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Sarala

Botanical Name : Pinus roxburghii Sarg.

Family : Pinaceae

Identification No.: SDACH/HG/156

Names in different Indian languages :

English : Chir pine,three leaved pine

Hindi : cid,sarala

Kannada : Sarala

Malayalam : Charalam,Saralam

Sanskrit : saralah

Tamil : Caraladevataru

Telugu : Sarala

Synonyms :

रलः पीतवृक्षः स्यात्तथा सुरभिदारुकः । सरलो मधुरस्तिक्तो कटुपाकरसो लघुः ॥२६॥

P. longifolia Roxb

Sarala, Pita-vriksha, Surabhidaaruka, Dhuupavriksha,Namasu.

Oleo-resin—Shriveshtaka,

Ghandh-Birojaa

Morphology :

Pinus roxburghii is a large tree reaching 30–50 m (98–164 ft) with a trunk diameter of up to 2 m (6.6 ft), exceptionally 3 m (10 ft). The bark is red-brown, thick and deeply fissured at the base of the trunk, thinner and flaky in the upper crown. The leaves are needle-like, in fascicles of three, very slender, 20–35 cm (7.9–13.8 in) long, and distinctly yellowish green.

The cones are ovoid conic, 12–24 cm (4.7–9.4 in) long and 5–8 cm (2.0–3.1 in) broad at the base when closed, green at first, ripening glossy chestnut-brown when 24 months old. They open slowly over the next year or so, or after being heated by a forest fire, to release the seeds, opening to 9–18 cm (3.5–7.1 in) broad. The seeds are 8–9 mm (0.31–0.35 in) long, with a 40 mm (1.6 in) wing, and are wind-dispersed.

Pinus roxburghii is closely related to Pinus canariensis (Canary Island pine), Pinus brutia (Turkish pine) and Pinus pinaster (maritime pine), which all share many features with it. It is a relatively non-variable species, with constant morphology over the entire range.

Classical Classification

Charak: Pureesha virajaneeya gana

Sushrut: Eladi gana

Vagbhata:Eladi gana, Rodhradi gana

Bhavaprakasha:  Sarala – karpuradivarga

Substitute/Adulterant

Other pine species like Pinus wallichiana or Pinus longifolia

Phytochemicals

  • Alpha-pinene
  • Beta-pinene
  • Abietic acid
  • Palustric acid
  • Resin acids
  • Monoterpenes
  • Sesquiterpenes
  • Tannins

Raspanchaka

  • Rasa: katu, tikta, madhur
  • Guna: Laghu, tikshan, snigdh
  • Virya: Ushna
  • Vipaka: Katu
  • Prabhava: Shothahara
  • Doshashamaka: Kapha-Vatahara

Karma (Rogaghnata)

  • Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory)
  • Krimighna (Antimicrobial)
  • Jwaraghna (Antipyretic)
  • Vranaropaka (Wound healing)
  • Kaphanashaka (Mucolytic)
  • Kandughna (Anti-pruritic)

Amayika Prayoga / Therapeutic Uses

External Use

  • Resin applied in chronic wounds, skin infections, and boils
  • Used as plaster or paste in joint pain and swelling
  • Inhalation of vapors in respiratory congestion

Internal Use

  • Decoction or resin in respiratory tract infections
  • Used in formulations for chronic bronchitis and asthma
  • Indicated in urinary tract infections and chronic fevers (traditionally)

Part Used

Kasth, niryas, oil

Dose

Kasthchurna-2-3 gm

Oil- 1-3 drops

Yoga / Formulations

  • Sarala Taila (used topically)

IUCN Status : Least Concern

Research Updates :

1. Anti-inflammatory Activity in Osteoarthritis
A study titled “Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory Activity of Resin from Pinus roxburghii in Osteoarthritic Models” investigated the therapeutic potential of chir pine resin in osteoarthritis. The findings revealed that the resin significantly reduced inflammation and joint degeneration in experimental models, indicating its promise as a natural alternative for managing osteoarthritic symptoms.

2. Antibacterial and Wound Healing Potential
In another investigation, researchers assessed the antibacterial and wound healing properties of chir pine resin extract. The study demonstrated that the extract not only inhibited the growth of common pathogenic bacteria but also accelerated wound contraction and tissue regeneration in animal models, supporting its traditional use in skin ailments and injuries.3. Antimicrobial Potential of Essential Oil (GC-MS Study)
A GC-MS based study titled “Essential Oil of Pinus roxburghii as a Potential Antimicrobial Agent” analyzed the chemical composition of the essential oil and evaluated its antimicrobial activity. The results showed a broad-spectrum inhibitory effect against various bacterial and fungal strains, suggesting that the essential oil could serve as a natural antimicrobial agent in formulations.

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