Holoptelea intregrefolia

HABIT: H. integrifolia is a large deciduous tree that grows up to 15 to25 meters in height. Its bark is whitish yellowish grey, ash-grey, brown-violet in color and exfoliates with regular intervals and with offensive smell when cut. Leaves are simple alternate, elliptic, usually distichous, acuminate and the base is rounded or cordite. Flowers are greenish yellow, usually male or hermaphrodite, monochlamydeous, or rarely polygamous. 

CONSERVATION STATUS: Evaluated as 'Not Evaluated' by IUCN.

MEDICINAL USES: The root of Indian Elm is being used as an important constituent for traditionally used herbal formulations for curing tumors. They may also be called vermifuges (stunning) or vermicides (killing). The first report on antihelminthic activity of H. integrifolia was provided by Nadella and Paarakh. The biological studies such as antimicrobial, antihelminthic , antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities were noticeable in crude extracts of various parts of the plant. It is evident from the available literature that Holoptelea integrifolia leaves are the most investigated part of the plant. Leaf and stem bark has been a promising agent for the treatment of skin diseases like leucoderma, scabies, ringworm, and eczema.

(Ganie, S. A., & Yadav, S. S. (2014). Holoptelea integrifolia (Roxb.) Planch: a review of its ethnobotany, pharmacology, and phytochemistry. BioMed Research International, 2014.)

ETHNOBOTANICAL USES: Ethnomedicinally, the leaves and stem bark of H. integrifolia are used by tribal people for the treatment of various ailments. The mucilaginous bark is boiled and the juice squeezed out and applied to rheumatic swellings. Paste of the stem bark is externally applied to treat the inflammation of lymph glands, ringworm, and scabies. Bark and leaf paste of the plant are applied externally on the white patches or leucoderma. Bark boiled in coconut oil and mixed with garlic is applied externally to eczema. Bark grounded with lemon juice and made into paste is used for weakness. 

(Ganie, S. A., & Yadav, S. S. (2014). Holoptelea integrifolia (Roxb.) Planch: a review of its ethnobotany, pharmacology, and phytochemistry. BioMed Research International, 2014.)