma in Telugu; Karuvel, Karuvelan in Tamil; Velutha Karuvelan in Malayalam; Bavari, Kinkirata in Sanskrit.1
Did you know?
The seeds of babool contain rich amounts of fibre and proteins. Its pods contain more fibre and have a lesser amount of protein as compared to the leaves.3
There are many nutritional benefits of babool, including tannin, alkaloids, a polyphenolic compound, terpenoids, glycosides, and saponins.2
The properties of babool include:
Recent studies suggest that the bark of Babool might be used as a natural dye for clothes. It is believed to bind dyes to the fabrics. This is fantastic news for those who love and enjoy wearing natural fabrics.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Babool might have some potential uses in various conditions. However, more studies are required. Some potential uses of babool are described as follows:
In a study, conducted by Crowch and Okello 2009 stated that babool had inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase enzyme. Acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, may be helpful in managing Alzheimer’s disease.2 However, human studies are required to confirm its effectiveness on Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, it is essential first to consult a doctor and only use babool as a herb for Alzheimer’s.
The water extract and ethyl acetate extract of babool was evaluated for antimalarial activity in an animal model by Malviya et al. 2011, and both exhibited antimalarial activity. The extract of babool was found to have the highest anti-malarial activity against the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum.4 However, these studies are done on animals and not on humans. Therefore, we require more information on its safe usage on humans.
Also Read: 10 Simple Home Remedies For Malaria
Babool may have shown anti-ulcer potential when tested on different animal models. The phenolic compounds present in babool might be responsible for the antiulcer activity.2 In another study by Agunua et al. 2005, babool was tested for anti-diarrhoeal activity in animals. Initially, babool showed a relaxation effect followed by a contraction effect in the jejunum (middle part of the small intestine) of the animals. It also showed a 100% reduction from diarrhoeal infection in another animal model.5 Therefore, it might indicate that babool may be beneficial for managing symptoms of diarrhoea.
However, this research is insufficient as these studies are not done on humans. Hence, more studies on humans are required to suggest the potential use of babool for digestion. Therefore, it is essential to first speak with your doctors and only use babool as a medicine.
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Studies have seen the blood glucose lowering activity of babool extract, in an animal model studied by Kharya et al. 2010. The results showed that the babool extract might have a blood glucose lowering effect. It exhibited a reduction in blood glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol.2 This means it may help lower the risk of heart diseases as well. Diabetes is a major health condition and requires appropriate diagnosis and treatment from a professional doctor. Therefore, human trials of babool are necessary to provide its potential usage for managing blood sugar levels in humans.
The antihypertensive activity of babool was tested in an animal model and humans (Gilani et al. 1999). The extract of babool was found to lower the arterial blood pressure and give antihypertensive activity.2 In human studies conducted by Omaima et al. 2016, a drop in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed in participants with type 2 diabetes. This suggests that babool may be a potentially useful agent to lower blood pressure, especially in persons with diabetes.5 However, these studies are insufficient and more new studies are required. Therefore, people should take advice from a doctor to stay updated about the latest benefits related to any herb.
A study by Kalaivani and Mathew. 2010 reported that babool is a highly accessible source of natural antioxidants. It may be used in inflammation, cancer, and diabetes. The high antioxidant property of babool might be due to the phenolic compounds present in it. These antioxidants may fight the free radicals that are produced in the body.2 However, this information is insufficient and requires extensive research to support this claim.
The gum, flower, and leaf extract of babool were evaluated for anticancer activity in an animal model by Meena et al. 2006. Babool was found to affect tumour growth and showed a cytotoxic effect on cancer cells obtained from a human. In an animal study, the use of babool was found to reduce tumour development.4 However, cancer is a serious health condition that might require proper treatment and diagnosis. So, it is better first to have a consultation with a doctor. And more research is required to develop an accurate scope of babool for cancer-related problems in humans.
Babool was investigated for its weight management activity in a human study by Omaima et al. 2016.
A highly significant decrease in BMI (body mass index) was seen in prediabetic and diabetic groups, implying that babool might benefit weight management.5 However, this study is insufficient; we require more human studies to provide the true extent of babool for weight management in humans.
A study conducted by Banso et al. 2009 was done to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of babool. The study showed that the bark extract might have antimicrobial activity against bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus viridans, Escherichia coli, Shigella sonnei, and Bacillus subtillis. This study suggested that babool extract might be a potential antimicrobial agent. In another study by Kalaivani et al. 2010, babool showed the highest activity against 2 fungi strains (Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans) and 3 bacterial strains (Salmonella typhi, S. aureus, and E. coli). Babool may also be known for its antiviral activity against the virus Hepatitis C in infected liver cells.2 However, this information is insufficient because these studies are not done on humans and require more studies to be done on humans to support the use of babool for managing infections in humans.
In a study by Eline et al. 2004, the extract of babool was found to enhance the production of milk in rats and was shown to increase the production by 59% in an hour.5 However, human studies are required to confirm its activity on humans to stimulate higher milk production in nursing mothers. Therefore, lactating mothers need to be aware of the safe usage of babool during these times. And also, a doctor’s consultation is essential.
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Prolapse means a displacement of an organ from its normal position. The decoction of babool bark may be used in rectal prolapse. The decoction of root bark may be used for stomach pain. The leave decoction is used in the form of nutool (a method of pouring the solution from a height over the specific part) in prolapse.4 However, its effectiveness on humans requires more testing. However, more studies on humans are required to support the potential uses of babool for rectal prolapse. Therefore, a doctor’s advice is necessary.
The tender leaves of babool might be beneficial for treating mouth ulcers. It may be useful to clean the mouth, relieve pain, stop the bleeding of the gums, and might also help tighten the teeth.5 However, its effectiveness requires confirmation via human studies. Therefore, people should consult their doctors and only use them to overcome the above-mentioned issue.
Though there are studies showing the benefits of babool in various conditions, these are insufficient. And there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of babool on human health. Furthermore, every person may respond differently to these herbs. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before using babool for any medical condition.
Spice up your life with your partner using Babool! Other than medicinal uses, Babool might be used as an aphrodisiac to enhance sexual life.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Also Read: Triphala Guggulu: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects
Babool can be used as:
One should always take the advice of an Ayurvedic physician before having babool. In addition, we recommend you do not replace or discontinue your ongoing medications with any ayurvedic or herbal preparations without seeking the medical advice of a qualified doctor. They will guide you with the best form and dosage in which the herb can be used per your health condition.
Did you know Babool might act as an expectorant as well? Researchers suggest that Babool might have the property to expel cough from the airways that might help to relieve the congestion.
Dr. Smita barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
Regular consumption of babool might have some side effects associated with stomach.
Having babool in moderation might be safe. However, one must follow general precautions.
A review report (Ulbricht et al. 2008) suggested that babool was found to interact with amoxicillin (antibacterial medicine). It might affect the absorption of amoxicillin.6. Therefore, avoid babool when you are taking amoxicillin.
Thus, if you are taking antibacterial/antibiotic medicine, you must consult an Ayurvedic physician before consuming babool products. They will direct you to the better way to have it.
Also Read: Amritarishta: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects
Babool in English is called an Indian gum Arabic tree.1
Babool can be used as powder or decoction.1 Small bark, juice of babool leaves, and tender leaves can be used. The powder form of flower, leaves, bark, pod, and wood may be used for leucorrhoea. Chewing babool bark and a decoction of the bark may be useful in cough. The paste or juice of babool leaves may be applied to lower the swelling and redness of the eye.4 However, babool should not be used as self-medication. It is essential to take the doctor’s advice; they will recommend you the best form and dosage based on your health condition.
Babool is considered safe but has a few side effects. It might cause constipation and maybe harmful to the rectum, intestine, and chest.5 Therefore, before using babool, please consult with your doctors.
The small branches of babool may be beneficial for strengthening the teeth as they are used for brushing the teeth.4 This fact is insufficient and requires a doctor’s advice to back this claim.
There is not much data on its usage during pregnancy. Therefore, be on the safer side and avoid babool during pregnancy or consult your doctor before taking babool during pregnancy.
Babool was found to be beneficial for diabetes in various animal models.2 However, its study in humans is not reported. Therefore, more studies on humans are required. Diabetes is a severe health problem that must be accurately diagnosed and treated by a qualified doctor.
Chewing of bark and decoction of babool might be helpful in relieving cough.4 But we require more information to suggest the usage of babool for managing cough. People should not use it to self-medicate on their own prior to consulting a doctor.
The tender leaves of babool might be helpful for mouth ulcers. It might also be used to clean the mouth, relieve pain, tighten the teeth, and reduce gum bleeding.4 However, this information is insufficient to say the potential benefit of babool for mouth ulcers. You can consult a doctor before using it.
There is not much data on its safe usage during breastfeeding. Therefore, avoid babool during breastfeeding or consult your doctor before taking babool.
Babool was found to be beneficial for malaria in an animal model.4 However, its effect on humans is still not studied. Therefore, more human trials are required to suggest the potential uses of babool in managing malarial infection.
Babool was found to interact with amoxicillin, as suggested in the review report (Ulbricht et al. 2008). Therefore, avoid babool if you are taking amoxicillin.6 However, if any harmful effect is observed, please get in touch with your doctors.
Babool was found to have anti-ulcer properties when tested in an animal model (Bansal et al. 2012).2 However, its study in humans is still not reported. Therefore, we require more studies on humans to confirm the beneficial effect of babool for ulcers.
A human study (Omaima et al. 2016) found babool to lower the BMI (body mass index) of prediabetic and diabetic patients. Therefore, it might be helpful to lose weight.5 However, this information is insufficient and requires more studies to back this claim. We recommend you should consult a doctor before using babool for weight management.
Also Read: Vidangarishta: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects
1. Health MOF, Welfare F. THE AYURVEDIC PHARMACOPOEIA Part-I [Internet]. 21–22 p. Available from: http://www.ayurveda.hu/api/API-Vol-1.pdf
2. Zaman R, Shamsi S, Zaman R, Itrat M. Bark of Acacia Arabica -A Nature’s Gift: An Overview. Int Res J Med Sci [Internet]. 2014;2(5):20–4. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332858395_Bark_of_Acacia_Arabica_-A_Nature’s_Gift_An_Overview
3. Heuze V, Tran G, Eugene M, Bastianelli D, Lebas F. Babul (Acacia nilotica) [Internet]. Feedipedia, a programme by INRAE, CIRAD, AFZ and FAO. 2016. Available from: https://www.feedipedia.org/node/346
4. Roqaiya M, Begum W, Jahufer R. Acacia arabica (Babool) – A Review on Ethnobotanical and Unani Traditional Uses as well as Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties. J Pharm Phytopharm Res [Internet]. 2015;4(6):315–21. Available from: https://eijppr.com/storage/models/article/iKzp3TU9UBM4Qft8Zv8j96YD0xaT6F3YuIxKPFaFGtd0xjAn9q3ZVGl7nExU/acacia-arabica-babool-a-review-on-ethnobotanical-and-unani-traditional-uses-as-well-as-phytochemic.pdf
5. Alam S, Anjum N, Akhtar J, Bashir F, Parveen S, Delhi N, et al. PHARMACOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS ON AQAQIA – Acacia arabica ( Lam .) Willd . 2018;6(1):3–6. Available at: https://ijcrt.org/papers/IJCRT1892006.pdf
6. Ulbricht C, Chao W, Costa D, Rusie-Seamon E, Weissner W, Woods J. Clinical Evidence of Herb-Drug Interactions: A Systematic Review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. Curr Drug Metab [Internet]. 2008 Dec 1;9(10):1063–120. Available from: http://www.eurekaselect.com/openurl/content.php?genre=article&issn=1389-2002&volume=9&issue=10&spage=1063
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Last updated: Jan 23, 2024
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