Common Name:

General Information

Canthium coromandelicum is a more or less thorny, evergreen shrub or small tree[, ].
The plant is a commonly used medicinal herb and functional food in India and Sri Lanka. It is harvested from the wild for local use and is also sometimes sold in local markets[]..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - tropical India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka

Habitat

Dry regions in coastal scrub forests and laterite[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked. They are eaten in salads and also used as a vegetable[, , ]. Regular consumption of the leaves has been shown to significantly reduce cholesterol levels in the blood[].

Medicinal

Canthium coromandelicum is a commonly used medicinal herb in India, where it is considered to be a general tonic for the whole body. Specifically, it is said to control high blood pressure, reduce unwanted fats in the body, and purify the circulatory system. It is used in the treatment of a wide range of conditions, including diabetes, fevers, indigestion, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, dysuria, impotence, decreased sperm count, and in renal calculi[].

The roots, combined with milk, are a traditional medicine for treating snake bites[].

The leaves are anthelmintic, antioxidant and diuretic[]. Taken at regular intervals, they are used to treat intestinal worms in children[].
Applied externally, the tender leaves are boiled and tied on the infected part in order to remove thorns that have
got into the skin[]. A decoction of the leaves is used to help wound healing and to treat skin problems, including scabies and the ring worm infection[]..

The roots and leaves are astringent, cholagogue and diuretic[]. They are used in vitiated conditions of Kapha, and to treat diarrhoea, strangury, fever, leucorrhoea, intestinal worms, and general debility[].

The bark, combined with turmeric and lime, is made into a paste and applied on the forehead to cure headache[].

The fruits are astringent, cholagogue, strengthening and an expellant of phlegm and bile. They are given at regular
intervals in order to treat intestinal worms in children[].

Other Uses

The branches are used for fencing[].

The grrey wood is hard and close-grained. It is used in turning[].

Propagation

Seed -

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