Introduction: 

The Lodhra tree belongs to the genus Symplocos. It is widely used in various Ayurvedic medicines. Symplocos and its various species possess a wide range of metabolites with potential medicinal value against many different diseases.

The bark of the tree is used in many Ayurvedic formulations and is known as Cinchona bark in Europe. The bark is used for making the Tilaka mark on the forehead, and hence, the word ‘Lodhra’, which means ‘propitious’ or ‘Tilaka’ in Sanskrit.¹ 

Other Names of Lodhra

• Pittaka in Tamil
• Vellilathi, vellilothram or kaccacankai in Malayalam
• Mugam in Telugu
• Lodhuga in Kannada
• Pachotti in Assamese
• Balaloddi or Shaabara mara in Urdu² 

Chemical Constituents of Lodhra:

Lodhra comprises of loturine, loturidine, colloturine, flavonoids, tannins, salireposide, symplocoside, betasito-glycoside, symploveroside, and benzoylsalireposide.^3,4 

Properties of Lodhra:

The beneficial properties of Lodhra are given below. 

• It may show antioxidant property
• It may posses anti-acne benefits 
• It may have anti-ulcer  properties
• It may have hypolipidemic properties  
• It may exhibit hepatoprotective (liver protective) activity
• It may have anticancer properties
• It may show anthelmintic properties
• It may have anti-inflammatory properties
• It may show anti-diabetic properties
• It may have antibacterial activity
• It may have anti-androgenic activity¹ 

Potential Uses of Lodhra: 

All the phytoconstituents like flavanoids and glycosides are responsible for the health benefits.⁵ In the Ayurvedic system of medicine, Lodhra may be used for managing eye diseases like conjunctivitis, corneal ulcer, acne and pimples, various other diseases, haemorrhage, and wounds.¹    

Potential Uses of Lodhra for Managing Diabetes:

The extract prepared from the leaves of Symplocos cochinchinensis may have a significant effect on reducing the blood sugar level in type 2 diabetes. The extract from the bark in studies is found to have anti-diabetic properties.

It was shown to lower plasma insulin and liver glycogen levels in treated diabetic animal models.^1,6  Human trials of lodhra are necessary to provide its potential usage for managing blood sugar levels in humans. Further, diabetes requires appropriate diagnosis and treatment from a professional doctor.

Potential Uses of Lodhra for Episiotomy Wound Care:

An episiotomy is an incision (cut) made in the perineum area of the body during childbirth. The formulation prepared by Lodhra and Tumbi Patra effectively may help with episiotomy wounds. The churna (powdered formulation) may have excellent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties to help with the wound.⁷  However, more research is required to prove such claims. You should take herbs and herbal formulation only under supervision of an Ayurvedic doctor.

Potential Uses of Lodhra for Cancer:

The bark extract of Lodhra shows significant anticancer activity against cancer cell lines during studies. According to a study, the anticancer activity observed was more potent than cyclophosphamide.¹    Moreover, cancer should be diagnosed and treated by a qualified doctor. Kindly consult a doctor for better advice.

Potential Uses of Lodhra as an Antimicrobial Agent:  

The flavonoids present in the Lodhra bark were found to be potent antimicrobial agents in studies. The bark extract may show potent antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus sp. and Salmonella.

The flavonoids and glycosides were found to be non-cytotoxic and safe. The studies confirm the candidature of Lodhra as a potent antimicrobial drug.⁵  However these studies are conducted do not provide much evidence available for its effect on humans.

Potential Uses of Lodhra in Reducing Cholesterol  

Ethanolic extracts of Symplocos racemose might significantly reduce liver cholesterol levels. The ethanolic extracts inhibited β-hydroxy β- methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase, a rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis, causing hypolipidemic effects in a rat model.

The hypolipidemic activity of extracts of Symplocos racemose may be due to the presence of flavonoids, phenolic glycosides, and steroids.^1,6  You must consult a doctor.

Although studies show the benefits of lodhra in different health conditions, this information is insufficient. Hence, there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of lodhra on human health. Furthermore, every person may respond differently to these herbs. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before using lodhra for any medical condition.

In Ayurveda, Lodhra has many medicinal properties. It might be a potent medicine for various diseases like diarrhoea, dysentery, bowel syndrome, abortion, vaginal discharge, snake bite, etc.

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

Also Read: Shilajit – Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

How to Use Lodhra? 

Lodhra is used to prepare various forms of medications that are available in the market. 

• It is available in the form of capsules, liquid extracts, or powder, which can be mixed with ghee or water and consumed or applied topically.  
• A paste is made of Lodhra root powder mixed with water.  
• Vaginal wash is prepared by the decoction of powdered bark of Lodhra.  
• Decoction is made from stem bark.  
• A compress is prepared from Lodhra powder. An eyewash is made using Lodhra powder and hot water.⁸  

You may consult your Ayurvedic physician for the form and dosage of the herb. In addition, we advise you to not replace or quit your current medications with any herbal preparations made from cardamom without talking to a physician or an Ayurvedic doctor.

According to some studies, Lodhra is believed to have anti-androgenic properties. Due to these properties, it might be useful in managing abnormally high levels of various hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cholesterol levels. Therefore, Lodhra might be useful in managing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Also Read: Punarnava – Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Side Effects of Lodhra: 

 Excess intake of Lodhra or when taken on an empty stomach may cause the following side effects: 

• Abdominal heaviness  
• Nausea  
• Constipation⁸  

However, if you experience such side effects, immediately take medical attention from your physician who has prescribed it to you. They will prescribe you a better treatment possible to overcome the side effects.

Also Read: Karisalankanni – Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Precautions to Take With Lodhra:  

You should keep the following points in mind: 

• Strictly follow the prescribed dose of Lodhra; do not overdose.¹ 
• When using Lodhra to treat leucorrhoea, it is recommended to first diagnose the cause of the disease before starting the treatment.¹ 
• For the treatment of leucorrhoea to be effective, one must first decide to remain stress-free.¹ 
• Nursing mothers may use Lodhra, but it is not recommended for long-term use in pregnant women.¹ 

Also Read: Multani Mitti – Uses, Benefits & Precautions

Interaction with drugs

If you are on any medication and want to take Lodhra you must consult your doctor as they would guide you best on this.

Also Read: Does Smoking Cause Hair Loss? Unveiling the Truth Backed by Science

Frequently Asked Questions  

Also Read: Suhaga – Uses, Benefits & Precautions

References: 

1. Singh P, Singh R, Gupta LN, Kumar N. Lodhra-A Single Remedy For Different Ailments [Internet]. Vol. 6, International Journal of Pharmaceutical & Biological Archives. 2015. Available from: www.ijpba.info 

2. Acharya N, Acharya S, Shah U, Shah R, Hingorani L. A comprehensive analysis on Symplocos racemosa Roxb.: Traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2016 Apr 2;181:236–51.  

3. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India Part-I Volume-I Government Of India Ministry Of Health And Family Welfare Department Of AYUSH [Internet]. Vol. 1, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AYUSH; [cited 2022 Feb 23]. 112–113 p. Available from: http://www.ayurveda.hu/api/API-Vol-1.pdf 

4. Bhusnar HU, Nagore DH, Nipanikar SU. Phytopharmacological Profile of Symplocos racemosa: A Review. Pharmacologia [Internet]. 2014 Feb 1 [cited 2022 Feb 23];5(2):76–83. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/277685641_Phytopharmacological_Profile_of_Symplocos_racemosa_A_Review#:~:text=The%20phytochemical%20analyses%20revealed%20the,and%20phytosterols%20were%20completely%20inactive. 

5. Sood H, Kumar Y, Gupta VK, Arora DS. Bioprospecting the antimicrobial, antibiofilm and antiproliferative activity of Symplocos racemosa Roxb. Bark phytoconstituents along with their biosafety evaluation and detection of antimicrobial components by GC-MS. BMC pharmacology & toxicology [Internet]. 2020 Dec 1 [cited 2022 Feb 10];21(1). Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33203457/ 

6. Kumar Singh V, Ramachandra Reddy K, Kumar Singh Ph Scholar VD, Krc R. Management of Diabetes mellitus and its complications by Lodhra: A review. International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2022 Feb 8];6(4):305–9. Available from: http://ijam.co.in  

7. Ajay Patil V, Bhikaji Shinde P, Mahavir Khot B, Ajay Patil HOD V. ROLE OF TUMBIPATRA AND LODHRA TWAK CHURNA LEPA ON EPISIOTOMY WOUND. Veena et al World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research SJIF Impact Factor [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2022 Feb 8];7(1):1461–5. Available from: www.wjpr.net  

8. Health Benefits of Lodhra – Healthy Focus [Internet]. [cited 2022 Feb 8]. Available from: https://healthyfocus.org/health-benefits-of-lodhra/  

Also Read: Munakka – Nutritional Value, Benefits & Side Effects

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