Caesalpinia digyna – Bakeri

An Overview, Benefits, Side Effects and Interactions


Family Name: Leguminosae

Subfamily Name: Caesalpinidae

Botanical Name: Caesalpinia digyna Rottler, Caesalpinia oleosperma Roxb

English Name: Teri pod

Hindi/Sanskrit Name: Bakeri/Vakeri

Taste: Astringent, Bitter

Nature: Hot

Parts Used: Roots and Teri pods

Dosage: Powder 3-6 gm

Description


C.digyna is an evergreen, large, struggling, prickly shrub or small tree. It grows to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a fast rate. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained and moist soil.  It cannot grow in the shade. Distribution: E. Asia – China, Indian subcontinent, Malaysia to Indonesia. [2]

Chemical Constituents


The roots and the seedpods are a source of tannins. The glycoside bergenin gives the plant its therapeutic properties. [2]

Mode of Action


  • Ayurvedic Doshas: The plant balances all the three doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
  • The roots exhibit the properties – anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, anti-asthma and anti-tubercular [1]. The roots are astringent and antipyretic. The roots and pods exhibit antioxidant properties [2].

Therapeutic Benefits


  1. The root is said to be an effective treatment for Bronchitis, Asthma and Tuberculosis. [1]
  2. The root is given internally in the treatment of Phthisis, Scrofula and Diabetes. [2]
  3. As an antioxidant, Teri Pods are revered as a Tonic and Physical Rejuvenative. [2]
  4. In some part of Myanmar, the pounded root is mixed with water to make a drink which is used as febrifuge (Caius 1989). 
  5. As an astringent on topical application will heal wounds more quickly. [2]
  6. Other uses: local tanning industries. [2]

Side Effects and Risk Factors


There is insufficient evidence regarding the safety of C.digyna in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding, hence should be AVOIDED in Pregnancy, BreastFeeding and Children under 2 years of age.


 

Sources

  1. DRAVYAGUNA-VIJNANA Vol.2 (vegetable Drugs) by Prof. P.V.Sharma, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Varanasi, Sixteenth Edition:1995. 9th Chapter, Jwaraghnadi varga: Shoshhar drugs: Bakeri (page no.-830)
  2. Caesalpinia digyna Teri pods, Udakiryaka PFAF Plant Database
  3. Caius, J.F. 1989. The Medicinal and Poisonous Legumes of India. Scientific Publisher, Jodhpur, India, pp. 1-187

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