Herbal Extract

Health Benefits

Cures Diarrhoea

The decoction prepared from the leaves of the babool plant can cure bacterial and viral stomach infections. Babool also has a potential cooling effect and balances many doshas in the body. By managing disturbances of the stomach, it makes an effective herbal medicine for the treatment of diarrhea.

Augments Liver Health

The aggressive activity of free radicals has negative effects on the body. The antioxidant properties of babool are useful in minimizing oxidative damage and curing liver disorders. The bark has effective compounds that also help in reducing the chances of hepatotoxicity

Reduces Growth Of Cancer Cells

Babool has anti-cancer and antimutagenic effects that help reduce the risks of certain cancers, besides helping to slow down tumorous growth.  Antimutagenic agents present in babool can combat the growth of cancerous cells and prevent the body from this fatal illness

Promotes Heart Health

The decoction made from extracts of babool is very effective in lowering cholesterol levels and preventing an unnecessary rise in platelets. This helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders and prevent the heart from sudden heart attacks and various heart related anomalies

Ayurvedic Uses Of Babool:

A short tree with spiky fluid-filled projections as leaves, babool grows widely in the arid desert regions of India and displays an intrinsically kashaya or astringent rasa i.e. taste. The resultant effect of consuming babool is a soothing, cooling sensation in the body, thereby holding a sheeta i.e. chill veerya or catalytic property. Being high on dietary fibers, babool has a guru (elaborate breakdown and digestion) as well as a rooksha or inherently dry quality i.e. guna. Moreover, this beneficial herb also balances the kapha dosha, thereby helping maintain the tridoshic harmony of vata, pitta and kapha in the body, immensely boosting metabolism and immunity.

Depending upon the health anomaly to be treated, the certified Ayurvedic practitioner mentions the appropriate dosage and formulation babool to be consumed, to treat all ailments.

The general recommended dosage is 50 – 100 ml of liquid decoction per day, divided into equal portions. If taking the seed powder, a maximum level of 6 grams daily is considered safe and efficacious. 2 – 3 grams of the gum resin can be ingested every day and is well-tolerated by the system.

Babool is a great ayurvedic herb with umpteen health benefits. Right from the bark, branches, leaves, pods and fruit, all parts of the plant offer you a host of medicinal properties. It is beneficial in treating skin conditions, improving oral health, heals the wound and many more.

The  properties of babool include:

• It may have antibacterial property
• It may have antifungal property
• It may have antiviral property
• It may have blood pressure lowering property
• It may have spasm relieving property
• It may have demulcent activity (may ease the pain)
• It may have astringent activity
• It may have blood sugar lowering property
• It may have antioxidant property
• It may be beneficial for stomach ²
• It may have  anti-diarrhoeal property
• It may have  anti-malarial property
• It may have  anti-inflammatory property
• It may have  immunomodulatory activity
• It may have  anti-thrombotic activity (may reduce blood clots)
• It may have  haemostatic property (may stop   bleeding)
• It may have  anti-ulcer activity
• It may have  anticancer activity
• It may have  anti-helminthic activity⁴

Babool might have some potential uses in various conditions. However, more studies are required. Some potential uses of babool are described as follows:

In a study, conducted by Crowch and Okello 2009 stated that babool had inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase enzyme. Acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, may be helpful in managing Alzheimer’s disease.² However, human studies are required to confirm its effectiveness on Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, it is essential first to consult a doctor and only use babool as a herb for Alzheimer’s.

The water extract and ethyl acetate extract of babool was evaluated for antimalarial activity in an animal model by Malviya et al. 2011, and both exhibited antimalarial activity. The extract of babool was found to have the highest anti-malarial activity against the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum.⁴ However, these studies are done on animals and not on humans. Therefore, we require more information on its safe usage on humans.