Is Alstonia scholaris poisonous to humans?
It is a toxic plant, but is used traditionally for myriad diseases and complaints. It is called ‘Saptaparna’ in India and is the sacred tree of the 2nd Jain tirthankar Ajitnatha. It was first described by Linnaeus in 1767, who gave it the name Echites scholaris. The Panchavati, or the five sacred trees- Peepal (Ficus religiosa), Belpatra (Aegle marmelos), Banyan (Ficus benghalensis), Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), and Ashoka (Saraca asoca) hold immense cultural, medicinal, and ecological significance in Indian traditions.
How do you use Alstonia scholaris?
Alstonia Scholaris Medicinal Uses The bark paste is applied locally in chronic skin ulcers as recommended by Ayurveda. It is given in postnatal conditions to mothers for increasing lactation. It also increases digestive power and is also given in fever as an antipyretic. AYURVEDIC PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL INFORMATION ON SAPTAPARNA (Alstonia scholaris): A REVIEW ARTICLE. Saptparna with the botanical name Alstonia scholaris, commonly called as blackboard tree or devil’s tree. Saptparna is an evergreen tropical tree in the family Apocynaceae.