Botanical Name: Shorea robusta.
Family Name: Dipterocarpaceae
Identification no : SDACH/HG/311
Vernacular Names:
– Hindi: Sal
– English: Sal Tree
– Bengali: Shaal
– Tamil: Kungiliyam
Classification:
– Charak: Kashaya Skandha (Astringent group).
– Sushruta: Nyagrodhadi Gana.
Habitat & Distribution:
– Native to India (Central/Eastern Himalayas, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha), Nepal, Bangladesh.
Morphology
– Tree: Large, deciduous, up to 30–35 m tall.
– Leaves: Oval, leathery, 10–25 cm long.
– Flowers: Yellowish, fragrant.
– Resin: Dark brown (known as Ral or Dammar).
Varieties:
– No significant varietie, but resin quality varies by region.
Substitute/Adulterant:
– Guggulu (Commiphora wightii) resin is sometimes substituted.
Phytochemicals:
– Resin: Triterpenoids (shoreaphenol, hopeaphenol).
– Bark: Tannins, flavonoids.
Raspanchaka:
– Rasa: Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (Bitter)
– Guna: Guru (Heavy), Ruksha (Dry)
– Virya: Sheeta (Cooling)
– Vipaka: Katu (Pungent)
– Dosha Shamakta: Balances Pitta and Kapha, may increase Vata in excess.
Karma (Rogaghnata):
– Primary Actions: Vranaropana (Wound healing), Sangrahi (Astringent), Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory).
Amayika Prayoga:
– External:
– Resin (Ral) applied on wounds/burns.
– Bark paste for skin diseases.
– Internal:
– Decoction for diarrhea, dysentery.
Part Used: Resin (Ral), Bark, Leaves.
Dose:
– Resin: 1–2 g/day.
– Bark decoction: 50–100 mL.
Yoga/Formulations:
1. Shaaladi Kwath (For bleeding disorders).
2. Ral Churna (Wound powder).
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Research Updates
1. Wound Healing (2019): Resin showed significant epithelialization in rat models.
2. Antidiarrheal Activity (2020): Bark extract reduced gastrointestinal motility.
3. Anti-inflammatory (2021): Triterpenoids inhibited COX-2 enzymes.
