Ceiba pentandra Health Dictionary

(Linn.) Gaertn.

Synonym: Eriodendron anafractuo- sum DC.

Family: Bombacaceae.

Habitat: West and South India. Often found planted around villages and temples.

English: Kapok, White Silk Cotton.

Ayurvedic: Kuuta-Shaalmali, Shveta Shaalmali.

Siddha/Tamil: Ielavum (Tamil).

Action: Gum—laxative, astringent, demulcent (given in painful micturition). Unripe fruit—astringent. Root—diuretic, antidiabetic, an- tispasmodic (used in dysentery). Flowers—laxative; used in lochi- orrhoea. Unripe pods—used in vertigo and migraine. Seed oil— used in rheumatism.

The plant contains linarin (acacetin 7-rutinoside). Seeds contain fatty acids, diglycerides and phospholipids. Leaves are considered a good source of iron and calcium. Stem-bark extract—antimicrobial.