Pharmacology:
– Valuable flavones are found in the leaf of the Little Tendu Tree in Purulia, West Bengal, India.
– Pentacyclic triterpenes in the leaves have antimicrobial properties.
– The bark of the tree exhibits antihyperglycemic activity.
– Bark from certain Diospyros species in India has significant antiplasmodial effects against Plasmodium falciparum.
– The Tendu tree is known for its medicinal properties in traditional medicine.
Method of collection:
– Tendu leaves are used as wrappers for beedis.
– Fresh leaves are hand-picked by tribals and sun-dried for 10 days.
– Collection is practiced in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh states of India.
– State Governments issue licenses for collection through tenders annually.
– Lighting fires beneath the Tendu tree enhances leaf production.
Culture and mythology:
– Tendu, also known as Tiril and Kendu, has cultural significance.
– Munda people have mythological stories related to the Tendu tree.
– The tree is used in making hockey sticks by adivasis in Jharkhand and Odisha.
– Many villages are named after the tree’s presence in the neighborhood.
– The non-flammable nature of the tree is associated with protection from natural disasters.
Varieties:
– Diospyros melanoxylon var. tupru is a named variety of the Tendu tree species.
– The species has specific germplasm resources identified by the USDA.
– The Plant List provides information on all plant species, including Tendu.
– Various research studies have been conducted on the pharmacological properties of Diospyros melanoxylon.
– Different parts of the tree exhibit diverse medicinal properties.
References:
– Various studies have been conducted on the antimicrobial properties of pentacyclic triterpenes found in Tendu leaves.
– The antihyperglycemic effect of Diospyros melanoxylon bark has been studied in diabetic rats.
– Investigations on Indian Diospyros species have shown antiplasmodial properties.
– Working plans for forest divisions have highlighted the importance of Tendu trees.
– Articles and publications provide insights into the historical and cultural significance of the Tendu tree.