Idampiri Valampiri

  • Botanical Name : Helicteres isora
  • English Name : Indian Screw Tree
  • Sanskrit Name : Avartani
  • Malayalam Name : Idampiri Valampiri (ഇടംപിരി വലംപിരി)
  • Part Used : Fruits, Seeds, Bark
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Overview

  • In the 19th century, fibers from the bark were used for making rope and sacks.
  • Today, the tree is primarily harvested for its fruits and roots, commonly employed in folk medicine.
  • The Indian screw tree is recognized as one of the most potent strengthening Ayurvedic herbs.
  • Despite its impressive health benefits, awareness of this herb remains limited.

Habitat

  • This shrub or small tree grows up to 4m tall, occasionally reaching 8m.
  • It is characterized by screw-shaped fruits, inspiring its common name.
  • Leaves are simple, round to obovate, petiolate (up to 4 cm long), margin serrate, with palmate venation (3 – 5 veins), densely covered with hairs on both sides.
  • The bark is lenticellated and finely wrinkled.
  • The young stem is covered with long yellowish hairs.

Phytochemistry

  • Phytochemical screening has identified the presence of carbohydrates, anthraquinone glycosides, proteins, tannin, phenolic compounds, and steroids.
  • These antibacterial properties align with the traditional use of isora fruits in treating of enteric or diarrheal infections.
Nutritional Prowess Image

Nutritional Prowess

  • An excellent remedy for gastrointestinal problems, the root juice, and fruit paste provide relief from dysentery, stomach aches, and diarrhea.
  • The fruit powder, combined with other nutritional herbs and spices, is given to new mothers as a health-booster to combat post-delivery weakness.
  • Renowned for promoting physical stamina and strength, the Indian Screw Tree exhibits insulin-sensitizing activity, stabilizing blood sugar levels and aiding in diabetes management.
  • The chemical constituents in this Ayurvedic plant are highly effective in treating respiratory diseases such as dryness of the lungs and throat. It is also beneficial in the treatment of tuberculosis and blood-tinged sputum.

Dermatological Perks

  • The leaf of the Indian Screw Tree is rich in antioxidants and antibacterial properties. The paste prepared from the leaf can be applied externally to alleviate various skin diseases, including eczema and scabies.
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